Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Could Outshine GTA 6 for Game of the Year
With Nintendo's Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time set for release this year, a reader suggests it may steal the Game of the Year accolade from GTA 6.
In the long history of video game teases, few have been as extreme as the Ocarina of Time remake reveal. It was a mistake to show so little, but what's done is done. Nintendo's knee-jerk reaction to the Star Fox leak—announcing it in the middle of the night—contrasted with the Zelda announcement, which proceeded as if leaks hadn't occurred. Still, it's real, and that's great.
The brief glimpse of graphics was surprising: highly realistic with a touch of cartoonish flair. Rather than mimicking concept art, the remake appears to aim for a best-case scenario, potentially becoming the best-looking game on Switch 2. The Great Deku Tree seems redesigned, hinting at a different experience. It's going to be massive and will go head-to-head with GTA 6.
Nintendo didn't give a release date, suggesting it's not imminent. A dedicated Direct is likely, pointing to an autumn release as the big Christmas game—close to GTA 6's November 19 launch. Nintendo won't care about the competition; GTA 6 isn't on Switch 2 and is nothing like Zelda, so there's little conflict. Many will enjoy both.
I expect Nintendo to position Zelda as the closest big release to GTA 6. They want that prime Christmas slot and won't let even GTA get in their way. But that's not the only way Zelda will steal GTA 6's spotlight: both will contend for awards. While GTA 6 will likely be good, Ocarina of Time remains one of the best games ever. A modern update that changes things up could be just as strong a contender.
Some argue GTA 6 deserves GOTY more because it's new, not a remake. But how different will it really be from its predecessors? Delays may stem more from Roblox-style creator content than gameplay innovation. Trailers suggest the same formula, despite great graphics. Award shows might be biased toward popularity, like Titanic winning Oscars despite being mediocre. I'm not saying GTA 6 will be mediocre, but no existing GTA is as good as Ocarina of Time, and that's unlikely to change.
GTA 6 remains the favorite, thanks to its new-game advantage. But if Ocarina of Time delivers maximum effort, it could become GOTY—or even GOAT.
By reader Onibee
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