The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
2001
- puzzle
- adventure
- action
- single player
The story
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages is one of two Zelda titles released for the Game Boy Color, the other being Oracle of Seasons. The game retain many gameplay elements from Link's Awakening such as the graphics, audio and top-view perspective. It also features eight dungeons and a large overworld to explore like in the previous games. Oracle of Ages is said to be more puzzle-oriented than its counterpart being more action-oriented. After completing one of the two games, both can be linked to form a single linear plot with an alternate ending. Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons were often credited as being two of the top games for the Game Boy Color.
What it’s like
Chunky, colourful pixel sprites on a bright handheld screen, with a top-down view that gives the overworld a tidy, diorama feel. Bold palettes of greens, golds and deep blues separate the sunny present from the older, shadowed past, and the chiptune score is light and tuneful, with a playful streak that turns up in the minigames and odd musical interludes. The vibe is cosy and curious, the kind of game you pick up for a rainy Sunday, a long train ride or a few quiet evenings. Pacing is unhurried: most of the time goes on wandering, poking around towns and solving puzzles that switch between eras, with a steady drip of discoveries. Its tone is warm and whimsical rather than dark, and the fantasy violence is cartoonish, consisting of defeating monsters and ghosts with a sword, with no gore and little that lingers. Some story beats touch on loss and the consequences of meddling with time, but they are handled gently. It suits players who want a thoughtful, low-pressure adventure with satisfying puzzles, a good sense of place, and the comfort of a familiar Zelda rhythm.
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