Ocarina of Time Remake Reigns, But GTA 6 Has Its Sights on the Crown

Alright folks, buckle up, because 2026 is shaping up to be a year for the history books! We’re barely out of the woods of the holiday launch window, and already, a monumental battle for critical supremacy is brewing. The reviews for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake have landed, and they are, predictably, stellar. With a jaw-dropping Metacritic score of 96 from a whopping 81 reviews, Link’s freshly polished adventure on the Nintendo Switch 2 has officially claimed the title of 2026’s highest-rated game… for now. Because, as we all know, there’s a certain open-world behemoth lurking just around the corner, ready to unleash its chaos and potentially steal that crown: Grand Theft Auto 6.

The Hero of Time Reclaims the Throne

It’s no surprise, really. When Nintendo decides to revisit a bona fide masterpiece like Ocarina of Time, the gaming world pays attention. And this remake, launched just a few days ago on November 5th for the Nintendo Switch 2, has delivered everything fans could have hoped for and more. Critics are universally praising its faithful yet modernized approach, reaffirming that the core game truly is an "ageless masterpiece," as many reviews have echoed. The sheer volume of reviews contributing to that 96 Metascore – 81 of them! – speaks volumes about the widespread critical consensus. It’s not just a handful of glowing scores; it’s a near-unanimous declaration of excellence. While other fantastic titles like the twin-stick shooter Sektori (93 from 10 reviews) and the Resident Evil 2 remake’s Switch 2 Deluxe Edition (also 93, but from 16 reviews) have also impressed this year, Ocarina of Time has set a new, incredibly high bar that seems almost insurmountable. Almost.

Rockstar's Reign: A Legacy of Critical Acclaim

But if any studio has a track record of vaulting over seemingly insurmountable bars, it’s Rockstar Games. The Grand Theft Auto series isn’t just a cultural phenomenon; it’s a critical juggernaut. Forget casual success – we’re talking about a franchise that consistently pushes the boundaries of game design and earns the highest accolades. A quick glance at the Metacritic history of mainline GTA titles reveals a pattern of absolute dominance. After a modest 70 for GTA 2, the series exploded with Grand Theft Auto 3 hitting a 97. San Andreas followed closely with a 95. Then came the era-defining Grand Theft Auto 4 at a staggering 98, only to be rivaled by Grand Theft Auto 5, which also achieved a remarkable 97. This isn’t just good; this is legendary. It’s a testament to Rockstar’s relentless pursuit of polish, innovation, and sheer scope. When a new GTA drops, the expectation isn’t just 'good,' it’s 'game of the year contender' and 'critical darling' rolled into one.

GTA 6: The Contender's Edge

So, with that kind of pedigree, all eyes are now firmly fixed on Grand Theft Auto 6. Set to explode onto PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on November 19th – just a couple of weeks after Link’s latest triumph – the anticipation is palpable. Given Rockstar's established trend, it’s not a question of if GTA 6 will score in the 90s, but how high in the 90s. Will it match or even surpass the 98 of GTA 4? That's the million-dollar question. We know Rockstar is aiming for a new level of immersive gameplay mechanics, which could introduce a fascinating wrinkle. While details are still being savored, early whispers suggest players might face more significant consequences for their in-game actions, moving beyond the traditional 'go on a crime spree, pay a fine, repeat' loop. This could be a bold evolution for the series, creating a deeper, more reactive world. It might cause a touch of 'friction' for veteran players used to absolute anarchy, but if implemented well, it could elevate the experience to unprecedented heights and solidify its critical standing.

A Clash of Titans: Nintendo vs. Rockstar

This isn't just about one game against another; it's a perennial heavyweight championship bout between two of gaming's most celebrated developers. Nintendo, with its masterful craftsmanship and beloved characters, frequently finds itself at the top of the critical charts. Just last year, the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was crowned the best-reviewed game of 2025. And let's not forget the monumental Breath of the Wild dominating 2017. But Rockstar? They're equally adept at seizing that top spot. Red Dead Redemption 2 was the undisputed critical champion of 2018. Before that, GTA 5 took the gold in 2013, and GTA 4 in 2008. These aren't just great games; they are industry-defining titles that consistently push the envelope. This year's contest feels particularly charged, pitting a stunning remake of an all-time classic against what is arguably the most anticipated new entry in gaming history. The stakes aren't just high; they're astronomical.

Who Will Wear the Crown?

As it stands on November 4th, the Ocarina of Time remake has rightfully earned its temporary reign. It's a testament to the enduring quality of a true gaming icon, brought beautifully into a new era on the Switch 2. But the shadow of Vice City looms large. Grand Theft Auto 6, with its incredible lineage and Rockstar's almost peerless development prowess, is a formidable challenger. Will its new mechanics resonate with critics? Can it deliver the kind of polished, groundbreaking experience needed to unseat Link? We're on the cusp of finding out. The next few weeks are going to be absolutely electric as the final reviews for GTA 6 come flooding in. Get ready to witness a critical showdown that only comes around every few years. My money is on a nail-biter, but who truly takes the top spot for 2026? We’ll have to wait until November 19th to see if Lucia and Jason can orchestrate the ultimate critical heist.

FAQ

Q: What is the current Metacritic score for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake?

A: As of November 4, 2026, the Ocarina of Time remake holds a Metacritic score of 96, based on 81 reviews.

Q: When is Grand Theft Auto 6 scheduled to be released?

A: Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19, 2026.

Q: What platforms will the Ocarina of Time remake be available on?

A: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is available on the Nintendo Switch 2 (NS2).