Amazon.com Review
One of two new Zelda games for the Game Boy Color, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons is the more action-focused title of the duo. The Triforce has alerted Link to trouble in the land of Holodrum, where the General of Darkness has kidnapped Din, the Oracle of Seasons. The villain hopes to transform Holodrum into a wasteland by changing the order of seasons. It's up to you to help Link save Holodrum by rescuing Din. The game features more combat and fewer puzzles than its sister, making it better suited for younger gamers. Its mechanics and menus are similar to those found in Link's Awakening, also for the Game Boy. This is classic overhead role-playing at its best. The key item in this game is the rod of seasons, which allows Link to change seasons at will. For example, an impassable lake becomes a quick stroll by using the rod to change seasons from summer to winter.
Although this game is extremely enjoyable on its own, you'll want to use it in conjunction with its sister title: Oracle of Ages. After you complete one game you'll be given a password that lets you begin with all your items, statistics, and progress intact in the other. Certain characters will appear only by playing both games. By using a link cable, players can trade items. Game Boy Advance users will find a store that's exclusive to them.
While this is one of the best Game Boy titles ever, a truly sublime experience can be had playing it with its companion title. --Raymond M. Padilla
Pros:
- Hours of outstanding gameplay
- Great as a standalone; outstanding in conjunction with its sister game
- Nice bonuses for Game Boy Advance owners
Cons: - Lots of reused sound effects from previous Zelda games
- Longtime gamers might find the story and level design contrived
- Your thumbs will get sore from all the battles
Amazon.com Product Description
One of the most highly esteemed digital adventures is back on your Game Boy Color console in two new games: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages. Both are independent games, but when they're linked between two Game Boy Color consoles via the separately sold Game Link cable, players can share items, uncover story elements, and unlock hidden areas in each game. In Oracle of Seasons, players help Link embark on a quest to recover the Essences of Nature. To do so, he must first find the Rod of Seasons, a magical item that lets Link transform the landscape into the season of his choice, helping him overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. Ricky the kangaroo, Moosh the winged bear, and Dimitri the dodongo accompany Link on this adventure.
Using the Harp of Ages, Link must travel through time and space to save Nayru, the eponymous prophet in Oracle of Ages, who's been kidnapped by the evil sorceress Veran. By learning new melodies to play on the harp, players will travel to the past and affect changes in the present to solve the game's varied puzzles.
(Review copyright Amazon.co.uk)