This review will be a bit shorter than usual, due to the fact that there are a lot of similarities between Oracle of Ages and Seasons. Graphics and controls are largely identical, while the music has a lot of overlap, although I think Seasons has the better soundtrack, due to a few standout tracks from Seasons exclusive dungeons. I think Seasons also has a small edge in graphics, due to the new mechanic in Seasons, the Rod of Seasons, which lets you change between each of the four seasons.
Each area of the map will manifest differently depending on which season it is. In some cases, this can mean that wilted flowers turn into blooming ones that can fly you up cliffs, or that water will freeze over, enabling you to walk on it, or that vines will grow up walls, enabling you to reach new areas that you otherwise wouldn't be able to reach. This opens up a lot of gameplay possibilities in shifting between seasons, but also gives a new visualization of each area depending on seasons. In ages, there was little visual difference between past and present, giving you little indication of which time you are in. This small flaw is fixed in Seasons, and also provides for more straightforward puzzle solving. See an indent on a wall, with an unreachable cave halfway up it? Turn it to summer! See some rock mushrooms that you need to get out of your way? Turn it to fall! The use of seasons is both visually appealing, and provides for a rewarding, yet simple interface to access new areas and find secrets.
Seasons is also designed to be much more about action and combat than is Ages. While there were several bosses against whom you couldn't even use your sword in Ages, bosses are a bit more about reflex and hack and slashing in Seasons, rather than strategy. Dungeons are also a bit more straight forward, having fewer brain-bending puzzles. Neither approach is really "superior", as both are done well, but I enjoyed Seasons a bit more due to my preference against highly complex puzzles. And there are still puzzles to solve and obstacles to overcome with your brain in Seasons, just as there are hack and slash opportunities in Ages. They are really a nice complement to each other, rather than feeling like completely opposite games.
Anyway, I felt that the somewhat simpler difficulty curve in Seasons was more enjoyable than the more intellectually and technically challenging approach of Ages, so I preferred it. They are both superb games, however, and are enjoyed best one after the other. Pick up a few copies, and enjoy!
I'd give Seasons a 9.5/10.
-TRO
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