90%Nintendo 64

Revolutionary game.

Ocarina of Time paved the way for virtually all adventure, puzzle, exploration, dungeon crawling, story telling, target real time combat games that followed. To this day, many games still borrow these gameplay aspects from Ocarina of time.
The progression is amazing. Whenever the game introduces an item, the game also makes the player use common sense to see where to apply that item to solve a puzzle to progress. There's a great sense of satisfaction when I did figure it out. Passing by unsolvable puzzles, I knew I'd probably pass by an item later to help me. However, there were some puzzles where the solution was a little vague, forcing me to refer to a guide. However, these were far and few in between. Most puzzles were reasonable. The puzzles within the dungeons were very deep, and fun to play through. Anticipating what new item I'd come across was exciting, and seeing how it could be applied to solve puzzles.
The story is amazing. Time traveling between young link and adult link was cool, and probably a mind blowing concept to see in a game back in the 90s. The way some puzzles were incorporated with the time travel was also really neat. The areas were varied. Forest-y areas, watery areas, volcano, snowy caverns. It gave the world so much live on top of the abundance of different characters Link met.
Some bad things though...the ice cavern was stupid, because my wallet was full, so why would I think about getting the silver rupees when they are worth 100 each. I would go back when my wallet is empty to get the rupees then. But little did I know that the rupees also served as switches to open the gate. The game should have used switches instead of rupees to not be misleading. In Ganon's castle, I needed golden gauntlets to move big pillar in puzzle, but they didn't let me know I had to get it in another room in the castle. In kakaro village, I had to go through invisible opening in the well with no hint aside from "whispers in the area". This was to get the lens of truth which was used to SEE invisible walls. Being required to solve a puzzle using the item which was concealed inside is like trying to open a safe that has the key locked inside.

100%Nintendo 64

I can't tell you how many times i've beaten this game bc i did it at least every summer as a kid, and i'm still playing it every now and then

95%Nintendo 64

I can easily see an argument for this being the greatest game of all time. Completely brilliant throughout, very fun to play. Some things were a little cryptic at times, which is the reason this is a 95 instead of a 100. Played to 100% completion. Exact time 22:50:37.

90%Wii

Still one of the best games ever crafted. Top 5 zelda game, top 3 with slight convincing.

100%Nintendo 64

Best Game of all Times. When you reach the plains the first time it is overwhelming (Huge 3D areas where something special back in that time) . Then you are talking at least three times with the owl......

100%PC

jogo muito divertido, bem fluido, o overworld mesmo sendo pequeno dá a impressão de ser um mapa gigante, o templo que eu mais gostei foi o do vale do deserto, e o que eu menos curti foi o dá agua, por causa dá complicação de controlar os níveis dá agua, só usei detonado pra coletar os heart pieces que faltavam e pra concluir esse templo, fora isso não tive muitas dificuldades, ótimo jogo com muito conteúdo!!, os NPCs são muito cárismáticos, com um destaque pra dampé e o garotinho que fica no cemitério, o dárunia e o velho que mora no lago hylia, é só ler o que os npcs falam e prestar atenção, jogo é bem intuitivo, nota 10!

100%Emulated

Increíble q una wea de más de 25 años y q ocupa 25 megas logre una experiencia igual o mucho mejor a las weas de ahora con 10 años de desarrollo detrás

100%Emulated

En serio, como mierda ocurrió esta obra maestra

100%Nintendo 64

Very good game.

100%Nintendo 64

the greatest game of all time and a forumla that is timeless, put a new coat of paint on it and I guarantee it would be as good today as it was back then.

100%Nintendo 64

My goal when I started learning Japanese.

100%Nintendo 64

Childhood game. Beautiful story, good puzzles, good mechanics.
Totally a must-play game.

100%Nintendo 64

hey! listen

100%Nintendo 64

Literal Magic in a Cartridge

90%Emulated

Good Zelda game and very iconic

70%Nintendo 64

I've never liked this game all that much, and even when I was a kid the control system made me frustrated and upset. I had played other 3D games before and knew games could control much better than what was offered, and other games at the time even looked better. So I really didn't understand the hype.

As an adult, I get it. It was a lot of people's first adventure game, first 3D game or even potentially their first game ever. And it introduced a lot of things that other companies would take and refine and implement way better. (Z-targeting systems for instance)

Overall its a fine game. But I've never believed it was a masterpiece. And on a playthrough as an adult, even with viewing it for what it was at the time, I still don't think it is. Maybe the re-masters bring it to be that with better targeting, better combat flow and a better item management system. But the OG is anything but, when viewed without the nostalgia of the past.

100%Nintendo 64

Took me until 2024 to play this game, and the only bad thing is I waited this long. I played the N64 version, I imagine the 3ds version is the best at this point since I've heard it's helped the parts of the game that have aged poorly. But man what an awesome game, I get it, I legit understand why everyone gets so hyped over this game.

100%Nintendo 64

Metacritic's number one game ever made.....

You know something I just realized? For some reason, without knowing something's reputation, I am always drawn to the "best" in a genre or medium. I watched FMA:B without knowing it was the highest rated anime on MAL. Similarly, I played OoT without ever knowing that it was widely considered the best game ever created.

Why is it considered so? Why is this game "the best ever"?

Well, while I do love this game (a lot) I don't think its even the best Zelda game on the N64 -- that title belongs to Majora's Mask, it's direct sequel. However, OoT stands on its own two legs as a unique experience compared to Majora's Mask. I often play both of these games at the same time, or close to it. That's because of the juxtaposition that they contrast each other with.

While Majora's Mask is dark and depressing as fuck, focusing mainly on death and the way we have to deal with death, Ocarina of Time is all about growing up, and what it means to be an adult. The the purpose of the game is that Link has to restore the natural balance to the world, and it often takes a lot of inspiration from Shintoism and Japanese folklore. The journey Link has to take, to become the hero, shows us that children have purer hearts than adults. Children understand the natural order because they're curious about the nature of the world, and they want to understand it, not conquer it. Even if Link has to be "made" an adult to defeat Ganondorf, he's still a child at heart.

The conclusion of the game is satisfying and even a little bit dark. The hope exists, but not for Link. Someone who was abandoned by people he loved, and never thanked for what he did. I suppose that's why he traveled to Termina.

There's a lot of depth to this game, and that's why it has the stature that it does. I feel that a 10 is appropriate.

75%Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's cultural and historical impact on the history of video games cannot be overstated. As the first 3D Zelda game, and one of the first 3D adventure games period, it laid the ground work for many of the epic tales we have come to cherish so dearly to this day. Many mechanics we take as standards of some genres were pioneered in the polygons and code that made up Hyrule in this epic late 90s quest. It is often sighted as being one of, if not the best game ever made. There is next to nothing about this game that has not already been said. So where does my opinion stack up against this titan of digital history? I thought it was pretty good. One of the most important games ever made? Yes. One of the best? Eeeehhhhhhhhh maybe for its time.

Ocarina of Time has, in some ways, stood the test of time (ha) and in many others has not. I think its importance can never be understated and that perhaps the development of video games would have been much more grim without its release. However, to still say no game has surpassed it in quality in the 25 years since its release is not only foolish, but perhaps an admission of allowing the senses to be overridden by nostalgia. There's nothing wrong with that, that's human nature, Fallout 3 will always be my favorite Fallout game and one of my favorite games in general because it's the one I grew up playing. However we also must have the capability for thought and self reflection in ourselves that allows us to look at Fallout 3 and acknowledge that, objectively, it's not nearly even the best Fallout game. The same mentality must be applied here. But with that said, Ocarina of Time is worth yours, even with its flaws. I'll see you guys later, I've got somewhere to be. ^ > ^ > < ^

100%Nintendo Switch

even it's almost a retro game, it's still very amazing experience to play this game, full of its charms and spectacular physics for such an old game

100%PC

(Ship Of Harkinian): The way Link moves at 60FPS makes it feel like the game is almost playing itself, in a very good way! Also there are lots of smart little touches like faster climbing, 4 extra item slots, boots as C-items, masks. May actually be hard to go back to the original now...

OoT: What really stuck out this time was the INTERCONNECTIVITY of the map. I can see where Dark Souls got the inspiration. Everything is connected, not just in the dungeons but in the WORLD itself. This makes running around, backtracking, exploring, much more efficient and satisfying than most other zelda's (i.e. SS) and most other games in general. Also PACING of the game is perfect... you never really hit a point where you want to stop. You just play and play until its done because it's that fun. Not a wasted moment.

50%Nintendo 64

I can't talk about Ocarina of Time without being mean (and taking ages to make my point). So long story short : thank you OoT for everything you brought to 3D action/adventure but it's time to go, now. I didn't really like you at the time and still don't. I tried my best, trust me. You're too long, too slow, too talkative, too empty and too much at the same time. I know I'm not exactly rational about you. You're probably a good game. You have to be since you literally changed so many lives. Not mine, sorry.

100%Nintendo 64

As beautiful as the day I first played it. It has aged horribly in most playable aspects, but its atmosphere, music and imagery is still amazing for me. The story is simple but it lands, the characters are memorable and Sheik's quotes still echo on my mind sometimes.
I have a much nostalgia for this game, but I don't care. Even with all its flaws I love it and I feel the love poured in this game. They for sure don't make games like this anymore.

100%Nintendo Switch

The original 3D adventure that blew minds :) Still hangs up today. Has some qol missing but for one of the first games like this, you forgive it.

95%Nintendo 64

this game has by far the best replay value of any game I've ever played to date

for it's time, it's almost flawless. really don't like the Ganon fight though

100%Nintendo 64

Pros
- Influential, Impactful, Innovative. Time won't change that.
- Some of my favourite pieces of music is here.
- Well done Cinematics add to the dark, delightful tone of the Story.
- Impressive world and locales for the era.
- Controls for the most part feel great, the lock on is timeless.
- Dungeons are well designed, aided by thrilling boss battles.

Cons
- It's a meme at this point but oh well, the Water Temple still sucks.
- Navi could do with a mute button.

100%Nintendo 64

Une aventure riche et complexe avec des donjons vraiment originaux, une vraie liberté où pour progresser dans le monde il faut débloquer des objets trouvés dans les différents donjons et la possibilité de passer entre l'âge adulte et enfant est vraiment intéressante et originale.

95%Wii

how idd they do this so flippin awesome

95%Nintendo 64

Literally the game of all time

100%PC

An absolutely fantastic game in every sense of the word. In my opinion, it's the greatest game of all time.

85%Nintendo Switch

(Note: still in progress, will try to remember to update when done)

Really enjoying Ocarina of Time after bouncing off BoTW reasonably hard. While there is some frustrating jank, like the Z targeting for keese being extremely intermittent on how close they need to be to start Z targeting and single stick tank controls being finicky at times.
Overall i'm really loving the overall gameplay loop and the sense of wonder and exploration.

That really surprised me coming in as I had lowkey written the game off as an overrated title (didn't doubt it was going to be fairly fun, just assumed nostalgia was what got people hyped for it) but damn it was a pleasant surprised to find that the gameplay loop is solid and that they really nailed the sense of adventure with this one.

just hoping i get further with this than I did with A link to the past and links awakening (LA I really enjoy, i just got distracted by other games, but alttp just kinda got too grindy and put me off)

100%Nintendo 64

Holds up really well. Not the best 3D Zelda but still a masterpiece. Plays significantly better with the original controller.

85%Nintendo 64

It's called one of the best games of all time for a reason. This game has outreached the gaming community and launched LOZ into the eyes of the mainstream. Still liked Majora's Mask more though

95%Nintendo 64

One of the most iconic games of all time.

Definitely deserves its hype. Plot was revolutionary for the series - so many games in the series that come after kinda just rip the structure of this game for their story, LOL. Looking at you, TP... Anyways, it also introduces the triforce IIRC, which is a pretty important part of the series' lore. The time travelling plot made sense, and they transformed it into a cool gameplay mechanic revolving around dungeons both being needed to be visited in the past and present, which was cool. And of course, this game diverges into three timelines in the series, lovely.

This is probably Ganondorf's most iconic appearance as a foreigner bringing good tidings to secretly plotting to take over the land, he was a good villain, but a little absent at times. But who can forget that final scene of climbing the stairs to his tower before your tennis match with him?

What made this game so iconic was the gameplay. It was one of the first games to fully flesh out a 3D world that you can explore, and also fight in. Z-targeting was revolutionary and a lot of games today have a system similar to it. Dungeons stepped up their game - couple of the most iconic dungeons in the series are in this game, Water Temple anyone? And while the world was barebones, it was their first attempt at making an open map with Hyrule Field, and they succeeded big time. And the bosses in this game were incredibly distinct, I loved how unique they were.

It was a game that introduced a lot, and revolutionized a lot. I loved it, but I do feel like the story and villain felt a little too... generic.

9.5/10

100%Emulated

The best, or one the best game of all time. Changed the industry showing how a expansive game can be made, influencing others game makers. It was the foundation stone of 3D Zelda until Breath of the Wild.

100%Nintendo 64

My first Zelda!

80%Wii U

Love this game. Always have always will.

70%Nintendo 64

7.5/10 just a little bit more to an 8

95%Nintendo 64

holds up extremely well and had a great time playing it on an n64 in 2023.

90%Nintendo Switch

Turns out the original is pretty great too

80%Emulated

+fun to play
+satisfying dungeon exploration
+amazing music
+awesome story twist
+multiplicity on progress and combat

-easy to get lost/ on how to progress

100%Nintendo 64

A genuine masterpiece. This is the first Zelda game I've ever played, and despite being a 30-year-old game, it remains highly playable to this day. The only drawback is the camera, which cannot be controlled using the left joystick due to its absence on the Nintendo 64. For new players, I highly recommend the 3DS version, as it boasts superior graphics while retaining the core experience. Some challenging sections have been made more accessible by Nintendo in this version compared to the Nintendo 64 original.

Every gamer should experience this game. I am now an absolute fan of the Zelda franchise and currently have plans to play all the major titles.

90%Emulated

Not much I can say that hasn't been said before. It is incredible how well Nintendo did with its first trial of making a 3D Zelda. Although the Z-targeting was a little finicky for me, it still did the job. The puzzles, minus block pushing, were challenging enough without needing a guide and engaging with the music throughout. My one complaint is just that the whole game they hype up Ganon and then the fight is far too easy... Guess breath in the wild didn't learn from their predecessor on that one either.

100%Nintendo GameCube

One of, if not the first game I've ever played. Played this on Gamecube. I don't remember all that much but I do remember that it had a really awesome storyline and it felt like there was so much to do and see.

40%Nintendo 3DS

Overrated game, aged in the worst way possible, clunky gameplay, minimal storyline, 3d graphics looks terrible today. I don't buy the hype of the nintendo fanboys, this game is surpassed and even for 1998 was vastly overrated from the nintendo fans (user and reviewer) clan

90%Nintendo 64

"The best game ever made" according to Metacritic, and honestly, I don't find myself disagreeing.

There are a few annoyances, such as the camera sometimes making me want to ragequit the platforming sections, and I feel like the game dragged on just a couple hours too long, but in general...

This is a truly grand, wonderful adventure full of moments that leave you mesmerised. The core of the gameplay consists of combat, which is better than it had any right to be in 1997, 3D Platforming, which is fine, exploration, which is exciting and puzzles, which most of the time make logical sense.

Most of the time.

100%Nintendo 64

Played through this as a kid and fell in love with it.

95%Nintendo 64

Brilliant soundtrack, gameplay, timeless classic and very enjoyable. You get lost in the magic of the game and spent so much time without even realizing. You can easily see why this game is to be considered one of the best, if not, the best game of all time. Only issue is that it gets confusing on what to do sometimes and you'll probably need guides to understand some parts.

85%Nintendo 64

Great game, but frustrating without a guide. DEFINITELY use a guide because the game is not friendly to modern players. Amazing music and art, classic story, fun to play.

95%Nintendo 64

In the 5th generation of consoles, 3D was king. While the Genesis & SNES flirted with the concept, either by simulating 3D environments or by using limited 3D assets, the movement really took off with the Playstation and the Nintendo 64. For the first time, players were witnessing their favorite characters in a totally new way. Everyone wanted to make their games 3D, and everyone wanted to play 3D games. And while the technology was revolutionary at its time, it also was quick to age. Most early 3D games relied on low polygon count models and textures, which meant that by the time the next generation of consoles were released, the PS1/N64 felt obsolete by comparison. Therefore, even critically acclaimed games from the time have lost their luster a bit, either because of the poorly aged graphics or clunky controls. This context is important, because it truly is a testament to what an impressive game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was-and is.

While 3D action and adventure games had been released prior to OoT's arrival, no other game approached it quite like this one did. The concept of an open world game had already existed, but never did it really feel like the world you were playing in was real. Ocarina of Time changed the rules. Exploring a fully 3D Hyrule for the first time was a magical experience, and immersed the player in a world like no other at the time. Everything felt organic; Hyrule was a real place with real people, each area had purpose, there were hundreds of secrets for the player to discover. In a world before open world games got out of hand and "bigger always means better," OoT was the first game to have both a massive sense of scale as well as being jam packed with secrets and easter eggs. Every aspect of Hyrule was placed for a reason, backgrounds were deliberate and interactable, and exploring the fields feels like a real adventure. Even by today's standards, it still feels just as massive and all-encompassing as it did when it was first released. The sense of scale is conveyed extremely well in Ocarina of Time, which ensures you stay fully engrossed from start to finish.

Gameplay wise, OoT hasn't lost a single step since its release. It's amazing that a game released almost 25 years ago still feels just as good to play, especially since it was the first of its kind. Controls are quick and responsive, and even aiming with the N64 joystick feels better in this game than it does in most others. The level design is usually fantastic, too; even the much maligned Water Temple, which can be a bit obtuse and leans a bit too much on menu swapping to feel totally smooth, contains one of the best mini-boss fights in the series. Each temple's theming is perfect, and adds so much to the feel of the game. They also serve to add to the theme of the overall game; at its core, OoT is a game about the transition from childhood to adulthood, and all that transition brings with it. As a child, your adventures seem almost fairytale-esque; you live in a treehouse in the woods, you save a giant tree, you rescue a girl from inside a giant fish. Although there are still somber themes in these chapters, they're still presented with an overall sense of childlike whimsicality. When you turn into an adult, however, it feels as if the veil was lifted; the world Adult Link is thrusted into is a horrifying, nightmarish place. This is a story about growing up too fast, and taking responsibility for actions without learning how to. And because a bulk of OoT's storytelling is done through gameplay, the message never feels heavy-handed, and its atmosphere is always genuinely established.

Even as you return to your childhood, the whimsicality is gone forever. The smiling faces and cheerful music of the market don't feel real anymore because you know their downfall is inevitable. After seeing the horrors of the adult world, it's impossible to be a child again. This is especially emphasized with the Bottom of the Well; although experienced by child Link, it's the most visually disturbing and morose setting you experience. Blood stains the floors and walls as the darker aspects of the Hyrule royal family are revealed. Never before in this game has the experience felt so unsettling. But that feeling also means the relief and satisfaction is amplified tremendously when you emerge victorious.

The music, of course, goes a long way to help establish atmosphere as well. This is one of the most iconic OSTs of all time, and its influence on the Zelda series-and games in general-will last for time eternal. And that's appropriate, because the same can be said about every aspect of this almost flawless game. It was a masterpiece when it came out, but even more impressively, it's remained a masterpiece to this day. For anyone who wants to experience an always thrilling, surprisingly poignant, and immensely satisfying adventure, there might be no better game than this. But, hey, it's Ocarina of Time. You already knew that.