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(Wish I could have used more reviews, but half of them are gone! For the record, Wikipedia has an amazing bit on this... Will come back later for more improvements.)
 
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{{Character
{{Improve|August 17, 2008}}
 
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|name = Orca
The '''Oracle Series''' consists of the two [[Game Boy Color]] ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|Legend of Zelda]]'' games, '''{{OOA}}''' and '''{{OOS}}''', made by [[Capcom]] and [[Nintendo]].
 
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|image = [[File:Orca.png|200px|Official art of Orca.]]
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|caption =
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|title = Warrior
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|race = [[Hylian]]
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|gender = Male
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|first game = ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''
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|latest game =
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|family = [[Sturgeon]] {{Exp|brother}}
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[[Sue-Belle]] {{Exp|great-niece}}
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|voice actor(s) =
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|nocat =
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}}
   
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'''Orca''' is an elderly man who lives on [[Outset Island]] along with his older brother, [[Sturgeon]],<ref name=Sturgeon1>{{cite|The hooligan I'm referring to is my younger and much less intelligent brother, who lives just downstairs...|[[Sturgeon]]|TWW}}</ref>although he doesn't have a sword, and his great-nice, [[Sue-Belle]], who live upstairs. Orca is an accomplished swordsman,<ref>{{cite|On the island due east of here lives an old man who was once a master swordsman.|[[Fishman]]|TWW}}</ref> and will teach [[Link]] the way of the sword.<ref>{{cite|Ah. Have you come for some serious instruction in the way of the sword?|Orca|TWW}}</ref> Orca will also give Link the [[Hero's Sword]],<ref>{{cite|You may have it, Link. I give it freely. Take the blade with you...|Orca|TWW}}</ref> his first weapon of the game.
==The Series==
 
The original idea was for a trilogy known as the "Triforce Trilogy", which was going to be updated remakes of ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' and ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', and a third installment. After consulting with [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], it was decided to make an original trilogy, called the "Mysterious/Mystical Seed Trilogy", each game revolving around one of the [[Golden Goddesses|three Goddesses]] — [[Din (Goddess)|Din]] for The Mysterious Seed of Power", which had gameplay mechanics related to ''Seasons''; [[Nayru (Goddess)|Nayru]] for "The Mysterious Seed of Wisdom", which used color as the central gameplay element; and [[Farore (Goddess)|Farore]] for "[[The Legend of Zelda: Mystical Seed of Courage|Mysterious Seed of Courage]]", a time-travel adventure (''Ages'');. Nintendo eventually decided that having only two games would make linking easier, so Farore's game was canceled. The result was ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]''.
 
   
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==Biography==
===''Oracle of Ages''===
 
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[[File:Link and Orca.png|thumb|left|Link and Orca bowing to each other before sparring.]]
[[File:{{Logo|Oracle of Ages}}|right|frameless]]
 
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Although they live in the same home, Orca and Sturgeon hardly get along and have almost nothing in common. Much unlike his brother, Orca has a very calm disposition: whereas Sturgeon prefers to spend the day expanding his knowledge,<ref>{{cite|Ah! My brother upstairs is very high-strung. His is the way of knowledge. He locks himself in his room and studies all day.|Orca|TWW}}</ref> Orca prefers to study the art of fighting.<ref>{{cite|Anyway, the only thing he DOES study is the art of fighting.|[[Sturgeon]]|TWW}}</ref> As such, Orca is often called a "hooligan" by his brother.<ref name=Sturgeon1></ref><ref>{{cite|You just be sure to take the time to read it all through very carefully. If you don't, you'll surely end up like that useless hooligan of a little brother of mine who lives downstairs.|[[Sturgeon]]|TWW}}</ref>
{{Main|The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages}}
 
''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]'' follows [[Twinrova|Twinrova's]] plot to light the Flame of Sorrow. Their minion, [[Veran]] uses her power of possession to take control of [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru]] and disrupt the flow of time, causing great pain and sorrow in the land of [[Labrynna]] . Her actions locks two periods of time together and alters history. Her ultimate goal is to cause as much sorrow as she can, and increase her own powers by forcing the populace to construct a [[Black Tower|large tower]] without rest or mercy.<ref>{{Cite|Heh heh heh heh! We are closer to the Age of Shadow! But it's still premature. The true shadow will fall when the Black Tower reaches the heavens and I climb to its highest turret! Then it will come... Heh heh heh... Hah hah hah hah!|[[Veran]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Ah hah hah hah! The Black Tower is finally complete! Powers of darkness, come to me! Ahh! The powers of darkness flow through me! The powers swell! Hah! Even without the powers of young Nayru, I can stop time! Now true darkness comes! The sorrow of people shall be delivered to me, lighting my Flame of Sorrow! Ah hah hah hah!|[[Veran]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|As we guessed, saving Nayru was for naught! Ambi's age is filled with cries of sorrow! Veran has extended the Dark Realm's reach, giving us what we seek -- echoing cries of sorrow! Spread, darkness! Spread, sorrow!|[[Twinrova]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref> [[Link]] must harness the [[Harp of Ages]] to [[Time Travel|control the flows of time]] and stop Veran from destroying Labrynna.
 
   
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In his youth, Orca set out with his brother on an arduous quest to collect ten [[Knight's Crest|Knight's Crests]], which would allow them to learn a powerful new sword technique.<ref>{{cite|Any courageous soul who gathers ten of these crests can learn a powerful new sword technique!|Orca|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Both my brother and I dreamt of learning this technique in our youth. We worked so hard to collect the crests...|Orca|TWW}}</ref> However, even after many long years and adventures beyond count, they were unable to even approach finding ten crests, and they grew old before their ambitions could come to fruition.<ref>{{cite|But it took many long years and adventures beyond count before we even approached finding ten of them, and we both grew old...|Orca|TWW}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
 
 
{{clear|left}}
===''Oracle of Seasons''===
 
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===Secret Technique===
[[File:{{Logo|Oracle of Seasons}}|right|frameless]]
 
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Before Link returns to Outset, he receives a [[letter]] from Orca telling him that if he wants to become a true swordsman, he must collect some Knight's Crests and bring them to him.<ref>{{cite|If you wish to be a true swordsman...find some Knight's Crests! And return to me!|Orca|TWW}}</ref> If Link brings presents 10 Knight Crests to Orca, he will teach Link the technique that he and Sturgeon was never able to master: The [[Spin Attack#Great Spin Attack|Hurricane Spin]]. Once Link masters it, Orca will drop his spear and cry out of joy, saying Link has made their long-held dream come true.<ref>{{cite|At last, you have made our long-held dream come true! Oh, the joyful tears... They won't stop...I thought my tears had dried up long ago.|Orca|TWW}}</ref> Orca will then say that there is no longer anything left for him to teach Link.<ref>{{cite|There is nothing left for me to teach you!|Orca|TWW}}</ref> He expresses his certainty that Link will be successful in his quest to save [[Aryll]] and bring her home to Outset Island.<ref>{{cite|I am certain now that you will save your sister, Aryll, and bring her home to Outset!|Orca|TWW}}</ref>
{{Main|The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons}}
 
''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]'' follows [[Twinrova|Twinrova's]] plot to light the Flame of Destruction. [[Onox]], their servant, plans to abduct [[Din (Oracle)|Din]] and sink the [[Temple of Seasons]] to throw the seasons of [[Holodrum]] into total and complete chaos. Link must wield the [[Rod of Seasons]] and master the [[Essences of Nature]] to return Holodrum to regularity.
 
   
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===Training Minigame===
{{Clear}}
 
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Upon his return to Outset Island, if Link visits Orca, he will tell him that Link has changed since he left.<ref>{{cite|Hmm... I do not know what you have been doing on your journey, but you seem a little more daring these days. That look in your eye is not the one you left here with.|Orca|TWW}}</ref> Orca will ask Link to show him how much his skills have improved.<ref>{{cite|Very good! Show me just how much you've improved your sword skills!|Orca|TWW}}</ref> If Link accepts, a mini-game will begin in which Link must strike Orca as many times as he can before Orca strikes him three times.<ref>{{cite|Keep coming at me until I hit you three times!|Orca|TWW}}</ref> At the beginning of the battle, Orca will taunt Link, saying that his skills with the sword are still at the level of a mere page.<ref>{{cite|If I must say so, your skills with the sword are still at the level of a page!|Orca|TWW}}</ref> If Link hits him 100 times, he will rise to the rank of "knight,"<ref>{{cite|I guess it was wrong of me to treat you like you were still a lowly page. You are a page no more! Now you are a knight!|Orca|TWW}}</ref> and Orca will reward him with a purple [[Rupee]]. 300 hits makes Link a swordsman,<ref>{{cite|It was wrong of me to treat you like a child. From now on, you have my respect. I shall call you swordsman!|Orca|TWW}}</ref> and an orange Rupee is the reward, and if he hits Orca 500 times before he hits him three times, Link will receive a [[Heart Container#Piece of Heart|Piece of Heart]]. If the young hero manages to hit Orca 999 times, he will say that Link has surpassed him, and from that point he calls him Master Link.<ref>{{cite|You have learned all I have to teach, Master Link!|Orca|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Link will also receive a silver Rupee.
===''Mystical Seed of Courage''===
 
{{Main|The Legend of Zelda: Mystical Seed of Courage}}
 
''[[The Legend of Zelda: Mystical Seed of Courage|Mystical Seed of Courage]]'', sometimes called by fans ''Oracle of Secrets'', is the canceled third game in the series. It was canceled because the developers could not figure out how to make an efficient password system that could link the three games. It was supposedly supposed to feature [[Farore (Oracle)|Farore]], who was instead depicted as the Oracle of Secrets in the other two games, and focus on [[Twinrova|Twinrova's]] plot to light the Flame of Despair. Little else is known about what the plot was to be before the game was canceled.
 
   
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{{Figurine|TWW|Orca|'''Birthplace:''' Outset Island<br>'''Talent:''' Swordplay<br>In his younger days, Orca had hoped to be a swordsman, but after he suffered a serious injury that ended that dream. He soon returned to Outset and became a fisherman.<br>On a ledge on one wall of his house is a memento from his days of training with a blade. Orca is a lifelong bachelor.|[[file:Orca Figurine.png|151px|left]]}}
==Resurrection of Ganon==
 
[[File:OOX Twinrova small.png|right|100px]][[File:OoX Ganon.gif|left]]
 
The main plot of the ''Oracle'' Series as a whole has [[Twinrova]] orchestrating an elaborate plot to revive [[Ganon]] using their minions they called from darkness, [[Veran]] and [[Onox]], to light the Flame of Sorrow<ref>{{Cite|Hee hee hee!!! Veran, Sorceress of Shadows! Twinrova will not let your deeds be wasted! Look, Veran! The troubles you caused now burn as the Flame of Sorrow!|[[Twinrova]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref> and the Flame of Destruction<ref>{{Cite|Oh ho ho ho! Onox, General of Darkness! Twinrova will not let your death go to waste! Behold, Onox! The troubles you caused now burn in the Flame of Destruction!|[[Twinrova]]|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref> respectively, and the ultimate kidnapping of Princess Zelda, the world's symbol of hope, to light the Flame of Despair.<ref>{{Cite|The Flames of Sorrow and Destruction burn brightly! Only the Flame of Despair remains! Eee hee hee hee!|[[Twinrova]]|Oracle Series}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Thanks to Veran and Onox, the Flames of Sorrow and Destruction already flicker! And when we captured Zelda, the foolish humans gave us despair!|[[Twinrova]]|Oracle Series}}</ref> They intend to use the three flames to revive Ganon <ref>{{Cite| Oh, Flames of Despair, Destruction and Sorrow, burn with the power of our evil deeds! Yee hee hee hee! Come! Come! Follow the light of the three flames! Emerge now from the darkest depths! Emerge Ganon, Gerudo King!!!|[[Twinrova]]|Oracle Series}}</ref>. Their final move is to sacrifice Zelda to Ganon for him to use as a vessel.<ref>{{Cite|The Flames of Sorrow, Destruction and Despair burn brightly. The return of the Evil King Ganon approaches. Our sacrifice of Zelda is all that remains! When we call Ganon's spirit into the vessel, it will be done! You can't stop us! Prepare to meet your doom!|[[Twinrova]]|Oracle Series}}</ref> When Link saves Zelda, Twinrova decides to sacrifice themselves as vessels for Ganon.<ref>{{Cite|Hoh hoh! Ganon's return was but a step away! Link! It is not over! Our rites have failed, but by sacrificing this body, Ganon will return! And you will be destroyed! Eee hee hee hee!|[[Twinrova]]|Oracle Series}}</ref> Because this is not the way the rites were intended to be done, the revival of Ganon instead results in a fairly mindless version of him that only seeks to destroy everything rather than rule over everyone.<ref>{{Cite|Gwoh hoh hoh... Gwah hah hah... Destroy...all... Kill ALL!!! Gwoh hoh hoh! I am Ganon... The Evil King...|[[Ganon]]|Oracle Series}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Since they could not sacrifice me in their final rite, the powers of darkness could revive only a mindless, raging Ganon. Your power, wisdom and courage were able to prevent Twinrova's planned resurrection of Ganon.|[[Princess Zelda]]|Oracle Series}}</ref>
 
   
==Linking Secrets==
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==Trivia==
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*After Link strikes Orca 1000 times he will say that he has lost count, since the counter only goes to 999, and that his arm has gone numb. He then asks: "Is your left index finger not numb, as well?"<ref>{{cite|Impressive, Link! I lost count of how many times you struck me! (...) Ah. How...pleasant. My arm feels numb. Master, is your left index finger not numb, as well?|Orca|The Wind Waker}}</ref> referring to the prolonged use of [[Targeting System|L-Target]] during the battle, even though it is possible to avoid this by simply changing the targeting mode to "switch" instead of "hold."
{{Main|Linked Game}}
 
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*If Link attacks Orca enough times (not while Orca's tutoring Link), he will knock Link to the ground, screaming at him to desist his attacks.
[[File:Farore Oracle.png|right|100px]]
 
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*When Orca has dropped his weapon (such as when Link first shows him a Knights Crest but there is not enough to learn the hurricane spin), if Link tries to attack him, Orca will defend himself using his hands.
A staplepoint of the ''Oracle'' Series is its unique ability to interlink using passwords. The passwords are all totally random and will only work on a specific playthrough of a game. Through Linking Secrets, [[Link]] can work with [[Farore (Oracle)|Farore]] to obtain rare items which he could not otherwise get. This is also the only way to link both games together into one single plot, as opposed to two alternate ones. To complete the entire series, the two games must be linked together in order to defeat both [[Veran]] and [[Onox]] in one single storyline, as this is the only possible way to encounter [[Twinrova]] and eventually defeat [[Ganon]].
 
   
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==Gallery==
In a [[Linked Game]], various other (although more subtle) changes to the plot occur which further interlink the storyline of both games. This includes the meeting of [[Queen Ambi]] with her lover, the [[Captain]], in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]'', or the appearance of [[Rosa]] on [[Crescent Island]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]''.
 
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<gallery>
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File:SP9 Orca.png|Orca's image on the [[Sliding Puzzle]]
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File:Orca2.jpg|Orca as seen in ''The Wind Waker''
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</gallery>
   
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{{Refbar}}
==Password-Linked Events==
 
There are various events that happen in a [[Linked Game]] that would otherwise not appear. These events can further interlink the series.
 
===''Oracle of Ages'' Events===
 
====Rosa====
 
[[File:Subrosianmini.gif|right]]
 
[[Rosa]], from [[Subrosia]], follows Link to [[Cresent Island]], strangely into the past as well.<ref>{{Cite|I'm Rosa! You, like, forgot we dated?!? This is my first long trip in, like, forever! And I saw some weirdo with this Shovel I had seen before, so I, like, asked if he knew you. Then he, like, got all excited and went leapin' off somewhere. What a weirdo.|[[Rosa]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref> When his items are stolen by the [[Tokay]], she intimidates the one that stole his [[Shovel]] and gets it back to Link.<ref>{{Cite|Was that, like, your Shovel? If you don't hang on to it, it could, like, wash out to sea.|[[Rosa]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref>
 
   
====Black Tower====
 
In the Present about halfway through a Linked ''Oracle of Ages'', [[Impa]] will be at the [[Black Tower]]. She will warn Link that [[Vire]] has kidnapped [[Princess Zelda]] and taken her into the tower and asks him to go save her.<ref>{{Cite|Link! Great timing! This bird just told me that Zelda is on her way to Lynna Village! So I came to meet her, but... Oh, what a mess! A [[Vire|red monster]] appeared right before my eyes and carried Zelda off! It flew toward the [[Black Tower|tower]]... What am I to do? Link, Zelda is a symbol of hope for the world! If anything happens to her, all hope will be lost! You must save Zelda! Please, Link, you must find a way to save Zelda!|[[Impa]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref> The rescue of the Princess plays out like the original Donkey Kong game with Vire as Donkey Kong, Princess Zelda as Pauline, and Link as Jumpman (Mario). After she is saved, she will give Link the {{Sec|Magic Ring|Blue Joy Ring}}.
 
 
====Sea of Storms====
 
Ina Linked Game, the entrance to the [[Sea of Storms]] appears in the present instead of the past, as the [[Piratians]] are met in the present in a Linked ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]''.
 
 
===''Oracle of Seasons'' Events===
 
====Queen Ambi's Love====
 
[[File:Ambi.png|80px|left]][[File:CaptainArt.png|80px|right]]
 
In a Linked ''Oracle of Seasons'', the storyline brought up but never completed in ''Oracle of Ages'' of [[Queen Ambi|Queen Ambi's]] long lost lover is concluded.<ref>{{Cite|Queen Ambi had a boyfriend--a seafaring man. But he set sail one day and never came back. She's building a tall tower so she can search the lands for any sign of his return. It's called Ambi's Tower. It was a touching tale...|A Villager in [[Lynna City|Lynna Village]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref> After clearing the [[Ancient Ruins]], Queen Ambi will be at the Samasa Desert entrance. Nayru sent her there by her request.<ref>{{Cite|Why, Link! What brings you here? I asked Nayru to send me on an eye- opening journey to different lands and different ages! Traveling alone is difficult, but it is one of a queen's many roles. However... This [[Holodrum]] is a strange place. The seasons here are so fickle. It must surely bring hardship to the people... |[[Queen Ambi]]|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref> She is looking for her long lost love. <ref>{{Cite|As I stand here watching the sea, I recall him. Yes, that seafaring man. But a child like you wouldn't understand my feelings.|[[Queen Ambi]]|Oracle of Seasons]]}}</ref> Her lover is the Piratain [[Captain]].<ref>{{Cite|Cap'n got a special someone he can't forget. What's more, she's said to be the [[Queen Ambi|queen]] of some [[Labrynna|great land]].|A [[Piratians|Piratian]]|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Ambi??? Nay, 'tis I that must be dreamin'!!! I never thought we'd meet again after so long! Even now, when I think of our parting, it pains my heart. Though many years 'ave gone by since then, you are as beautiful as ever... Ambi... I would stay 'ere with you if I could, but...sniff! Oh, Ambi!|[[Captain]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref> Ambi says she understands why he can't stay and that she will be waiting whenever he returns.<ref>{{Cite|You need not explain--I understand. You are a seafaring man and cannot live your life on land... So I shall be your port of call, waiting always for your return!|[[Queen Ambi]]|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref> Apparently the Captain originally vanished in Ambi's time because he and his crew got trapped in the [[Sea of Storms]] in the course of his exploration and could not get out. <ref>{{Cite|Sailin' the seas is every man's dream! It was great to so gallantly sail off to me dreams... But we got stuck in this Sea o' Storms and can't get out! Har! Ye've got the Zora's Scale sea charm! Aye, that could calm this Sea o' Storms! 'Ow about you give me that Zora's Scale!|Piratian [[Captain]]|Oracle of Ages}}</ref>
 
{{clear}}
 
 
====Great Moblin====
 
[[File:Great_Moblin2.gif|right]]
 
After clearing [[Snake's Remains]], Impa will be worried out of her mind for the safety of [[Princess Zelda]] and will ask Link to find her.<ref>{{Cite|It's t-terrible, Link! Ze-ze-ze... Zelda has left the castle in Hyrule without any guard and is on her way here! This homing pigeon told me! Please try to find Zelda! Please! I'll look in town. You look up north.|[[Impa]]|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref> After going north a short distance, Link will run into the [[Great Moblin]] and his thugs attempting to rob and kidnap [[Princess Zelda]].<ref>{{Cite|Such fine clothes... You must be a high-class girl! Rupees, jewels, everything! Give me your valuables!|[[Great Moblin]]|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref>. After seeing Link, the Great Moblin complains about how he must have followed him from Labrynna to harass him and then challenges Link to a fight.<ref>{{Cite|You... You're that boy! Don't tell me you followed me all the way from [[Labrynna]] to a place like this! You mean to stop me, don't you!?! I won't let you! I'll crush you this time! Take this!|[[Great Moblin]]|Oracle of Seasons}}</ref> Fighting off the Great Moblin will earn Link the {{Sec|Magic Ring|Blue Joy Ring}}.
 
 
===Hero's Cave===
 
In both games there is a Hero's Cave which plays a minor part in the original storylines for each game but when playing a linked version becomes unnecessary to the plot. Instead they are converted into expansive, but optional, dungeons for Link to explore and conquer. Both require late-game items to complete and they give Link an exclusive reward for completing them. The ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]'' Hero's Cave gives Link the {{Sec|Magic Ring|Power Ring L-3}}, and the ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]'' Hero's Cave gives Link the {{Sec|Magic Ring|Armor Ring L-3}}.
 
 
{{clear}}
 
 
 
==Timeline Placement==
 
{{Theory}}
 
The [[Timeline|chronological placement]] of the two games of the ''Oracle'' is perhaps one of the most ambiguous of [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. It is known to take place in a time when [[Ganon]] is dead and the [[Triforce]] is united in [[Hyrule Castle]]. Therefore, the most likely chronological predecessor would be ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' (despite the fact that ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]'' is assumed to be its sequel) or ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]''.
 
It is unknown, however, if the hero in these games is or is not the same from a previous adventure, because there are contrasting elements suggesting both possibilities.
 
 
The way the two games' plots are organized presents another dilemma to a chronological placement, as the two games mirror each other (except in a [[Linked Game]], where the Oracle Series takes a linear form), and it is impossible to place one game before the other.
 
 
In the linked ending of the ''Oracle'' Series, [[Link]] is seen leaving [[Labrynna]]/[[Holodrum]] on a boat similar to the one seen in the introduction in ''Link's Awakening''. This would lead many to believe that the Oracle Series is followed by ''Link's Awakening'', the title widely considered to be the successor of ''A Link to the Past'' thanks to a prologue in the ''Link's Awakening'' game manual. Thus, the ''Oracle'' Series would be placed between ''A Link to the Past'' and ''Link's Awakening''. There is no other evidence supporting this unconfirmed theory. However, the possibility for another placement of ''Link's Awakening'' in the timeline is supported by a statement made by [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] in an interview with Nintendo Power prior to the release of the ''Oracle'' series. In this interview, Miyamoto mentions mentions that it is "not very clear where Link's Awakening fits in".<ref>{{cite person|name=Shigeru Miyamoto|quote=It's not very clear where Link's Awakening fits in--it could be anytime after Ocarina of Time.|url=http://www.miyamotoshrine.com/theman/interviews/111998.shtml|title=1998 Nintendo Power Interview}}</ref>
 
 
If ''Link's Awakening'' does not follow ''A Link to the Past'' in the timeline, the ''Oracle'' series would be the most likely candidate.
 
 
It is worth noting that in the [[Zelda Timeline|Split Timeline]], a popular timeline theory, ''Oracle of Ages'' and ''Oracle of Seasons'' are often placed at the exact same points on the two separate branches of the timeline, due to their parallel storylines. However, this bit of speculation does not take into consideration the Linked Game plot.
 
 
==General Reception==
 
===Sales===
 
Both ''Oracle of Ages'' and ''Oracle of Seasons'' were commercially successful, each selling almost 4 million copies worldwide.<ref>[http://www.rpgamer.com/news/japan/rp033104.html RPGamer - Japandemonium - Xenogears vs. Tetris]</ref>
 
 
===Reviews===
 
Both titles of the ''Oracle'' series were commonly given identical scores in critical reviews, both receiving a 9.2 out of 10 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 perfect 10/10 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> With the looming approach of the [[Game Boy Advance]], Gamespot believed that the ''Oracle'' series was "sending out the Game Boy Color with a bang".<ref name="Gamespot OoS"></ref> IGN's Chris Carle went even further, saying: "there are no two games better than Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons currently available on the system".<ref name="IGN OoA"></ref> The series was somewhat criticized for its audio. However, taking into consideration the limitations of the Game Boy Color system, it was noted to fare quite well in comparison to other titles on the system.{{Fact}} The ''Oracle'' series was praised on IGN for its vibrant-colored graphics. Due to the "panoply of hues" seen in the changing of the seasons, IGN considers ''Oracle of Seasons'' to be the more graphically impressive of the two.<ref name="IGN OoS"></ref>
 
 
Although receiving identical ratings of 5 out of 5 in the ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' magazine,<ref>[http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/472313-the-legend-of-zelda-oracle-of-ages/index.html GameRankings.com - The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages]</ref><ref>[http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/198972-the-legend-of-zelda-oracle-of-seasons/index.html GameRankings.com - The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons]</ref> ''Oracle of Seasons'' was placed before ''Oracle of Ages'' in ''Nintendo Power'''s Top 200 Games List, the former ranking 34th on the list, the latter 39th.<ref>[[Nintendo Power|Nintendo Power Magazine]] - Issue 200</ref> In August 2008, ''Nintendo Power'' ''Ages'' and ''Seasons'' were ranked fifth and fourth in ''Nintendo Power''s top [[Game Boy]] (Color) games. Together, the Oracle Series ranked 57th in the Top 100 greatest Nintendo games of all time.<ref>[http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7258/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-3/ Official Nintendo Magazine UK - 100 Best Nintendo Games]</ref>
 
 
===Fan Reception===
 
Both games of the ''Oracle'' series received positive fan reviews, maintaining identical user scores of 9.1 at Gamespot. IGN users also rank ''Oracle of Ages'' at 9.1, although ''Oracle of Seasons'' holds the slightly higher score of 9.2.
 
 
==Trivia==
 
*A majority of the graphics in the Oracle Series are recycled from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]''.
 
   
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{{Names
==References==
 
  +
|English=
<div class="references-small" style="height:175px; overflow: auto; padding: 5px">
 
  +
|Japanese=赤シャチ (''Aka Shachi'')
<references/>
 
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|Spanish=
</div>
 
  +
|Spanish(LA)=
[[Category:Games|Oracle]]
 
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|Spanish(SP)= Viejo Orca
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|French= Orco
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|German= Vadder Orca
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|Italian= Sensei Ken
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}}
 
[[Category:People]]
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[[Category:Swordsmen]]
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[[Category:Minigames]]
 
{{de}}

Revision as of 01:48, 3 March 2011

Template:Character

Orca is an elderly man who lives on Outset Island along with his older brother, Sturgeon,[1]although he doesn't have a sword, and his great-nice, Sue-Belle, who live upstairs. Orca is an accomplished swordsman,[2] and will teach Link the way of the sword.[3] Orca will also give Link the Hero's Sword,[4] his first weapon of the game.

Biography

Link and Orca

Link and Orca bowing to each other before sparring.

Although they live in the same home, Orca and Sturgeon hardly get along and have almost nothing in common. Much unlike his brother, Orca has a very calm disposition: whereas Sturgeon prefers to spend the day expanding his knowledge,[5] Orca prefers to study the art of fighting.[6] As such, Orca is often called a "hooligan" by his brother.[1][7]

In his youth, Orca set out with his brother on an arduous quest to collect ten Knight's Crests, which would allow them to learn a powerful new sword technique.[8][9] However, even after many long years and adventures beyond count, they were unable to even approach finding ten crests, and they grew old before their ambitions could come to fruition.[10]

Secret Technique

Before Link returns to Outset, he receives a letter from Orca telling him that if he wants to become a true swordsman, he must collect some Knight's Crests and bring them to him.[11] If Link brings presents 10 Knight Crests to Orca, he will teach Link the technique that he and Sturgeon was never able to master: The Hurricane Spin. Once Link masters it, Orca will drop his spear and cry out of joy, saying Link has made their long-held dream come true.[12] Orca will then say that there is no longer anything left for him to teach Link.[13] He expresses his certainty that Link will be successful in his quest to save Aryll and bring her home to Outset Island.[14]

Training Minigame

Upon his return to Outset Island, if Link visits Orca, he will tell him that Link has changed since he left.[15] Orca will ask Link to show him how much his skills have improved.[16] If Link accepts, a mini-game will begin in which Link must strike Orca as many times as he can before Orca strikes him three times.[17] At the beginning of the battle, Orca will taunt Link, saying that his skills with the sword are still at the level of a mere page.[18] If Link hits him 100 times, he will rise to the rank of "knight,"[19] and Orca will reward him with a purple Rupee. 300 hits makes Link a swordsman,[20] and an orange Rupee is the reward, and if he hits Orca 500 times before he hits him three times, Link will receive a Piece of Heart. If the young hero manages to hit Orca 999 times, he will say that Link has surpassed him, and from that point he calls him Master Link.[21] Link will also receive a silver Rupee.

Trivia

  • After Link strikes Orca 1000 times he will say that he has lost count, since the counter only goes to 999, and that his arm has gone numb. He then asks: "Is your left index finger not numb, as well?"[22] referring to the prolonged use of L-Target during the battle, even though it is possible to avoid this by simply changing the targeting mode to "switch" instead of "hold."
  • If Link attacks Orca enough times (not while Orca's tutoring Link), he will knock Link to the ground, screaming at him to desist his attacks.
  • When Orca has dropped his weapon (such as when Link first shows him a Knights Crest but there is not enough to learn the hurricane spin), if Link tries to attack him, Orca will defend himself using his hands.

Gallery

Template:Refbar


TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in Other Regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
Language Name
  1. 1.0 1.1 "The hooligan I'm referring to is my younger and much less intelligent brother, who lives just downstairs..." — [[Sturgeon]] (The Wind Waker)
  2. "On the island due east of here lives an old man who was once a master swordsman." — [[Fishman]] (The Wind Waker)
  3. "Ah. Have you come for some serious instruction in the way of the sword?" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  4. "You may have it, Link. I give it freely. Take the blade with you..." — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  5. "Ah! My brother upstairs is very high-strung. His is the way of knowledge. He locks himself in his room and studies all day." — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  6. "Anyway, the only thing he DOES study is the art of fighting." — [[Sturgeon]] (The Wind Waker)
  7. "You just be sure to take the time to read it all through very carefully. If you don't, you'll surely end up like that useless hooligan of a little brother of mine who lives downstairs." — [[Sturgeon]] (The Wind Waker)
  8. "Any courageous soul who gathers ten of these crests can learn a powerful new sword technique!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  9. "Both my brother and I dreamt of learning this technique in our youth. We worked so hard to collect the crests..." — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  10. "But it took many long years and adventures beyond count before we even approached finding ten of them, and we both grew old..." — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  11. "If you wish to be a true swordsman...find some Knight's Crests! And return to me!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  12. "At last, you have made our long-held dream come true! Oh, the joyful tears... They won't stop...I thought my tears had dried up long ago." — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  13. "There is nothing left for me to teach you!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  14. "I am certain now that you will save your sister, Aryll, and bring her home to Outset!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  15. "Hmm... I do not know what you have been doing on your journey, but you seem a little more daring these days. That look in your eye is not the one you left here with." — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  16. "Very good! Show me just how much you've improved your sword skills!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  17. "Keep coming at me until I hit you three times!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  18. "If I must say so, your skills with the sword are still at the level of a page!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  19. "I guess it was wrong of me to treat you like you were still a lowly page. You are a page no more! Now you are a knight!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  20. "It was wrong of me to treat you like a child. From now on, you have my respect. I shall call you swordsman!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  21. "You have learned all I have to teach, Master Link!" — Orca (The Wind Waker)
  22. "Impressive, Link! I lost count of how many times you struck me! (...) Ah. How...pleasant. My arm feels numb. Master, is your left index finger not numb, as well?" — Orca (The Wind Waker)