By Link 2K

Plot Basics
The plot to Oracle of Seasons is remarkably similar to that of Oracle of Ages. Evil Person (Onox) kidnaps Oracle (Din), and it's up to you, as Link, to save her. The story is fairly thin on the ground until you combine it with Ages for a deep and epic quest.

Gameplay
Simple and well thought out. My only gripes are the Start menu’s clunky interface (I have the same complaint with OoA), and the fact that you have to cycle through every other season to get the one you want with the Rod of Seasons. This gets more annoying as you progress and makes every new season you earn seem like a small punishment rather than a reward.

As with OoA, the game uses the Link's Awakening engine we’ve all come to know and love. Also, compared to OoA, OoS is a little more action-heavy. This gets a little annoying at times, but it’s a small complaint.

The Oracle games have the new addition of Seeds and Rings. These bring a whole new dimension and whole new light to the Zelda series, building on the same premise as the brilliant mask system of MM. The seeds and rings have a huge range of powers and abilities, making the experience even larger than the system it’s on.

The thing I do sorely miss from OoA, though, was the beauty of the two times, which were more than just a coincidental nod towards LttP. However, the four separate seasons (which are, in essence, four very closely knit worlds) more than make up for this loss.

Graphics
Since it is a Game Boy Color game, the graphics aren’t much to look at. Slightly prettier than Link's Awakening DX and, if played on a GBA, a slightly altered colour palette. Overall, who cares? No one buys a GBC game for its graphics anymore, though I doubt anyone ever did.

Sounds
As good as it could be on the GBC. The tunes are all great, though sometimes hard to hear due to the GBC’s sound systems being crap. Remixes of classic Zelda tunes are instantly recognizable and as catchy as ever.

Atmosphere
Amazingly large and immersive, considering the GBC’s major drawbacks in this area. Everything about it draws you in and keeps you there. It took me days to have the heart to shut off my GBC.

Contribution To The Series
Too many to count. There’s the Ring system, the Seed system, the animal helpers, the expanded trade sequence, and the best one of all, the ingenious link-up system. Let’s not forget the new characters and items, too.

Overall Score
Though I prefer Ages, Seasons is too close to be considered officially “worse.” Capcom has done some amazing things with these two games, and it shows. If you don’t have them, buy them. Now.