The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

"Another Good 2-D Zelda"

Introduction

This game will remind you a lot of the 2-d classics on the super nintendo and the original Nintendo game systems. The graphics are about the same as A Link to the past and the game can get very addicting with fun combat, good story, and just an overall fun and enjoyable game.

Gameplay

The game has 7 dungeons in all and some of them have some brain-teasing puzzles, but you will be able to get past them without much trouble. There are some challenging parts in the game, but it's mostly pretty easy. After you have beaten a dungeon the Maku Tree will tell you where to go next and what compass direction it is at. The combat is pretty simple and most enemies will go down with a few sword slashes. Some enemies need to be killed by a specific item, but the combat is mostly simplistic. The boss enemies all need a certain strategy to be defeated, but they mostly just follow one pattern the whole time you are fighting them with the exception of a couple of bosses. There are also a couple of throwback bosses from some older Zelda titles. There are still a ton of items for you to use to destroy your enemies and to solve puzzles. Your sword and shield can be upgraded as well as a couple of other equipment items. The overworld is massive with all kinds of terrain to explore and people for you to meet. Once you meet a character, you will never forget them because they are all so unique. There are also a lot of people for you to help which will usually result in you getting a reward. Overall this game has good gameplay that will keep you playing for a while. The people can also be a lot of help too. If you talk to them they will usually give you hints to solve puzzle or point you in the right direction. There are also tons of mini games for you to do throughout the game. Most of the mini games will give you a heart piece or some other prize, but some are necessary to beat the game. Some of them are frustrating and will make you want to beat your head against the wall, nut they are not impossible.

Graphics

The graphics are the least important thing especially for a Game boy Color title. Since this is for the Game boy color, the graphics aren't eye-popping, but you can make out what everything is. The enemies, bosses and environments are well-detailed. Like I said, the graphics do not mean anything, but they get the job done.

Sound

For a Game Boy game this one has some good music, but as you might expect, the sound effects just don't sound realistic at all, but you can turn the volume down thank god and not have to listen to the little beeps that you get when you hit somebody.

Story

When the game starts, you will meet an Oracle by the name of Nayru. For some reason, she was a goddess in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. She gets kidnapped by the Sorceress of Shadow: Veran. Veran then possess Nayru to go back to the past and kill all of the citizens and cast the world into shadow. It is up to Link to stop her. She also manipulates Queen Ambi to make the men of the town work non stop until her tower, also called the black tower, reaches the heavens so Veran can begin her age of Shadow.

Replay Value

As is the case with all Zeldas, this game has tons of replay value. There are people to meet and help all over the gigantic overworld. Not to mention all of the heart pieces and rings that are scattered around for you to find. When you beat the game, you will be given a password that you can enter into The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, to make it a true sequel, where everybody will remember you from the first game. There will also be an extra part to the story. Overall this game has good replay value that will keep you playing for a few more weeks.

Overall

Compelling gameplay, great story and characters, and great replay value make this another great Zelda game. Thank you for reading my review.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/27/06