The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages: Difference between revisions

:''This article is about the game. For other uses, see [[Oracle of Ages (Disambiguation)]].''

{{Game

|image= [[File:OoA Logo.png|300px]]<br>[[File:Oracleofages.jpg|300px|Oracle of Ages US Boxart]]

|designer= Hidemaro Fujibayashi (director)<br>Noritaka Funamizu (producer)<br>Minako Adachi (sound composer)<br>KYOPI (sound composer)

|released= '''Game Boy Color'''<br>{{release|na= May 14, 2001<ref>{{Cite book|quote='''NORTH AMERICAN EDITION'''<br>Release Date: May 14, 2001<br>Console: Game Boy Color|book=A&A|page=377}}</ref>|jp= February 27, 2001<ref>{{Cite book|quote='''JAPANESE EDITION'''<br>Release Date: February 27, 2001<br>Console: Game Boy Color|book=A&A|page=377}}</ref>|eu= October 5, 2001|aus= October 5, 2001}}<br>'''Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console'''<br>{{release|na= 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>|eu= 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> |aus= 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> |kr=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>}}

|ratings={{List

  |{{Game Rating|ESRB|E}}

  |{{Game Rating|ELSPA|3+}}

  |{{Game Rating|CB|G8+|release=GBA}}

  |{{Game Rating|CB|PG|release=3DS}}

  |{{Game Rating|USK|0}}

|platforms= [[Game Boy Color]], [[Nintendo 3DS]] Virtual Console

'''''The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages''''' is one of two {{TLoZ|Series|-}} 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.

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 book|quote=The games were complete adventures individually, but players also could link up the games and transfer secret items and information between them to unlock new items, abilities, and a hidden ending featuring Ganon!|book=Phantom Hourglass Official Game Guide|publisher=Prima Games|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.  

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"/>

[[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 [[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 which 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]].

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.

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).

Where {{OoS|-}} is said to center its gameplay on 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.

[[File:Oracle of Ages - Harp of Ages.png|left|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 {{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 it still sturdy in the past; a tree that is a mere sapling grows to its full height in the present.

[[File:Farore Oracle.png|right|100px|Farore, Oracle of Secrets]]

[[File:Unappraised Ring.png|left|An unappraised ring.]]

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]].

[[File:OoX Gasha Seed Sprite.png|left]]

[[File:Zeldacourage.jpg|thumb|right|The cancelled ''Mystical Seed of Courage'' logo]]

{{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>

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 for 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>

According to {{E}}, {{OoA|-}} takes place after {{OoS}}, which directly follows {{ALttP}} and {{LA}}. Prior to {{E|-}}, {{OoA|-}} and {{OoS|-}} were situated between {{ALttP|-}} and {{LA|-}}. All four games feature the same incarnation of Link.

In both the noncanon [[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.

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.{{When}} 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==

<!-- NOTICE: To update completion records, please edit the Speedrun Records article (http://zeldawiki.org/Speedrun_Records). This table will automatically be updated with the records on that page. -->  

{{#section:Speedrun Records|OOA}}

|}

===[[Places in Oracle of Ages|Places]]===

{{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|-}} specifically was praised by IGN and Gamespot for its difficulty in terms of its challenging, "head-straching" 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 of 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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[[Category:2D games]]