The WhatsNext verdict
Oracle of Ages is a superb choice for players who want classic Zelda at its most puzzle-focused and mechanically inventive. Play it for the timeline-spanning world and the satisfying aha moments, not for fast combat or a deeply written story.
What it does best
Dungeons built around clever, demanding puzzle solving
Time travel becomes a brilliantly integrated adventure mechanic
A memorable world shaped by two radically different eras
What might put you off
Frequent backtracking between eras
Very demanding dungeon puzzles
The setup
What you are walking into
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.
Where it lives
Genre
Vibe
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