"The more puzzle-oriented game in this incredible series."

Let me start by saying that this game is simply incredible, and anyone who owns a Game Boy Color MUST have it! When I reserved this game, I had my doubts and worries that it wouldn't be as good as Link's Awakening DX, the game that, before these two, was IMO the reigning champion among GBC games. Well, after playing the game for barely an hour, I knew that my worries were for nothing. There are two main reasons I feel these games are so good: 1. Because there are so many new features and innovative ideas added to make them more than just your average Zelda game. Aside from the obvious different dungeons, plot, worlds, characters, etc., you collect 'magic rings', which, once 'appraised', become powerful rings that you can wear to use their powers. (Example: There is a 'Roc's Ring', which makes it so that cracked floors don't crumble under you and you can stand on them for as long as you want). As expected, rings differ in value of abilities. There are 64 rings in total, and this new feature adds incredible depth and replay value to some already awesome gameplay. There are also 3 different animals, Ricky, Moosh and Dimitri, who each have their own abilities and you must befriend and gain the aid of to make it through your quest. Depending on how you play the game, you will get the Flute of one of these animals so that you can call them and use them whenever you please. 2. Probably the one thing I love best about these games: The Password System. This has got to be the most unique, innovative idea I have EVER seen in a video game. How it works is: When you beat one of the two games in the series (You can play either first), you get a password, which you can input to the other game when you start your file to continue the two-part quest, and beat the REAL enemies of the series in the end. Also, you will get passwords from certain people in one game, which you must give to the correct person in the OTHER game to get various secret items and upgrades, exclusive to passwording. You can then TRANSFER the password back to the original game using Farore, the Oracle of Secrets, to get the upgrade in the other game as well. It may sound confusing, but once you understand it, you'll find it's really a fun process.

Story: 10/10
In this game, Link is teleported to the land of Labrynna, where Nayru, the Oracle of Ages is soon captured and has her body taken over by Veran, evil sorceress of Shadows, and you must collect the Eight Essences of Time. Only when you near the end do you realize how much more there really is to this plot, and that you must continue the quest to defeat the real bosses and get the real ending in the other game, Oracle of Seasons. You do this, as already mentioned, using a password.

Gameplay: 10/10
Like LA and its counterpart, the game is blessed with rich, unique, solid gameplay that you just can't find anywhere else but in a Zelda game. New and improved dungeons and weaponry, and some new and old bosses, as fun as ever. The gameplay here doesn't disappoint.

Graphics: 10/10
We really can't expect much more than this from the GBC, people. Excellent color, sprites, everything is beautiful. There are even some very nice cut-scenes (or still images, but whatever) throughout the game.

Music: 10/10
Very, very cool music. Catchy and mood-fitting, it doesn't get much better than this. Added to the fact that the music is actually GOOD, you'll most likely find that you personally enjoy it as well.

Replay Value: 10/10
Just like Seasons, this is where the game/s really shine. As I already said, this is mainly because of the new features like magic rings and the passwording system. Aside from that, the games are so good that I'm sure you'll want to play through them again, and again, and maybe even again! They'll last a looong time, that much is certain.

Buy or Rent?
Just buy it! If you own GBC, you should also own this game that's one of the few that really make the system. Rent it if you're still not sure, but I can almost guarantee that'll be a waste of money, because you'll end up buying it anyway.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/29/01, Updated 05/29/01