Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, a Switch 2 exclusive, has just earned a stunning 96 on Metacritic, making it the highest-reviewed game of 2026.
The game, which officially dropped this weekend, has quickly become the definitive way to experience this all-time classic, not just for returning adventurers but for a whole new generation of gamers.
Game Receives Highest 2026 Score
- The remake sits at a 96 on Metacritic, the highest score of 2026, earning widespread acclaim for both fans and newcomers.
- While the core game remains faithful, the remake introduces subtle changes, such as a modified Easter egg in Hyrule Castle and new insights from the Mask of Truth.
- Development history reveals the game began life as a remake of Zelda II and was delayed in part by the quality of Rare’s Banjo-Kazooie.
A Legacy Forged in Development Secrets
It’s a story that sounds more like Hollywood lore than game development history: Ocarina of Time almost didn’t become the epic we know today. As reported by WatchMojo, the project began its life not as a new adventure, but as a remake of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, using the same SuperFX chip that powered the 3D effects in Star Fox. The initial focus was on refining swordplay, inspired by chanbara, a Japanese filmmaking style centered on samurai duels.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time reviews are coming in NOW: https://t.co/SoYcPqAsjK "A remake for the ages, blending the charm and whimsy of the original with more digestible gameplay and stunning visuals. It's as timeless as it ever was…" – GamesRadar+ pic.twitter.com/zRTsGAlVB2
But the project evolved. And its path to release was fraught with unexpected challenges. Originally intended for the 64DD, a failed Nintendo 64 disc add-on, the game’s development shifted back to cartridge. This wasn’t the only hurdle, though. Shigeru Miyamoto himself admitted that the high quality of Rare’s Banjo-Kazooie forced Nintendo’s hand. “It was so amazing that they didn’t want to be outdone,” the legendary designer stated, a fact that highlights the fierce, friendly competition that defined the era.
New Hyrule, New Surprises
While the remake honors the original, it’s not a simple 1:1 port. Nintendo has masterfully updated the game, tweaking existing mechanics and introducing fresh secrets for players to discover. The Easter egg visible through the window of Hyrule Castle, for example, has been slightly altered. Meanwhile, the Mask of Truth now offers deeper, more revealing insights into the inner lives of Hyrulians, which leads to a shocking revelation about one NPC in particular that will not be spoiled.
Some of the most charming secrets, however, are holdovers from the original that many may have forgotten. Take Young Link’s nighttime travels in Hyrule Field. Stalchildren, small skeletal foes, typically spawn in groups to harass him. But you can completely avoid them. They only appear if Link is walking on the grass. Stick to the dirt path, and they’ll stay away. Alternatively, wearing the Bunny Hood—rentable from the Happy Mask Salesman—has the same effect. It’s a small touch, but one that rewards observant players with a more peaceful journey.
| Feature | Original Game | Remake Update |
|---|---|---|
| Hyrule Castle Window Easter Egg | Classic scene | Subtly modified |
| Mask of Truth | Basic NPC hints | Deeper character insights |
| Fishing Mini-Game | Present | Refined mechanics |
The Unlikely Origins of a Classic Mini-Game
One of Ocarina of Time‘s most beloved features, the fishing mini-game, almost never existed. According to WatchMojo, the mini-game was born from pure happenstance. Designer Kazuaki Morita was working on the Morpha boss fight when he placed a fish in the pool and, on a whim, tried to catch it for his own enjoyment. The quirky distraction was a hit with other team members, who loved it so much they insisted it be included in the final game.
Industry Impact and the Power of the Remake
The success of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake shows a powerful trend: the immense value of reimagining beloved classics for new hardware.
For fans, playing this remake serves as a constant reminder of what made you love Ocarina from the start, allowing you to appreciate its genius in a new light. For those new to the series, this is now the essential version of this timeless classic, and it’s an unmissable exclusive available only on the Switch 2 for all other players.
The game’s cultural reach is undeniable.
What’s your favorite secret or memory from Ocarina of Time? Are you discovering new things in the remake? Sound off in the comments below—let’s talk Hyrule.
