"Finally, a Zelda game for an older audience"

Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (LoZ:OoA)... I didn't think Nintendo had the gumption. I mean, a Zelda game that ISN'T for all ages? Either hell has frozen over, or the Devil has taken over the marketing industry. Maybe it was the fact that Capcom contributed to its creation. Or, maybe (and I mean no disrespect) Mr. Shigeru Miyamoto finally looked up the word ''redundant'' and has decided to change his ways.

In any event, I am in love.

Though, that's not really saying much--considering I've been a fan of the series since base line--but this is a much needed breath of fresh air. Over its 15-some year history, Zelda has only revised its concepts and ideas, never actually reinventing them. Yes, it was amazing what The Legend of Zelda first brought to video gaming. The battery back-up that actually SAVED your game, as opposed to remembering an infinite digit password. It was one of the first games to introduce the item inventory, where you could actually collect and store things. Link actually became stronger and more efficient as the game progressed--he didn't just get a time-limited power-up. In short, this game has influenced (in one way or another) every single game that wasn't meant to be completed in one sitting.

But, I digress. The point is that these ideas were fresh back then. Now, after many incarnations of the series, they are starting to lose their magic. Yes, it was nifty to see Link waddle through Hyrule on a next gen system in A Link To The Past. Even more nifty was when he transcended the third dimension with (of course) The Ocarina of Time. But they never tried to do anything new with the series. The formula was simple: If a door had a lock, find a key. If the door won't open and doesn't have a lock, try killing all of the enemies in the room. Do you see a crumbling wall? A trusty bomb will take care of that. Of course, I'm leaving out a lot, but all-in-all, that was the extent of it.

What makes LoZ:OoA so unique, is that its demographic isn't targeted at everyone. Little Billy will not be able to get through this game. Its puzzles use the basic elements of Zelda, yes, but HOW they're used is what makes it so difficult--and what makes it so brilliant. Many games try to pawn off the difficult factor by making their puzzles obscure, or vague. Often times, they'll waste a lot of walking ground as you wonder aimlessly looking for this or that. Not the case here. The puzzles are self-contained and staring you right in the face, which makes them all the more challenging. I even have a feeling that the makers researched the human condition before making this game. Because for every three intricate puzzles there is one that is so easy and obvious that you'll spend hours looking for the ''trick'' when there isn't one to find. A little slap in the face for people who are too sure of themselves.

Now, as with all my reviews, let's break it down:

Graphics: 10/10

I don't ask that graphics be perfect to get a 10. I only ask that they show me something I can't see in everyday life. Something that broadens the imagination. This game has it, as all Zelda games have had it. No complaints here.

Sound: 9/10

While it contains the classic Zelda hymns, the monotonic limitations of the Gameboy take it down a notch.

Gameplay: 10/10

With only two buttons, you will constantly be going to the inventory screen to switch items. But, it's more than worth it when it comes to playability that's this playable (I cannot believe I just wrote that). This game requires logic, patterns, and lateral thinking to complete it. You don't have to be brilliant, but you do have to be rational. Very satisfying when compared the hack-n'-slash formula plaguing 99% of games made today. I'll take intelligence over gunplay any day of the week.

Story: 10/10

Link must save Naryu from Vernan. This is, of course, just a retread of save Zelda from Ganon. It's enough to set up a premise and deliver. But, unlike the other games in the series, this one doesn't become repetitious. I usually lost interest about two dungeons before these games were completed. What's wonderful about this one is that it's always introducing something new, making your interest rise, and never letting it peak.

Replayability: 7/10

You will definitely pat yourself on the shoulder every time you figure out a puzzle for yourself (and not surrendering to a FAQ, like I know many do). But, once you know the solution, will you really want to solve it again? Doubtful.

Conclusion: 10/10

LoZ:OoA doesn't pretend to be anything more than it is. It's about pure gameplay for a more adult audience. It favors conflict over the mind, which I know is a turn-off for some, but definitely a welcome for me. It is a wonderful game that comes in a strong second to The Ocarina of Time--which, as we all know, can never be dethroned. I think I approve of this game even more because I grew up on Zelda, and this entry proves that the series is becoming more sophisticated as we both get older--almost as if it were welcoming me into adulthood. Much appreciated.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/15/01, Updated 07/15/01