New Zelda: Oracles gameplay information

[02.23.01] » Nintendo hints at Game Boy Color titles' secrets and sidequests.

   With the Japanese release of The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages just four days away, Nintendo has released a slew of new details on some of the minor events players can expect to encounter.

   Several classic Zelda elements have been confirmed as returning in the new titles. As in nearly every Zelda game, Link can restore his health by uncovering faerie fountains. The item-trading sequence from the more recent Zelda games will make yet another appearance in the Oracle games. The trading sequence will be consistent between the two games, so Link can collect items in one game and trade them off in the second.

   New gameplay elements are due to appear as well. Planting Gacha Seeds in rough dirt will later yield fruit-bearing trees. The trees grow different kind of fruits with different powers depending on where they were planted and what actions Link has taken elsewhere. Link's behavior will also affect which of dozens of magic rings he earns. Equipping these rings bestows Link with various useful powers; they're also one of the few items that can be transferred from one adventure to the other.

   The Oracle games will include new ways to earn items. At certain points in the adventure, the music will change and Maple the witch will fly by. Bumping into her triggers an "item competition" mini-game; if Link wins the competition, he'll earn a special item. Both games will also feature a hidden shop that can only be found if the cartridge is being played on a Game Boy Advance.

   Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Zelda: Oracle of Ages are both due out February 27th in Japan, with North American releases to follow in May.