Summary
It has now been nearly 25 years since the innovative dual-release ofZelda: Oracle of SeasonsandOracle of Agesfor the Game Boy Color, and it’s arguably finally time for a trilogy. Despite launching late in the lifespan of the Game Boy Color, bothOracle of SeasonsandOracle of Agesdid very well for themselves, both critically and commercially, earning Metacritic scores of 90 and 91, respectively. This ultimately makes them some of thebest Game Boy Color gamesever made and shows their popularity amongZeldafans. However, it’s not just their popularity that qualifies them for a trilogy 25 years later.
With the recent reveal of the new Nintendo Switch 2 and what Nintendo has been accomplishing lately for theLegend of Zeldaseries, there is justifiable evidence to suggest now is the right time for aZelda: Oracletrilogy. While the dual-release format and password/link cable system ofOracle of SeasonsandOracle of Agesultimately benefited from them being only two games, there is still plenty of room for a third game in that scene, especially considering theZelda: Oraclegames were originally conceived as a trilogy, the two games left Farore out of the mix, and the upcoming Switch 2 hardware could do aZelda: Oracleremake right.
Why It’s Time for a Zelda: Oracle Trilogy
The Zelda: Oracle Games Were Originally Conceived as a Trilogy
Interestingly enough and possibly unbeknownst to some, theZelda: Oraclegames were originally conceived as a trilogy. Initially, the interconnectedOraclegames were meant to revolve around the three Golden Goddesses: Din (Power), Nayru (Wisdom), and Farore (Courage). Unfortunately,Capcom and Nintendoencountered some technical limitations with the Game Boy Color that prevented them from developing the trilogy, with Farore being confined to a supportive role that helped with the password-based link system betweenOracle ofAgesandOracle ofSeasons.
The most ambitious feature of theZelda: Oraclegames was their linked gameplay system, where completing one game would influence the story and events of the next. However, the Game Boy Color simply didn’t have the memory capable of coordinating that many outcomes across three games.
Zelda Could Remake Ages/Seasons and Introduce a Third Entry Based on Farore
Fast-forward to today, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is preparing to launch, along with its updated hardware that is competitive with other consoles. If Nintendo were to finally make theZelda: Oraclegames a trilogy, the Nintendo Switch 2 would therefore be a great excuse to remakeOracle of AgesandOracle of Seasons. The developer has already experimented withZeldaremakes, like theLink’s Awakeningremake, and it could easily do that again with theOraclegames and then release a new Farore entry alongside them.
Additionally, there is still a narrative and thematic need for anOracleentry based on Farore. Firstly, Din and Nayru are an incomplete representation of the Triforce, one of the most iconic symbols of theLegend of Zeldaseries. Secondly, an entry based on Farore could feature new gameplay and environmental mechanics that weren’t inOracle of AgesandOracle of Seasons. For example,Oracle of Seasonsrevolved aroundseason-based world changes, whereasOracle of Agesinvolved time travel across different eras. A third game based on Farore could introduce courage-based gameplay mechanics and potentially bringing life back to a dead world.
If Nintendo were to finally make theZelda: Oraclegames a trilogy, the Nintendo Switch 2 would therefore be a great excuse to remakeOracle of AgesandOracle of Seasons.
With Nintendo now bringing in its best-performing hardware yet, there has never been a better time for theZelda: Oraclesaga to finally realize the vision of a trilogy that was originally planned. A full trilogy wouldn’t just allow Farore to take the stage once and for all, but it would also invite newcomers to experience some of thebestZeldagamesever made in a modern way.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
WHERE TO PLAY
A Hero for all SeasonsThe land of Holodrum is slowly withering. Onox, the General of Darkness, has imprisoned the Oracle of Seasons and is draining the very life out of the land. With the seasons in tumult and the forces of evil running rampant, the world looks for a hero…and finds Link. His quest won’t be easy-he’ll have to master the seasons themselves if he’s to turn back the evil tide.• Wield the Rod of Seasons! Changes in weather open new paths and reveal hidden mysteries!• Use tons of items! Link will master new items like Mystical Seeds and over 60Magical Rings as well as classic tools like Roc’s Feather and the Power Bracelet.• Link gets reinforcements! Fly, swim and jump to new heights with all-new characters like Moosh the winged bear, Ricky the marsupial, and Dimitri the Dodongo!
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
There’s an all new adventure in the world of Hyrule with The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons for the Game Boy Color.The land of Holodrum is slowly withering. Onox, the General of Darkness, has imprisoned the Oracle of Seasons and is draining the very life out of the land. With the seasons in tumult and the forces of evil running rampant, the world looks for a hero…and finds Link. His quest won’t be easy–he’ll have to master the seasons themselves if he’s to turn back the evil tide.Wield the Rod of Seasons! Changes in weather open new paths and reveal hidden mysteries! Use tons of items! Link will master items like Mystical Seeds and over 60 Magical Rings, as well as classic tools like Roc’s Feather and the Power Bracelet. Link gets reinforcements! Fly, swim, and jump with characters like Moosh the winged bear, Ricky the marsupial, and Dimitri the Dodongo!
