The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

 Nintendo 64
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 8290 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7,394 out of 8290
  2. Mixed: 307 out of 8290
  3. Negative: 589 out of 8290
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  1. kyle20ellis
    Mar 10, 2022
    10
    When the Nintendo '64 was first introduced to the public in 1996, the game "Super Mario '64" revolutionized the gaming industry with the introduction of 3-D gaming. However, it wasn't until two years later that Nintendo really perfected the 3-D adventure genre with the release of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time".

    "Ocarina" is, for lack of a better word, a nearly perfect game in    When the Nintendo '64 was first introduced to the public in 1996, the game "Super Mario '64" revolutionized the gaming industry with the introduction of 3-D gaming. However, it wasn't until two years later that Nintendo really perfected the 3-D adventure genre with the release of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time".

    "Ocarina" is, for lack of a better word, a nearly perfect game in almost every sense. The graphics are great (for N64 standards), the music is fantastic, the gameplay is smooth, and the story is incredibly engaging. Much like the Mario franchise before it, the Zelda franchise (although already somewhat established on the NES and SNES) took a simple character (Mario to Zelda), put him in an interesting environment (Mushroom Kingdom to Hyrule), and pits him against fantastic enemies.

    Of course, perhaps the true greatness of "Ocarina" is its balance between the essential gameplay and the sidequests. While this game added more depth (riding a horse, getting items that, while not vital to the outcome of the game, will help you, etc.) than any previous game in history, it also wasn't too complicated (see "Donkey Kong 64"). In the game, Link has a straight- forward mission and accomplishes each objective in sequence...you only need to pursue the frivolous things if you so desire.

    The quirkiness of the game is also charming. Along the way, Link meets a talking tree, gets trapped inside a fish's belly, befriends the roly-poly Gorons, and liberates temples that each correspond to some sort of natural theme (forest, ice, water, fire, etc.). The first time I ever played "Ocarina", and every time since, I found myself amazed by the crazy and colorful characters that Nintendo came up with for each area of the game.

    Finally, a great adventure games also needs to have an intriguing plot (i.e. the reason why the "Myst" computer game series was such a big success while its clones failed), which "Ocarina" delivers superbly. Right away, you are drawn into the storyline that includes rescuing Princess Zelda, defeating the evil Gannondorf, and bring peace to Hyrule again. I know it may sound cheesy, but without an engaging plot the game would have been little more than a sword- slashing RPG with a few puzzles thrown in.

    Thus, I recommend "Ocarina of Time" to all gamers, whether young or old, beginners or experts. The difficulty curve is set as such that you will be able to steadily improve your skills in time to defeat each obstacle before you, while enough really challenging side quests exist that you can also hone your skills to a "tee" if so desired. So whether you want to fire up the old N64, dust off the old Gamecube (for which a version of "Ocarina" was released), or buy the game on the Virtual Console of your Wii, do so with confidence that you will instantly be charmed by this amazing work of video game creation.    … Expand
  2. driejust
    Aug 3, 2015
    10
    This is truly a masterpiece. The opening cinematic still gives me shivers. The boss fights are still exciting. The music is still just as great as it always was. This is a TRUE adventure - one that never seems to grow old. I wish I could relieve it again for the first time.
  3. Azgar5991
    Aug 9, 2015
    10
    About this game i can only say that is perfect. I cant express by words how much i love this game. This game for that time was the King of The Hill and for me i think is still a masterpiece. I still continue playing after years he makes me happy, and remember my childhood. Its a masterpiece to remember for years and generations.
  4. harhas97
    Aug 10, 2015
    10
    What can be said about this game that has not already been said? Its truly a masterpiece that will always be remembered in the gaming community. Those who rates this game poorly only try to piss people off. 10/10 no doubt.
  5. zainyzayne
    Aug 10, 2015
    10
    The MUSIC and the SPACE from a 28mb game is absolutely mind blowing for me. I love this game more than a lot of things in life, I have a tattoo on my right shoulder, not because IM a Zelda fanatic, but because when I'm older I want to remember some happy memories in a difficult area of my adolescence.

    There's a reason why this sits on the helm of all games.
  6. nallim
    Aug 11, 2015
    10
    A master piece, doing allusion to the temple of time, Ocarina of Time it is an very advanced work for his time, simply the best game of all time.

    It is a timeless work, it showed that video games can also make you mourn, laugh, that the hairs stand on end in your skin when you return to listening to his music and they can be considered art. Simply the best game ever.
  7. thatnintendoguy
    Jan 21, 2016
    10
    I've got two words. Simple and Brilliant. Is there anything other to say? I want to say more but i can't. If you don't played this game yet shame on you! Play it! Seriously,go and buy it!
  8. Obomrapaz
    Aug 22, 2015
    10
    O JOGO É QUASE PERFEITO. PARA ÉPOCA ELE TEM GRÁFICOS LINDO. OS SONS SÃO MUITO MELHORES QUE QUALQUER JOGO DE 1998. SUA JOGABILIDADE E DE SE INVEJAR. O NÍVEL DE DIVERSÃO NEM SE FALA.
  9. PseudoSonyer
    Sep 16, 2015
    10
    Not even all the compliments on earth will ever begin to describe this masterpiece. The most important milestone on gaming history, this game teached every game afterwards how a plot and OST should be written, how gameplay should be, how characters development should become, etc.
    This game sets the foundation for every RPG and it's mechanics were updated and used in many many games such    Not even all the compliments on earth will ever begin to describe this masterpiece. The most important milestone on gaming history, this game teached every game afterwards how a plot and OST should be written, how gameplay should be, how characters development should become, etc.
    This game sets the foundation for every RPG and it's mechanics were updated and used in many many games such as the "The Z-targeting" camera feature.
    The fact most newcomers to the gaming world hate this masterpiece just adds to it's legendary status.
    The best Game ever created forever.    … Expand
  10. michisu
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    Is the best game in my childhood and still remains a great game and a great up to this point, I feel cool that this game be the first in the sequence of Metacritic, bravo to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

    Childhood memories will always superb here.
  11. punchedhalo3
    Apr 2, 2019
    10
    I played this recently and I loved it. There are many themes in the game that all tie around the central theme of growing up and what it's. I recommend playing it seven years after you first played it.
  12. NicolasCritic
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    Definitely this is the best game ever created, nice graphics for 1998, legit story, gameplay and songs. This is the only game near the perfection no one going to make a game better than this.
  13. nandokio
    Sep 28, 2015
    10
    O game é simplesmente perfeito para a sua época, tudo desse jogo é PERFEITO! Existem pessoas sem bom senso que estão avaliando ele com conceitos da atualidade, opiniões que não podem ser levadas em consideração.

    The game is just perfect for its time, all of the game is PERFECT! There are people with no common sense who are evaluating it with concepts of today, that opinions can not be    O game é simplesmente perfeito para a sua época, tudo desse jogo é PERFEITO! Existem pessoas sem bom senso que estão avaliando ele com conceitos da atualidade, opiniões que não podem ser levadas em consideração.

    The game is just perfect for its time, all of the game is PERFECT! There are people with no common sense who are evaluating it with concepts of today, that opinions can not be taken into account.    … Expand
  14. TheSandi
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    My favourite game of all time, music, enviroment, all is **** perfect. Ojalá llegara al 10.0,is a pretty good game. Zelda franquise is the best in the world.
  15. OXIUAI
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    Jogo muito bom e alucinante,as músicas,gameplay e jogatina espetaculares,tudo em uma perfeita sicronia na história.Revolucionario até hoje em dia...
  16. Confraria_Gamer
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    Best game all time!!!
    (PT-BR) Sem dúvida alguma um dos melhores jogos de todos os tempos, uma verdadeira obra-prima. revolucionário, muito da jogabilidade que temos hoje em dia foram criadas em Ocarina Of Time!
  17. saltcomb
    Oct 12, 2015
    10
    This is quite honestly the best game I have ever played in my entire life. Many will say this game is overrated but it is not it gets the recognition it deserves.
  18. PrinceWolf
    Feb 4, 2019
    10
    PREGI
    - L' Avventura nel mondo dei videogiochi.
    - A Link To The Past diventa completamente in 3D e amplia la complessità del sistema dungeon, regalando labirinti che stimolano l'intelligenza e soddisfano come poche cose al mondo unendo alla perfezione enigmi, action ed esplorazione. - Infarcito il tutto con uno stile iconico e un'atmosfera da favola oscura incancellabile. DIFETTI -    PREGI
    - L' Avventura nel mondo dei videogiochi.
    - A Link To The Past diventa completamente in 3D e amplia la complessità del sistema dungeon, regalando labirinti che stimolano l'intelligenza e soddisfano come poche cose al mondo unendo alla perfezione enigmi, action ed esplorazione.
    - Infarcito il tutto con uno stile iconico e un'atmosfera da favola oscura incancellabile.

    DIFETTI
    - Dopo circa 30 ore finisce.    … Expand
  19. srbilly
    Oct 17, 2015
    10
    So I never played a Zelda game until this one, and when I wan't even half way trough the game, it became my favorite of all time. This review is not a nostalgia because I beat the game about a month ago and it was brilliant. Get it on the virtual console if you can.
  20. JRRR
    Oct 31, 2015
    10
    Best N64 game and BEST GAME EVER MADE!!! MUST. BUY.!!! For a reason this is the top rated game in Metacritic history, still no game has tied with it or surpassed it.
  21. JoaoSoares
    Mar 11, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A obra-prima do mundo dos jogos com toda a certeza, Oot foi um grande pilar que estabeleceu grandes coisas que jogos de mesmo hoje em dia, depois de quase 19 anos, ainda utilizam. A história é simples e envolvente, cavalgar por Hyrule é uma sensação que perpetua até hoje com grande sentimento. Tudo no jogo é bem pensado, em como os itens podem ser usados, em como derrotar inimigos e depois da passagem de tempo tudo se intensifica, os puzzles, os Bosses, a história, os personagens. Mas enfim, é fantástico, outras importantes coisas para ressaltar são: as músicas, sejam as da Ocarina ou as do Overworld, todas simplesmente tidas como trabalhos de arte, relaxantes e tornam o jogo ainda mais prazeroso; o carisma dos NPCs, visto que grande parte deles têm um papel na história, seja para oferecerem coisas adicionais ou essenciais, são úteis além disso; a engenhosidade das coisas também impressiona de cara, o jeito das músicas ajudarem no jogo, sendo de tanta importância quanto os itens é maravilhoso. Portanto, uma obra-prima atemporal, podia falar de muitos mais pontos fortes, mas só jogando para conhecer o quão incrível essa obra é.… Expand
  22. Darormor
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    What is there to say, anyone that has played this game it's just going to be a prettier version of the best game ever. To anyone playing this for the first time, I am truly jealous. It's not nostalgia that makes this game great, it is the game it self. It stands the test of time and even beats some current games. Easily my favorite game of all time.
  23. TheMrIron2
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    I can't stress this enough; this game is one of very few I can say "Wow, this is absolutely phenomenal" to. It's deserved, too; this is not only the grandfather of modern Zelda games, but arguably better than even newer ones, which is extraordinary.
  24. victorgr
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    Muy posiblemente el mejor juego de todos los tiempos y con méritos propios mas que un videojuego es una obra de arte y junto con super mario 64, ocarina of time es el padre de los videojuegos modernos
  25. obthegeek
    Jan 3, 2021
    10
    honestly, nothing more about this game needs to be said. innovation around every corner, and still a boatload of fun to play today.

    and it has probably the best vgm in any game ever made it is literally perfect
  26. skymati18
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    Este Juego para mi es una puñetera obra maestra del sector del entretenimiento ,Graficos espectaculares en la epoca,Enemigos increibles ,es una pasada
  27. LeonardoBarbosa
    Nov 6, 2015
    10
    O jogo inovou sua época, se tornou referência para os subsequentes. A jogabilidade, com aqueles quebra-cabeças únicos e enredo envolvente, nunca serão batidos. Best game ever!
  28. Gamer2068
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    When this game came out it change my gaming life forever. Adventure and Soundtrack are timeless and memorable.
  29. Ljungman
    Mar 15, 2016
    10
    Probably my absolute favourite games of all time. It's the game I've replayed the most times and the game I look back to if someone asks me about my best childhood memories. I can't see anything wrong with it! I don't know if I'm blinded by the fact that I love the game from childhood or that the game is just perfect.

    Even if you are a new gamer or an old gamer who never got the time to    Probably my absolute favourite games of all time. It's the game I've replayed the most times and the game I look back to if someone asks me about my best childhood memories. I can't see anything wrong with it! I don't know if I'm blinded by the fact that I love the game from childhood or that the game is just perfect.

    Even if you are a new gamer or an old gamer who never got the time to play Ocarina of Time, I with all my heart recommend you to play it. Despite its age, the game plays flawlessly and the controls still works and feels comfortable. You will not regret it!

    I just wish that I could go back in time to play it with new eyes again, because that really was the best feeling I've ever felt. When I get old and am in my death bed, I'd rather play Ocarina of Time than following the light at the end of the tunnel!    … Expand
  30. TheRedFern
    Jul 8, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I try my best to look back at this game and not let nostalgia overtake me. It's hard to be unbiased when the original game had such a life-altering experience for me. Growing up and not understanding the world as a young kid and then playing a game that feels childlike and embodies that sense of wonder, that the world is way too big for you. It does a remarkable job of contrasting that with the desire to be an adult and make an impact on the world. Growing up is hard and this game nailed it as an experience. That alone makes it the greatest game of all time, not to mention the level design, animations, sounds, characters, and visuals were so new at the time is it hard to comprehend. Maybe one of the first 3D open-world games. I will play this game over and over for the rest of my life.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best N64 Game of 1998
1
#1 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1998
1
#1 Most Shared N64 Game of 1998

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
99

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. My Gamer
    Mar 24, 2016
    94
    The player will be drawn into the Zelda fantasy world from the moment the opening sequence bursts onto the screen, and the game won't let go-not even after finishing the quest.
    Read full review
  2. Happy Puppy
    Mar 24, 2016
    90
    Realism is one of the major reasons this title is so amazing. After playing for a while it feels as though you have actually been to Hyrule.
  3. Gaming Age
    Mar 24, 2016
    95
    Featuring unparalleled 3D environments, a deep and involved quest, brilliant and intuitive play controls, and a well-developed cinematic quality that enhances rather than overwhelms the whole game experience, Miyamoto's latest soon-to-be-classic title deserves to be played by each and every person who might deign to consider themselves a fan of great games.
    Read full review
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