《薩爾達傳說：神秘果實 時空之章》（The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages）是任天堂與Capcom合作開發，於2001年發行在Game Boy Color上的動作冒險遊戲。作為《薩爾達傳說》系列的一部分，與同時發行的《神秘果實 大地之章》（Oracle of Seasons）共同構成互動式的雙版本冒險，但也可以作為單獨遊戲體驗。

故事發生在名為拉布倫娜（Labrynna）的魔幻王國。林克受女神三角力量的召喚，來到這個國度，並很快捲入一場威脅整個世界的陰謀。邪惡女巫貝蘭（Veran）利用時光之力，附身在拉布倫娜的保護者—時空巫女奈魯（Nayru）的身上，改變過去，導致王國陷入混亂。必須穿梭於過去與現在兩個時代，修復被扭曲的歷史，並最終擊敗薩拉，拯救奈魯和拉布倫娜。

在冒險的過程中，要集齊八個重要道具，分別隱藏在不同的迷宮中。每個迷宮都需要解決一系列謎題並擊敗守護的首領。這些徽章是封印邪惡女巫最終力量的關鍵。

延續《薩爾達傳說》系列的傳統，即結合解謎、探索、戰鬥與道具使用。以俯視角控制林克，在迷宮與廣大的拉布倫娜世界中穿梭。最大特色是時光旅行，使用「時光之琴（Harp of Ages）」在現在與過去之間切換。改變一個時代的事件會影響另一個時代，例如在過去種下一棵樹，會讓它在現在成為通路或道具的來源。這樣的機制為解謎與探索增添深度。

可以收集各種道具，包括經典的「迴旋鏢」與「炸彈」，以及全新引入的道具如「種子發射器（Seed Shooter）」和「交換手套（Switch Hook）」。這些道具不僅用於戰鬥，還在解謎中扮演關鍵角色。

遊戲中充滿個性鮮明的NPC，可以接取支線任務，幫助解決他們的問題，從而獲得重要道具或信息。例如，交換任務鏈是經典的支線活動，完成後可獲得強大的物品。有八個主要迷宮，每個迷宮都設計精巧，充滿多層次的謎題、隱藏房間和強力的首領戰鬥。迷宮的設計以時間和空間的互動為核心，例如需要同時在過去與現在完成某些條件才能進入特定房間。迷宮中的謎題難度逐漸提升，許多需要玩家充分利用時光之琴和特殊道具。例如，某些迷宮中的移動平台只有在特定時代才存在，而要在兩個時代之間來回切換以解決路徑問題。每個迷宮的首領都有獨特的攻擊模式，擊敗它們需要玩家快速反應和善用道具。

《時空之章》與《大地之章》之間有密切的聯動。通過密碼系統或連接線，可以將兩部遊戲的存檔互通，解鎖額外內容，包括新的劇情片段、強力道具以及最終隱藏的最終首領戰。這種雙版本的設計大大增強重玩價值與深度。

《時空之章》發行後受到玩家和媒體的一致好評。評論者讚揚遊戲深刻的劇情、創新的時光機制和精巧的關卡設計，認為它是Game Boy Color上最出色的動作冒險遊戲之一。遊戲的畫面表現也被高度評價，色彩鮮明且充分發揮Game Boy Color的硬體潛能。

儘管遊戲的謎題設計受到推崇，但其高難度也讓部分玩家感到挑戰頗大。對於新手來說，時光旅行與雙版本系統需要花時間適應。然而，對於喜歡動作冒險和解謎的玩家來說，《時空之章》提供豐富且令人滿意的遊戲體驗。

遊戲的成功也鞏固《薩爾達傳說》系列在掌上型主機市場的地位。這部作品與《大地之章》的互動概念被認為是任天堂與Capcom合作的典範，為後續遊戲的創新提供靈感。

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages is an action-adventure game developed by Nintendo in collaboration with Capcom and released for the Game Boy Color in 2001. As part of The Legend of Zelda series, it was launched alongside its counterpart, Oracle of Seasons. While the two games are interconnected and designed for a linked experience, they can also be enjoyed as standalone adventures.

Story Overview

The story takes place in the magical kingdom of Labrynna. Link, guided by the divine power of the Triforce, arrives in this land and quickly becomes entangled in a sinister plot threatening its very existence. The villainous sorceress Veran exploits the power of time by possessing Nayru, the Oracle of Ages and protector of Labrynna. Through this possession, Veran alters the past, plunging the kingdom into chaos.

To restore balance, Link must traverse both the past and present, correcting distorted histories and undoing Veran's influence. The journey requires him to collect eight essential relics, each hidden within a unique dungeon, as these items are key to sealing Veran's ultimate power. Along the way, Link unravels the kingdom's mysteries, rescues Nayru, and confronts Veran to save Labrynna.

Gameplay and Features

Oracle of Ages carries forward the Zelda series' iconic blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, combat, and clever use of items. Played from a top-down perspective, players control Link as he navigates through dungeons and the expansive overworld of Labrynna. The standout mechanic is the use of time travel, enabled by the "Harp of Ages." This magical instrument allows Link to switch between the past and present, adding depth to the puzzles and exploration.

Changes made in one era directly impact the other. For instance, planting a tree in the past may cause it to grow in the present, opening new paths or providing vital resources. This time-based interplay enhances both the complexity and creativity of the gameplay.

Items and Tools

Players can collect a variety of items, including classic tools like the Boomerang and Bombs, as well as new additions such as:

Seed Shooter: Used for long-range attacks and solving puzzles.

Switch Hook: Allows Link to swap places with objects, enabling unique interactions and puzzle solutions.

These items are not only essential for combat but also play crucial roles in overcoming environmental challenges.

NPCs and Side Quests

Labrynna is populated with colorful and memorable NPCs who offer side quests. Helping these characters often yields critical items or information. One notable side activity is the trading quest chain, a hallmark of the series. Completing it rewards players with powerful upgrades or rare items.

Dungeons and Puzzles

The game features eight main dungeons, each carefully designed with intricate puzzles, hidden rooms, and formidable boss battles. The dungeons revolve around time and space mechanics, challenging players to think across two eras to progress.

For example, some dungeons include moving platforms that exist only in one era, requiring players to switch between timelines to create paths. As the game progresses, the difficulty of puzzles escalates, demanding strategic use of the Harp of Ages and specialized tools. Boss battles are another highlight, with each boss presenting unique attack patterns and requiring specific strategies and item usage to defeat.

Interconnection with Oracle of Seasons

One of the game's defining features is its interconnection with Oracle of Seasons. Using a password system or a link cable, players can transfer their save data between the two games. This unlocks additional content, such as exclusive story segments, enhanced equipment, and access to the hidden final boss. This dual-game concept significantly boosts the replay value and provides a more comprehensive narrative experience.

Reception and Legacy

Oracle of Ages received widespread acclaim upon its release. Critics praised its compelling story, innovative time-travel mechanics, and intricate dungeon design, often hailing it as one of the finest action-adventure games on the Game Boy Color. The graphics were also highly regarded, with vibrant colors and detailed pixel art that pushed the capabilities of the handheld console.

However, the game’s puzzles, while celebrated for their ingenuity, were noted for their challenging difficulty. Some players, especially newcomers, found the time-travel mechanics and dual-game system a bit overwhelming at first. Nonetheless, for fans of action-adventure and puzzle-solving, Oracle of Ages offered a rich and rewarding experience.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The success of Oracle of Ages cemented the Zelda series' prominence on handheld platforms. Together with Oracle of Seasons, the game demonstrated the creative potential of Nintendo and Capcom’s collaboration. Its dual-game concept and inventive mechanics inspired future titles and remain a standout example of innovation in gaming history.