Summary
- Zelda: Oracle games were planned as a trilogy with the 3 Golden Goddesses.
- Nintendo Switch 2 hardware may be ideal for reimagining the Oracle games.
- A third Oracle game could bring new gameplay mechanics and a fresh story with Farore.
It has now been nearly 25 years since the innovative dual-release of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages for the Game Boy Color, and it’s arguably finally time for a trilogy. Despite launching late in the lifespan of the Game Boy Color, both Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages did very well for themselves, both critically and commercially, earning Metacritic scores of 90 and 91, respectively. This ultimately makes them some of the best Game Boy Color games ever made and shows their popularity among Zelda fans. 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 the Legend of Zelda series, there is justifiable evidence to suggest now is the right time for a Zelda: Oracle trilogy. While the dual-release format and password/link cable system of Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages ultimately benefited from them being only two games, there is still plenty of room for a third game in that scene, especially considering the Zelda: Oracle games were originally conceived as a trilogy, the two games left Farore out of the mix, and the upcoming Switch 2 hardware could do a Zelda: Oracle remake right.
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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, the Zelda: Oracle games were originally conceived as a trilogy. Initially, the interconnected Oracle games were meant to revolve around the three Golden Goddesses: Din (Power), Nayru (Wisdom), and Farore (Courage). Unfortunately, Capcom and Nintendo encountered 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 between Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons.
The most ambitious feature of the Zelda: Oracle games 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 the Zelda: Oracle games a trilogy, the Nintendo Switch 2 would therefore be a great excuse to remake Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons. The developer has already experimented with Zelda remakes, like the Link’s Awakening remake, and it could easily do that again with the Oracle games and then release a new Farore entry alongside them.
Additionally, there is still a narrative and thematic need for an Oracle entry based on Farore. Firstly, Din and Nayru are an incomplete representation of the Triforce, one of the most iconic symbols of the Legend of Zelda series. Secondly, an entry based on Farore could feature new gameplay and environmental mechanics that weren’t in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons. For example, Oracle of Seasons revolved around season-based world changes, whereas Oracle of Ages involved 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 the Zelda: Oracle games a trilogy, the Nintendo Switch 2 would therefore be a great excuse to remake Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons.
With Nintendo now bringing in its best-performing hardware yet, there has never been a better time for the Zelda: Oracle saga 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 the best Zelda games ever made in a modern way.