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{{Italic Title}}
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{{Game
  
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{{Quick Links|
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|image = [[Image:Oracleofages.jpg|250px|Oracle of Ages US Boxart]]
  
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{{Nav Icon|File:OoA Nayru Sprite.png|Characters in Oracle of Ages|Characters}}
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|developer = [[Flagship]]
  
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{{Nav Icon|File:Veran Sprite.png|Bosses in Oracle of Ages|Bosses}}
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|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
  
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{{Nav Icon|File:OoA Kyandokyan Sprite.png|Enemies in Oracle of Ages|Enemies}}
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|designer = Hidemaro Fujibayashi (director)
  
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{{Nav Icon|File:OoS Flame of Sorrow Sprite.png|Dungeons in Oracle of Ages|Dungeons}}
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|released = {{release|na= May 14, 2001|jp= February 27, 2001|eu= October 5, 2001|aus= October 5, 2001}}
  
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{{Nav Icon|File:Gasha Tree.png|Locations in Oracle of Ages|Locations}}
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|esrb = E (Everyone)
  
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{{Nav Icon|File:OoA Harp of Ages Sprite.png|Items in Oracle of Ages|Items}}
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|elspa = 3+
  
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{{Nav Icon|File:OoA Book of Seals Sprite.png|Oracle of Ages Translations|Translations}}
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|oflc = G8+
  
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{{Nav Icon|File:OoA Heart Container Sprite.png|The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Credits|Credits}}
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|platforms = [[Game Boy Color]]
  
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|predecessor = [[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask]]
  
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|successor = [[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords]]
  
 
}}
  
}}
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:''This article is about the game. For other uses, see [[Oracle of Ages (Disambiguation)]]''
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{{Infobox Game
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|name= ''The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages''
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|image= [[File:OoA English Logo.png|250px]]<br/>[[File:Oracleofages.jpg|250px]]
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|developer= [[Capcom]]
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|publisher= [[Nintendo]]
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|designer= Hidemaro Fujibayashi (director)<br/>Noritaka Funamizu (producer)<br/>Minako Adachi (sound composer)<br/>KYOPI (sound composer)
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|released= '''Game Boy Color'''<br/>{{release|en= May 14, 2001<ref name="E 7">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 7}}</ref>|jp= February 27, 2001<ref name="E 7"/>|uk= October 5, 2001|au= October 5, 2001}}<br/>'''Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console'''<br/>{{release|en= May 30, 2013<ref name="nintendodirectna">{{Cite Web|author=Nintendo (YouTube) |published=2013-04-17 |retrieved=2013-04-19 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSXyo0z6LKA |title=Nintendo Direct 4.17.2013 - YouTube |site=YouTube}}</ref>|jp= February 27, 2013<ref name="jp release">{{Cite Web|retrieved=July 14, 2013 |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/eshop/vc/qacj/index.html |title=<nowiki>ニンテンドー3DS｜ゼルダの伝説 ふしぎの木の実 大地の章｜Nintendo</nowiki> |site=Nintendo}}</ref>|uk= May 30, 2013<ref name="nintendodirecteu">{{Cite Web|author=NintendoUKofficial (YouTube) |published=2013-04-17 |retrieved=2013-04-19 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-_1nQC_afE |title=Nintendo 3DS Direct Presentation - 17.04.2013 - YouTube |site=YouTube}}</ref> |au= May 30, 2013<ref name="au release">{{Cite Web|author=Daniel Vuckovic |published=May 30, 2013 |retrieved=May 6, 2016|url=http://www.vooks.net/nintendo-download-updates-oracle-of-zelda-men-denpa/ |title=NINTENDO DOWNLOAD UPDATES: ORACLE OF ZELDA MEN, DENPA |site=Vooks}}</ref> |ko=April 20, 2016<ref name="Korean VC">{{Cite Web|retrieved=May 6, 2016|url=http://www.nintendo.co.kr/3DS/eshop/eshop_virtualconsole.php |title=Virtual Console |site=Nintendo Korea}}</ref>}}<br/>'''Nintendo Switch Online'''<br/>{{release|en= July 26, 2023<ref name="nso release">{{Cite Web|author=Nintendo (Official Website)|published=2023-07-26|retrieved=2023-07-27|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/july-update-two-game-boy-games-are-now-available-for-nintendo-switch-online-members/|title=July update! Two Game Boy games are now available for Nintendo Switch Online members|site=Nintendo}}</ref>}}
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|ratings={{List
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|{{Game Rating|ESRB|E}}
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|{{Game Rating|ELSPA|3+}}
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|{{Game Rating|ACB|G8+|release=GBA}}
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|{{Game Rating|ACB|PG|release=3DS}}
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|{{Game Rating|USK|0}}
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}}
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|platforms= [[Game Boy Color]]<br/>[[Nintendo 3DS]]
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|canon= Canon<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E|publisher= |page= 10}}</ref>
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|predecessor= {{MM}}<br>{{ALttP}} ('''Fallen Hero Timeline''')
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|successor= {{FS}}<br>{{LA}} ('''Fallen Hero Timeline''')
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}}
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'''''The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages''''' is one of two {{TLoZ|Series|-}}<nowiki/>titles released for the [[Game Boy Color]], the other being {{OoS}}, both representing the seventh and eighth main installments of the series. Released near the end of the system's lifespan, {{OoA|-}} and its counterpart were said to "send the Game Boy Color out with a bang."<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= Nintendo is sending the Game Boy Color out with a bang by releasing not just one but two new Game Boy Zelda titles--Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages...|url= http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/rpg/legendofzeldaoracleos/review.html?tag=tabs;reviews|title= The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons Review|site= Gamespot}}</ref> In anticipation of the upcoming release of the Game Boy Color's successor, the [[Game Boy Advance]], the games exhibited special features (such as the [[Advance Shop]]) when played on the new handheld system.
   
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After completing one of the two games, they can be linked to form a single, linear plot (as opposed to two parallel ones) with an alternate ending. [[Linked Game|Game-linking]] also unlocks extra content, such as new items.<ref>{{Cite Guide|quote= |game= PH|publisher= Prima|page=5}}</ref> The game is named after its central character, [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru, Oracle of Ages]], and the element that is manipulated by Link in the game—the Ages.
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'''''The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages''''' ('''Japanese''': ゼルダの伝説 ふしぎの木の実 時空の章 ''Zeruda no Densetsu Fushigi no Ki no Mi Jikū no Shō'', lit. ''The Legend of Zelda: Nut of the Mysterious Tree: Chapter of Time and Space'') was one of two Zelda games released for the [[Game Boy Color]] as part of Capcom's ''Oracle'' series, the other being ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons]]''.
  
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Once the game was completed a player could then, either using a password or by linking two Game Boys together, continue into ''Oracle of Seasons'' for a larger storyline. They could also go the other way if they had played ''Oracle of Seasons'' first.
  
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It was released for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] Virtual Console in Japan on February 27, 2013,<ref name="jp release"/> in North America, Europe and Australia on May 30, 2013,<ref name="nintendodirectna"/><ref name="nintendodirecteu"/><ref name="au release"/> and in South Korea on April 20, 2016.<ref name="Korean VC"/>The game was again re-released on July 26, 2023, this time in an update for the [[Nintendo Switch Online]].<ref name="nso release"/>
   
 
==Story==
  
==Story==
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[[File:OoA Link Artwork.png|100px|left]]
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{{spoiler}}
  
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[[File:OoA Ending Sequence.png|thumb|100px|right|The story is far from over...]]
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[[Link]], having been sent from Hyrule to Labrynna by the power of the Triforce, awoke in Labrynna, almost immediately after stumbling upon Impa, who was besieged by a group of Octoroks. Unknown to Link, Impa had fallen into the clutches of the evil Sorceress of Shadows [[Veran]]. This allowed her to trick Link into moving a sacred barrier which obstructed her goal: to possess the Oracle of Ages, Nayru. In full view of Link and Nayru's bodyguard, [[Ralph]], Veran quickly possessed Nayru and began to Utilize her newfound power of controlling time, travelling to the past and beginning her plan to bring untold sorrow to the world. Meeting with Labrynna's guardian, the [[Maku Tree (female)|Maku Tree]], Link learnt that to defeat Veran, he would need the [[Essences of Time]]. However, the Essences, as their names suggest, were hidden throughout time, making them very hard for one person to obtain. By taking up the [[Harp of Ages]] in Nayru's house, Link was able to traverse time and search for the Essences throughout Labrynna, all the while correcting the damage Veran had caused to the land, such as in [[Symmetry Village]].
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[[Link]], having been sent from Hyrule to [[Labrynna]] by the power of the Triforce, awoke in Labrynna almost immediately after stumbling upon [[Impa]], who had been besieged by a group of [[Octorok]]s. Unknown to Link, Impa had fallen into the clutches of the evil Sorceress of Shadows [[Veran]]. This allowed her to trick Link into moving a sacred barrier that obstructed her goal: to possess the Oracle of Ages, [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru]]. In full view of Link and Nayru's bodyguard, [[Ralph]], Veran quickly possessed Nayru and began to utilize her newfound power of controlling time, traveling to the past and beginning her plan to bring untold sorrow to the world. Meeting with Labrynna's guardian, the [[Maku Tree#Maku Tree (Female)|Maku Tree]], Link learned that to defeat Veran, he would need the [[Essences of Time]]. However, the Essences, as their names suggest, were hidden throughout time, making them very hard for one person to obtain. By taking up the [[Harp of Ages]] in Nayru's house, Link was able to traverse time and search for the Essences throughout Labrynna, all the while correcting the damage Veran had caused to the land, such as in [[Symmetry Village]].
   
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More than halfway into his journey, Link finally got a chance to rescue Nayru from Veran's clutches, at [[Ambi's Palace]]. However, as soon as he did, Veran possessed [[Queen Ambi]]. Using her new authority, Veran was almost successful in capturing Nayru, Link and Ralph, but at the last second Nayru used her power to return them all to the present.
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More than halfway into his journey, Link finally got a chance to rescue Nayru from Veran's clutches, at [[Ambi's Palace]]. However, as soon as he did, Veran possessed [[Queen Ambi]]. Using her new authority, Veran was almost successful in capturing Nayru, Link, and Ralph, but at the last second Nayru used her power to return them all to the present.
   
 
Gathering the last of the essences, Link prepared for the final showdown with Veran, but before he could go, Ralph ran off before him, so that he might slay Ambi, even knowing that with Ambi as his ancestor, her death would mean his. Veran proved too powerful for Ralph, knocking him out instead of killing him before moving on to fight Link. After freeing Ambi, and the powerful battle that followed, Link was able to best Veran once and for all. Veran laughed as she died, saying that her goal had been completed, the Flame of Sorrow lit.
  
Gathering the last of the essences, Link prepared for the final showdown with Veran, but before he could go, Ralph ran off before him, so that he might slay Ambi, even knowing that with Ambi as his ancestor, her death would mean his. Veran proved too powerful for Ralph, knocking him out instead of killing him before moving on to fight Link. After freeing Ambi, and the powerful battle that followed, Link was able to best Veran once and for all. Veran laughed as she died, saying that her goal had been completed, the Flame of Sorrow lit.
   
 
As Link, Nayru and Ralph returned to their own time, a [[Twinrova|mysterious pair]] laughed, saying that the true evil had yet to arrive...
  
As Link, Nayru and Ralph returned to their own time, a [[Twinrova|mysterious pair]] laughed, saying that the true evil had yet to arrive...
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{{Clear}}
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==Gameplay==
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===General Mechanics===
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{{OoA|-}} (and its counterpart, {{OoS}}) retain many gameplay elements from {{LA}} (especially the [[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX|DX version]]), such as the graphics (many sprites in {{OoA|-}} and {{OoS|-}} are reused from {{LA|-}}), audio and top-view perspective. As in {{LA|-}}, items (including the [[sword]] and [[shield]]) are assigned to the A and B buttons via an [[Inventory]]. Unlike certain games of the series, items are not assigned a specific place in the inventory. Collected [[Rupee]]s, health, and the two equipped items are shown on an interface which consists of a yellow bar running across the top of the screen (similar to the one in {{LA|-}}, which was located at the bottom of the screen).
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{{OoA|-}}, like the great majority of Zelda games, features eight regular dungeons and a large [[Labrynna|overworld]] to explore in between. This is done with the help of an overworld [[map]], which is composed of a 14 x 14 grid of squares, where each square represents a single screen. As Link explores the overworld, the "squares" that he's visited will be colored in. Link is guided by the [[Maku Tree#Maku Tree (Female)|Maku Tree]], an important character in both games, who will direct Link to the next dungeon, among other things. {{OoA|-}}, like many games in {{TLoZ|Series}}, features a [[Trading Sequence]].
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One particular feature of {{OoA|-}} (and {{OoS|-}}, for that matter) is the fact that certain choices made on the adventure will affect an outcome, later on, making for various possible scenarios in a single play-through. Among these are the animal companions that will accompany Link on his adventure (either [[Moosh]], [[Dimitri]], or [[Ricky]]), and the growth [[Bipsom]]. These choices affect the passwords obtained for a [[Linked Game]] (see below).
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Where {{OoS|-}} is said to center its gameplay on the action, {{OoA|-}} is said to be more puzzle-oriented;<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= The biggest difference between Seasons and Ages is that each focuses on a different aspect of the classic Zelda formula: Ages is puzzle-heavy while Seasons is action-oriented.|url= http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/rpg/legendofzeldaoracleos/review.html|title= The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons Review|site= Gamespot}}</ref> both of which are key gameplay elements in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series.
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===The Harp of Ages===
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[[File:Oracle of Ages - Harp of Ages.png|left|The Harp of Ages]]
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The central item of the game is the [[Harp of Ages]]. It is used by Link to travel through time. [[Time Travel]] is the defining gameplay element of {{OoA|-}}. On his quest, Link travels between the past and the present as he explores [[Labrynna]] twice over. Throughout the game, Link must act in the past to manipulate the future to progress on his adventure. Link may also take advantage of differences in terrain in the past and the present to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. For example, a decrepit entrance to a dungeon that has long since collapsed in the present is still sturdy in the past; a tree that is a mere sapling grows to its full height in the present.
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The past-present dichotomy is easily comparable to the [[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past#Light and Dark World dichotomy|Light and Dark World dichotomy]] of {{ALttP}}, an important gameplay feature of that game.
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===Linked Game===
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[[File:OoA Farore Artwork.png|right|100px|Farore, Oracle of Secrets]]
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{{Main|Linked Game}}
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An important element of gameplay in {{OoA|-}} and {{OoS|-}} is their unique ability to be linked together to form one linear plot, as opposed to two parallel ones. After one game is completed, the other can be linked to it using passwords provided by the game, or a Game Link Cable. Linked Games unlock additional content not seen in the separate games. Among the most notable changes in a [[Linked Game]] is the extended ending (the "true ending") where [[Twinrova]] and [[Ganon]] are encountered.
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In a Linked Game of {{OoA|-}}, new characters appear in [[Labrynna]]. These characters will tell Link [[Linked Game#Secrets|secrets]] in the form of passwords, which can be relayed to characters on a completed file of {{OoS|-}}. By doing so, Link can obtain new items not seen in a non-linked game. The reverse occurs if {{OoA|-}} is played first and {{OoS|-}} second.
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Passwords obtained in a Linked Game vary depending on the choices Link made on his adventure. Therefore, passwords identify a specific play-through, assuring that Link will have the same animal partner in the Linked Game as in the completed game, among other things.
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===Magic Rings===
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[[File:OoS Magic Ring Unappraised Sprite.png|left|An unappraised ring.]]
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Also, a unique feature of {{OoS|-}} and {{OoA|-}} is the appearance of [[Magic Ring]]s to be collected by Link on his quest. These rings, when worn, provide Link with a variety of bonuses and abilities, giving an almost RPG-like twist to the game. Some rings augment his strength and defense; others increase his swimming abilities; yet another prevents Link from sliding on frozen floors. Some, like the [[Cursed Ring]], even decrease Link's abilities, making the game more challenging. Other rings simply change Link's appearance. A total of 64 rings can be collected throughout {{OoA|-}} and {{OoS|-}}, some requiring the use of [[Linked Game]]s to obtain, or even the use of a [[Game Boy Advance]].
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===Gasha Seeds===
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[[File:OoA Gasha Seed Sprite.png|left]]
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[[Gasha Seed]]s appear exclusively in {{OoS|-}} and {{OoA|-}}. They can be planted in patches of [[Soft Soil]] scattered across [[Labrynna]] (or [[Holodrum]] in {{OoS|-}}). After a while, the tree will mature and Link can collect the single Gasha Nut that the tree will produce. Inside the nut, Link may find various goods, such as [[Rupee]]s or Magic Rings.
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==Development==
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[[File:Zeldacourage.jpg|thumb|right|The cancelled ''Mystical Seed of Courage'' logo]]
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{{OoA|-}} and {{OoS|-}} were the first ''Zelda'' titles to be developed outside of [[Nintendo]]. They were developed by [[Capcom]], who later went on to develop two more titles for {{TLoZ|Series}} on the [[Game Boy Advance]] ({{FS}} and {{TMC}}). The development of the ''Oracle'' games began with the scenarios (i.e. story and characters) rather than with gameplay. This caused design difficulties later on. The scenarios were written by Flagship, a now-defunct Capcom subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite Person|quote= Mr. Miyamoto normally creates the game scenario (story and characters) after the initial gameplay is designed. If the action part of the game is solid, the scenario can be developed from there. We started by using the Capcom scenario creation company, Flag Ship, to create the scenario first. Then, we created maps and started developing the game. I don't believe that worked. . . . Using that system, the team had to redo both the scenario and the maps several times to make all the elements fit.|name= Yoshiki Okamoto|url= http://web.archive.org/web/20050311025108/http://www.nintendo.com/gamedev?gameid=m-Game-0000-314|title= The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons Interview Part I}}</ref>
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This game was originally part of what was called the "[[Triforce]] Series", a trilogy of games where each installment focused on a different gameplay element. Each title was associated with a piece of the Triforce, which would represent the focus of gameplay for that title. {{OoA|-}} was thusly named ''Mystical Seed of Wisdom'', hence the puzzle-based gameplay. The three games would be able to interact with each other for additional gameplay via a [[Linked Game|game-linking system]]. However, the complexity of coordinating three games caused the cancellation of the third title, ''Mystical Seed of Courage''. Thus, the series was reduced to only two titles: {{OoA|-}} (adapted from the ''Mystical Seed of Wisdom'') and {{OoS|-}} (adapted from the ''Mystical Seed of Power'').<ref>[http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/873/873036.html IGN Article on The Third Oracle]</ref>
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==Timeline Placement==
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[[File:Oracles Limited Edition Interior.jpg|thumb|150px|right|The limited edition adventure set]]
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According to {{E}}, {{OoA|-}} takes place after {{OoS}}, which follows {{ALttP}} and {{LA}}. The Japanese {{E|-}} notes that they feature a different Link from the prior games, while the English localization refers to all four games as featuring the same Link.
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Prior to {{E|-}}, {{OoS|-}} and {{OoA|-}} were situated between {{ALttP|-}} and {{LA|-}}, with all four games feature the same incarnation of Link.
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{{Noncanon|Start}}
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In both the [[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (Wessel)|chapter book]] and the {{OoA|Himekawa}} adaptations of {{OoS|-}} and {{OoA|-}} games, {{OoA|-}} is the second game in the sequence.
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{{Noncanon|End}}
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==Limited Editions==
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In North America, the first print of the game featured a foil effect on the tree's silhouette on the box and manual. In Europe, a [[:File:Oracles Limited Edition Interior.jpg|limited edition]] was released on May 21, 2001. Limited to 500 copies, it included a copy of both ''Oracle'' games, a Boomerang, a shirt, two pins, and two skins for both the [[Game Boy Color]] and [[Game Boy Advance]].
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===Speedrun Records===
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{{Main|Speedrun Records}}
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<!-- NOTICE: To update completion records, please edit the Speedrun Records article (https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Speedrun_Records). This table will automatically be updated with the records on that page. -->
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{{#section:Speedrun Records|OoA}}
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==Listings==
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===[[Characters in Oracle of Ages|Characters]]===
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===[[Bosses in Oracle of Ages|Bosses]]===
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===[[Enemies in Oracle of Ages|Enemies]]===
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===[[Locations in Oracle of Ages|Locations]]===
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===[[Dungeons in Oracle of Ages|Dungeons]]===
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===[[Items in Oracle of Ages|Equipment and upgrades]]===
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===[[Oracle of Ages Translations|Translations]]===
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===[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Credits|Credits]]===
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===[[Glitches in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons|Glitches]]===
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==Reception==
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===Sales===
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{{OoA|-}} was commercially successful, selling a near 4 million copies (3.96 million to be exact).<ref>[http://www.rpgamer.com/news/japan/rp033104.html RPGamer - Japandemonium - Xenogears vs. Tetris]</ref>
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===Reviews===
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{{OoA|-}} in general, was very well received by critics and received mostly positive reviews. Both games received 9.2/10 ratings at Gamespot,<ref name="Gamespot OoA">[http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/adventure/legendofzeldaoracleofages/review.html?tag=tabs;reviews Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review - Gamespot]</ref><ref name="Gamespot OoS">[http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/rpg/legendofzeldaoracleos/review.html?tag=tabs;reviews Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review - Gamespot]</ref> and a 10 out of 10 rating of "Masterpiece" at IGN.<ref name="IGN OoA">[http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/016/016041.html The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review - IGN]</ref><ref name="IGN OoS">[http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/166/166042p1.html The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review - IGN]</ref> The games were often credited as being two of the top (if not the best) games for the [[Game Boy Color]]. In fact, {{OoA|-}} and {{OoS|-}} were ranked by ''Nintendo Power'' as being the fifth and fourth-best games for [[Game Boy]]/Game Boy Color, respectively.<ref>[[Nintendo Power|Nintendo Power Magazine]] - Issue 231</ref> {{OoA|-}} held a 92,20/100 score at GameRankings.<ref>{{Cite Web|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191209070636/http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/index.html|title= Game Boy Color|site= GameRankings|type= Archive}}</ref>
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{{OoA|-}} specifically was praised by IGN and Gamespot for its difficulty in terms of its challenging, "head-scratching" puzzles. Gamespot also praised it for its superb use of the time-travel aspect in the flow of the game. Gaming Target praised the game for its meticulous attention to detail in terms of graphics, creating "one of the most beautiful and creative game worlds Link has ever had the pleasure to traverse."<ref>[http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=2411 Gaming Target - The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review]</ref>
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===Fan Reception===
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As can be seen by its user rating scores on IGN and Gamespot, {{OoA|-}} was equally praised by fans as well as critics. It received a score of 9.1 at Gamespot and IGN alike,<ref name="Gamespot OoA" /><ref name="IGN OoA" /> although the latter scores {{OoS|-}} slightly higher at 9.2.<ref name="IGN OoS" />
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''Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons'' were both ranked at the #12 spot by WatchMojo as part of their "Every Major Legend of Zelda Game Ranked" video over on MojoPlays.<ref>Alden, G. (2021). ''Every Major Legend of Zelda Game Ranked''. ''YouTube''. ''MojoPlays (WatchMojo)''. Retrieved July 27, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R7jh5pPBj8.</ref>
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==Nomenclature==
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{{Names
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|align= left
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|enBr=
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|enBrM=
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|ja= {{Romanize|ゼルダの伝説 ふしぎの木の実 時空の章|Zeruda no Densetsu Fushigi no Ki no Mi Jikū no Shō}}
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|jaM= The Legend of Zelda: The Mystical Seed: Chapter of Space-Time
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|esS=
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|esSM=
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|esL=
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|esLM=
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|frF=
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|frFM=
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|frC=
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|frCM=
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|de= {{De|The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages}}
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|deM=
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|it=
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|itM=
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|ptP=
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|ptPM=
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|ptB=
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|ptBM=
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|nl=
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|nlM=
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|ru=
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|ruM=
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|ko=
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|koM=
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|zhT= 薩爾達傳說 神祕果實 時空之章
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|zhTM=
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|zhS= 塞尔达传说 不可思议的果实 时空之章
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|zhSM= }}
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==Gallery==
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{{Gallery|Gallery:Oracle of Ages}}
   
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==External links==
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== Advertisement ==
  
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*[http://www.zelda.com/ages/ {{OoA|-}} official site]
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{{Youtube|-4_V7deVMQ4|200|left|<Center>American Ad</Center>}}
  
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=== [[Items in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Equipment & upgrades]] ===
  
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=== [[:Bosses in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Boss index]]===
  
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Latest revision as of 13:38, 4 April 2024

Quick Links
This article is about the game. For other uses, see Oracle of Ages (Disambiguation)

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages is one of two The Legend of Zelda titles released for the Game Boy Color, the other being Oracle of Seasons, both representing the seventh and eighth main installments of the series. Released near the end of the system's lifespan, Oracle of Ages and its counterpart were said to "send the Game Boy Color out with a bang."[9] In anticipation of the upcoming release of the Game Boy Color's successor, the Game Boy Advance, the games exhibited special features (such as the Advance Shop) when played on the new handheld system.

After completing one of the two games, they can be linked to form a single, linear plot (as opposed to two parallel ones) with an alternate ending. Game-linking also unlocks extra content, such as new items.[10] The game is named after its central character, Nayru, Oracle of Ages, and the element that is manipulated by Link in the game—the Ages.

It was released for the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console in Japan on February 27, 2013,[3] in North America, Europe and Australia on May 30, 2013,[2][6][4] and in South Korea on April 20, 2016.[5]The game was again re-released on July 26, 2023, this time in an update for the Nintendo Switch Online.[7]

Story

OoA Link Artwork
OoA Ending Sequence

The story is far from over...

Link, having been sent from Hyrule to Labrynna by the power of the Triforce, awoke in Labrynna almost immediately after stumbling upon Impa, who had been besieged by a group of Octoroks. Unknown to Link, Impa had fallen into the clutches of the evil Sorceress of Shadows Veran. This allowed her to trick Link into moving a sacred barrier that obstructed her goal: to possess the Oracle of Ages, Nayru. In full view of Link and Nayru's bodyguard, Ralph, Veran quickly possessed Nayru and began to utilize her newfound power of controlling time, traveling to the past and beginning her plan to bring untold sorrow to the world. Meeting with Labrynna's guardian, the Maku Tree, Link learned that to defeat Veran, he would need the Essences of Time. However, the Essences, as their names suggest, were hidden throughout time, making them very hard for one person to obtain. By taking up the Harp of Ages in Nayru's house, Link was able to traverse time and search for the Essences throughout Labrynna, all the while correcting the damage Veran had caused to the land, such as in Symmetry Village.

More than halfway into his journey, Link finally got a chance to rescue Nayru from Veran's clutches, at Ambi's Palace. However, as soon as he did, Veran possessed Queen Ambi. Using her new authority, Veran was almost successful in capturing Nayru, Link, and Ralph, but at the last second Nayru used her power to return them all to the present.

Gathering the last of the essences, Link prepared for the final showdown with Veran, but before he could go, Ralph ran off before him, so that he might slay Ambi, even knowing that with Ambi as his ancestor, her death would mean his. Veran proved too powerful for Ralph, knocking him out instead of killing him before moving on to fight Link. After freeing Ambi, and the powerful battle that followed, Link was able to best Veran once and for all. Veran laughed as she died, saying that her goal had been completed, the Flame of Sorrow lit.

As Link, Nayru and Ralph returned to their own time, a mysterious pair laughed, saying that the true evil had yet to arrive...

Gameplay

General Mechanics

Oracle of Ages (and its counterpart, Oracle of Seasons) retain many gameplay elements from Link's Awakening (especially the DX version), such as the graphics (many sprites in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons are reused from Link's Awakening), audio and top-view perspective. As in Link's Awakening, items (including the sword and shield) are assigned to the A and B buttons via an Inventory. Unlike certain games of the series, items are not assigned a specific place in the inventory. Collected Rupees, health, and the two equipped items are shown on an interface which consists of a yellow bar running across the top of the screen (similar to the one in Link's Awakening, which was located at the bottom of the screen).

Oracle of Ages, like the great majority of Zelda games, features eight regular dungeons and a large overworld to explore in between. This is done with the help of an overworld map, which is composed of a 14 x 14 grid of squares, where each square represents a single screen. As Link explores the overworld, the "squares" that he's visited will be colored in. Link is guided by the Maku Tree, an important character in both games, who will direct Link to the next dungeon, among other things. Oracle of Ages, like many games in The Legend of Zelda series, features a Trading Sequence.

One particular feature of Oracle of Ages (and Oracle of Seasons, for that matter) is the fact that certain choices made on the adventure will affect an outcome, later on, making for various possible scenarios in a single play-through. Among these are the animal companions that will accompany Link on his adventure (either Moosh, Dimitri, or Ricky), and the growth Bipsom. These choices affect the passwords obtained for a Linked Game (see below).

Where Oracle of Seasons is said to center its gameplay on the action, Oracle of Ages is said to be more puzzle-oriented;[11] both of which are key gameplay elements in The Legend of Zelda series.

The Harp of Ages

The Harp of Ages

The central item of the game is the Harp of Ages. It is used by Link to travel through time. Time Travel is the defining gameplay element of Oracle of Ages. On his quest, Link travels between the past and the present as he explores Labrynna twice over. Throughout the game, Link must act in the past to manipulate the future to progress on his adventure. Link may also take advantage of differences in terrain in the past and the present to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. For example, a decrepit entrance to a dungeon that has long since collapsed in the present is still sturdy in the past; a tree that is a mere sapling grows to its full height in the present.

The past-present dichotomy is easily comparable to the Light and Dark World dichotomy of A Link to the Past, an important gameplay feature of that game.

Linked Game

Farore, Oracle of Secrets
Main article: Linked Game

An important element of gameplay in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons is their unique ability to be linked together to form one linear plot, as opposed to two parallel ones. After one game is completed, the other can be linked to it using passwords provided by the game, or a Game Link Cable. Linked Games unlock additional content not seen in the separate games. Among the most notable changes in a Linked Game is the extended ending (the "true ending") where Twinrova and Ganon are encountered.

In a Linked Game of Oracle of Ages, new characters appear in Labrynna. These characters will tell Link secrets in the form of passwords, which can be relayed to characters on a completed file of Oracle of Seasons. By doing so, Link can obtain new items not seen in a non-linked game. The reverse occurs if Oracle of Ages is played first and Oracle of Seasons second.

Passwords obtained in a Linked Game vary depending on the choices Link made on his adventure. Therefore, passwords identify a specific play-through, assuring that Link will have the same animal partner in the Linked Game as in the completed game, among other things.

Magic Rings

An unappraised ring.

Also, a unique feature of Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages is the appearance of Magic Rings to be collected by Link on his quest. These rings, when worn, provide Link with a variety of bonuses and abilities, giving an almost RPG-like twist to the game. Some rings augment his strength and defense; others increase his swimming abilities; yet another prevents Link from sliding on frozen floors. Some, like the Cursed Ring, even decrease Link's abilities, making the game more challenging. Other rings simply change Link's appearance. A total of 64 rings can be collected throughout Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, some requiring the use of Linked Games to obtain, or even the use of a Game Boy Advance.

Gasha Seeds

OoA Gasha Seed Sprite

Gasha Seeds appear exclusively in Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages. They can be planted in patches of Soft Soil scattered across Labrynna (or Holodrum in Oracle of Seasons). After a while, the tree will mature and Link can collect the single Gasha Nut that the tree will produce. Inside the nut, Link may find various goods, such as Rupees or Magic Rings.

Development

Zeldacourage

The cancelled Mystical Seed of Courage logo

Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons were the first Zelda titles to be developed outside of Nintendo. They were developed by Capcom, who later went on to develop two more titles for The Legend of Zelda series on the Game Boy Advance (Four Swords and The Minish Cap). The development of the Oracle games began with the scenarios (i.e. story and characters) rather than with gameplay. This caused design difficulties later on. The scenarios were written by Flagship, a now-defunct Capcom subsidiary.[12]

This game was originally part of what was called the "Triforce Series", a trilogy of games where each installment focused on a different gameplay element. Each title was associated with a piece of the Triforce, which would represent the focus of gameplay for that title. Oracle of Ages was thusly named Mystical Seed of Wisdom, hence the puzzle-based gameplay. The three games would be able to interact with each other for additional gameplay via a game-linking system. However, the complexity of coordinating three games caused the cancellation of the third title, Mystical Seed of Courage. Thus, the series was reduced to only two titles: Oracle of Ages (adapted from the Mystical Seed of Wisdom) and Oracle of Seasons (adapted from the Mystical Seed of Power).[13]

Timeline Placement

Oracles Limited Edition Interior

The limited edition adventure set

According to Encyclopedia, Oracle of Ages takes place after Oracle of Seasons, which follows A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening. The Japanese Encyclopedia notes that they feature a different Link from the prior games, while the English localization refers to all four games as featuring the same Link.

Prior to Encyclopedia, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages were situated between A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening, with all four games feature the same incarnation of Link.

Non-Canon Information

In both the chapter book and the Oracle of Ages manga by Akira Himekawa adaptations of Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages games, Oracle of Ages is the second game in the sequence.

Limited Editions

In North America, the first print of the game featured a foil effect on the tree's silhouette on the box and manual. In Europe, a limited edition was released on May 21, 2001. Limited to 500 copies, it included a copy of both Oracle games, a Boomerang, a shirt, two pins, and two skins for both the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance.

Speedrun Records

Main article: Speedrun Records
Category Runner Time Date
Any% TGH 1h 21m 48s October 23, 2021
All Essences Sagaz 2h 17m 20s May 22, 2020

Listings

Characters

Bosses

Enemies

Locations

Dungeons

Equipment and upgrades

Translations

Credits

Glitches

Reception

Sales

Oracle of Ages was commercially successful, selling a near 4 million copies (3.96 million to be exact).[14]

Reviews

Oracle of Ages in general, was very well received by critics and received mostly positive reviews. Both games received 9.2/10 ratings at Gamespot,[15][16] and a 10 out of 10 rating of "Masterpiece" at IGN.[17][18] The games were often credited as being two of the top (if not the best) games for the Game Boy Color. In fact, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons were ranked by Nintendo Power as being the fifth and fourth-best games for Game Boy/Game Boy Color, respectively.[19] Oracle of Ages held a 92,20/100 score at GameRankings.[20]

Oracle of Ages specifically was praised by IGN and Gamespot for its difficulty in terms of its challenging, "head-scratching" puzzles. Gamespot also praised it for its superb use of the time-travel aspect in the flow of the game. Gaming Target praised the game for its meticulous attention to detail in terms of graphics, creating "one of the most beautiful and creative game worlds Link has ever had the pleasure to traverse."[21]

Fan Reception

As can be seen by its user rating scores on IGN and Gamespot, Oracle of Ages was equally praised by fans as well as critics. It received a score of 9.1 at Gamespot and IGN alike,[15][17] although the latter scores Oracle of Seasons slightly higher at 9.2.[18]

Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons were both ranked at the #12 spot by WatchMojo as part of their "Every Major Legend of Zelda Game Ranked" video over on MojoPlays.[22]

Nomenclature

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in Other Regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese ゼルダの伝説 ふしぎの木の実 時空の章 (Zeruda no Densetsu Fushigi no Ki no Mi Jikū no Shō) The Legend of Zelda: The Mystical Seed: Chapter of Space-Time
People's Republic of China ChineseSI 塞尔达传说 不可思议的果实 时空之章
ERROR: You must enter a country code. ChineseTR 薩爾達傳說 神祕果實 時空之章
Federal Republic of Germany German The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

Gallery

View Gallery View Gallery

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 7
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Nintendo (YouTube), Nintendo Direct 4.17.2013 - YouTube, YouTube, published 2013-04-17, retrieved 2013-04-19.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 ニンテンドー3DS｜ゼルダの伝説 ふしぎの木の実 大地の章｜Nintendo, Nintendo, retrieved July 14, 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Daniel Vuckovic, NINTENDO DOWNLOAD UPDATES: ORACLE OF ZELDA MEN, DENPA, Vooks, published May 30, 2013, retrieved May 6, 2016.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Virtual Console, Nintendo Korea, retrieved May 6, 2016.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 NintendoUKofficial (YouTube), Nintendo 3DS Direct Presentation - 17.04.2013 - YouTube, YouTube, published 2013-04-17, retrieved 2013-04-19.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Nintendo (Official Website), July update! Two Game Boy games are now available for Nintendo Switch Online members, Nintendo, published 2023-07-26, retrieved 2023-07-27.
  8. ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 10
  9. ↑ "Nintendo is sending the Game Boy Color out with a bang by releasing not just one but two new Game Boy Zelda titles--Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages..." — The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons Review, Gamespot.
  10. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass — Prima Official Game Guide, Prima Games, pg. 5
  11. ↑ "The biggest difference between Seasons and Ages is that each focuses on a different aspect of the classic Zelda formula: Ages is puzzle-heavy while Seasons is action-oriented." — The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons Review, Gamespot.
  12. ↑ "Mr. Miyamoto normally creates the game scenario (story and characters) after the initial gameplay is designed. If the action part of the game is solid, the scenario can be developed from there. We started by using the Capcom scenario creation company, Flag Ship, to create the scenario first. Then, we created maps and started developing the game. I don't believe that worked. . . . Using that system, the team had to redo both the scenario and the maps several times to make all the elements fit." —Yoshiki Okamoto (The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons Interview Part I)
  13. ↑ IGN Article on The Third Oracle
  14. ↑ RPGamer - Japandemonium - Xenogears vs. Tetris
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review - Gamespot
  16. ↑ Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review - Gamespot
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review - IGN
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review - IGN
  19. ↑ Nintendo Power Magazine - Issue 231
  20. ↑ Game Boy Color, GameRankings (Archive).
  21. ↑ Gaming Target - The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Review
  22. ↑ Alden, G. (2021). Every Major Legend of Zelda Game Ranked. YouTube. MojoPlays (WatchMojo). Retrieved July 27, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R7jh5pPBj8.
Games

TLoZ Link Kneeling Artwork Zelda Logo BoTW Era BotW Link Shooting Artwork

Main SeriesSpin-OffOther

The Legend of Zelda  · The Adventure of Link  · A Link to the Past (& Four Swords)  · Link's Awakening (DX; Nintendo Switch)  · Ocarina of Time (Master Quest; 3D)  · Majora's Mask (3D)  · Oracle of Ages  · Oracle of Seasons  · Four Swords (Anniversary Edition)  · The Wind Waker (HD)  · Four Swords Adventures  · The Minish Cap  · Twilight Princess (HD)  · Phantom Hourglass  · Spirit Tracks  · Skyward Sword (HD)  · A Link Between Worlds  · Tri Force Heroes  · Breath of the Wild  · Tears of the Kingdom

Zelda (Game & Watch)  · The Legend of Zelda Game Watch  · Link's Crossbow Training  · My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess  · Cadence of Hyrule  · Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda

CD-i Games

The Faces of Evil  · The Wand of Gamelon  · Zelda's Adventure

Hyrule Warriors Series

Hyrule Warriors (Legends; Definitive Edition)  · Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Satellaview Games

BS The Legend of Zelda  · Ancient Stone Tablets

Tingle Series

Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland  · Tingle's Balloon Fight DS  · Too Much Tingle Pack  · Ripened Tingle's Balloon Trip of Love

Animal Crossing  · SoulCalibur II  · WarioWare series  · Nintendo Badge Arcade  · Captain Rainbow  · Nintendo Land  · Scribblenauts Unlimited  · Mario Kart 8

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Super Smash Bros.  · Super Smash Bros. Melee  · Super Smash Bros. Brawl  · Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS  · Super Smash Bros. for Wii U  · Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

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