Zelda: Ocarina of Time posts highest Metacritic user score ever despite review bombing

The 96 Metacritic average for Ocarina of Time remake reviews ranks it below the N64 original’s 99. However, at 9.6, the Switch 2 game currently boasts the highest user rating on the website. It has topped fan favorites like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, even after a flurry of suspiciously low scores. 

The people's champion

Nintendo’s embargo for sites and YouTube channels expired on November 4th. Metacritic user reviews weren’t allowed until 36 hours following the November 5th Ocarina of Time remake release date. Now, the scores are piling up, totaling over 3,900 at the last check.

It’s still early, and the 9.6 rating will likely fluctuate. In 2nd place at 9.4, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is more stable after 27,500 submissions. Silent Hill 2 is next at 9.3, with another recent first-party Switch 2 game, Splatoon Raiders, in fourth place. Resident Evil Requiem and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are also tied with Capcom’s survival horror classic at 9.3.

Metacritic supporters point to many of the same advantages in the latest Zelda experience. Some gamers claim it’s the best-looking current-gen option on the handheld. That said, shimmering in Hyrule's open areas may make players regret the lack of DLSS upscaling.

Glaring omissions?

Modernized controls and less frustrating dungeon exploration are frequently mentioned positives. Yet Ocarina of Time remake user reviews note the changes can oversimplify gameplay. As a result, the missing Master Quest mode, which would ramp up the challenge, stands out even more.

Even as the highest-rated Metacritic contender, Zelda: Ocarina of Time reviews survived an apparent bombing campaign. An unusual number of 0 scores appear, along with far-fetched accusations of generative AI use. Other blistering opinions accuse Nintendo of not adding enough content and an overreliance on Switch 2 remakes.

The aggregator can remove spammed submissions if it believes they are deliberately aimed at lowering ratings. Social media posters observed that at least 30-40 have vanished.