Unraveling the Unique Distinctions Between Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons

Highlights

Playing the games in any sequence unlocks additional content and a new ending, making it important for new players to remember. In a surprising announcement, Nintendo recently announced that two new Game Boy classics, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracles of Seasons, will be added to Nintendo Switch Online. These games were originally released on the handheld console on the same day in 2001. With the recently released Tears of the Kingdom already two months old, fans are excited to have more The Legend of Zelda adventures available on Nintendo Switch.

Oracle of Ages and Seasons: Different Narrative and Theme

Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, as indicated by their names, deal with distinct themes and occurrences. In Oracle of Seasons, the protagonist, Link, is summoned by the Triforce and finds himself ensnared in a foreboding forest. It is in this forest that he encounters a troupe of dancers led by Din. However, their reunion is promptly disrupted when the malevolent Onox abducts Din and locks her away, resulting in a maelstrom of erratic seasons across the land. Determined to restore equilibrium, Link spring into action, vowing to vanquish Onox and restore harmony to the world.

Oracle of Ages and Seasons: Different Villains and Gameplay

In Ages, Link finds himself in a mystical forest where he encounters Nayru. Their meeting is abruptly interrupted when the wicked sorceress Veran possesses Nayru, disrupting the flow of time. To rectify this unfortunate situation, Link embarks on a time-traveling adventure, journeying through both the past and the present. His mission is to gather the essences of light and put an end to Veran's malevolent schemes. Interestingly, there exists a chronological order between these two Zelda titles, with Seasons often regarded as occurring prior to Ages. Upon completing either game, players are provided with a code which can be inputted into the other game to unlock additional content and discover a new ending. Therefore, it is highly recommended for new players to fully immerse themselves in both experiences.

The strength of a hero relies heavily on the caliber of their adversary, and both Oracle of Ages and Seasons boast two distinct antagonists. Onox emerges as a formidable menace, dwarfing Link with his imposing, colossal armor. However, to everyone's surprise, Onox's armor conceals his true form—a colossal dragon—making his presence even more awe-inspiring.

Veran, however, possesses a mystical essence and wields magical attacks, similar to Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Throughout the quest, she maintains a constant presence, lurking in the shadows much like Skull Kid in Majora's Mask. In her final form, she undergoes a dramatic transformation into a colossal demonic fairy. It is worth noting that both villains share a hidden allegiance to Twinrova, a fact that is revealed only by utilizing the aforementioned code to link both experiences.

Furthermore, the gameplay and structure of both games differ significantly. Oracle of Seasons leans more towards action, featuring numerous combat scenarios and swordplay throughout the adventure. This aspect evokes the classic NES entries, with a straightforward approach that includes some familiar boss battles and level designs. On the other hand, Oracle of Ages takes a more puzzle-centric approach to gameplay. The game is brimming with mind-bending challenges and intricately designed dungeons that rival the best the series has to offer.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are available on Game Boy and Nintendo Switch Online.