The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

Genre: Adventure
Developer: Capcom, Flagship, Nintendo
Platform: Gameboy Color
Release: 2001
Rating: E

- Graphics -

The graphics here possibly even surpass those of the SNES, even if just barely. the amount of detail on such a tiny screen is spectacular, and the fact that this detail spans over the world TWO times; once in the present, and once 400 years ago, when the country of Labrynna was not nearly as developed.

Graphics: 8/10


- Story -

I loved the story arc to this game, especially when linked to a Seasons game. The duo take place in a place different from Hyrule, but only because the Triforce sent Link to these places; We see him riding Epona in the intro scenes of both Ages and Seasons, and riding towards Hyrule Castle. Once in Labrynna (the country we explore in Ages), Link is sent to find the Oracle; Then, though a series of possessions, time traveling, betrayals Veran, Sorceress of Shadows is nearly able to take over; However, although Link defeats Veran, something more seems to go on... we get a cutscene after killing her of two mysterious figures saying "It's too late! The Flame of Sorrow has been lit!" By linking to a Seasons game either via link cable or the password after the credits, many cutscenes in Seasons will be altered slightly, these two figures will reveal themselves, and only at the end of both games is the true ending viewed, thus making this essentially the longest-ever Zelda game.

Story: 10/10


- Gameplay -

Unlike Link's Awakening, we now have three subscreens on the pause menu. This means that we can now hold many more items in our inventory, and many of them are just downright FUN. The Switchhook, Biggoron's Sword, and Seed Shooter are especially fun, and some (such as the Biggoron's Sword) can only be obtained through a linked game. Even more than the fun items and dungeons, however, is the reuse of the idea of traveling between two worlds. However, unlike A Link to the Past, we have a Harp that starts out only able to activate portals; Later on, Link learns two new songs; the first allows him to go to present from the past, but not vice-versa. The last allows him to freely time travel just about anywhere. Akin to ALttP, we see similarities between past and present, but as opposed to the Dark World being essentially an evil mirror, the Past and Present in Ages actually show how Labrynna has been built up over the years.

Gameplay: 10/10


- Music -

I really liked the music of Ages; many themes were recycled from Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, but many new ones are present as well. Probably my favorite 2D Zelda soundtrack.

Music: 9/10

Total Score: 9/10

Not available for other systems.