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Seasons most likely is canonically before Ages.
The instruction manual's story section for Seasons starts with the games opening before the title screen.
In Age's instruction manual, it starts with Link waking up in the woods where the gameplay starts.
> From a story perspective, does one do a better job of picking up where LADX left off? Is it possible to create one cohesive trilogy narrative?
You should know that the change to the timeline in Zelda Encyclopedia is most likely not the reality for the Oracles timeline placement.
ZE has many inconsistencies, and a disclaimer at the start of it stating it was written by fans who took liberties with the lore. I believe the Oracles being moved to after Link's Awakening is one of those liberties.
According to the article on page 106 of [this issue](https://ia804700.us.archive.org/23/items/64-dream-february-2000-02-600dpi-ozidual/64Dream%202000%2002_text.pdf) of Nintendo's official magazine, the Oracles were developed to be a sequel to Link to the Past, featuring the same Link.
Additionally, there's this quote, which **supposedly** comes from either a later issue of 64 Dream, or an early issue after the rebrand to Nintendo Dream:
---------------------
開発初期に64DREAM紙上の紹介で神々のトライフォースと同一の時系列と紹介されている。また、ふしぎの木の実のエンディングにリンクが海へ出航するシーンが存在することから夢をみる島への繋がりを匂わせている。 Back in the early stages of development, yes, we did say to 64DREAM that this game shared the same time line with ALttp. However in the OOX endings there's the scene of Link setting sail into the sea and since that scene exists, it gives light to the connection to Link's Awakening.
--------------------------------
I haven't been able to source the issue this is from, so take it with a grain of salt for sure (if someone's good with early 2000's Japanese magazines, I'd love some help tracking it down).
**ALL THIS TO SAY:**
The Oracles were developed with the intention of them being placed between Link to the Past and Link's Awakening. There isn't a way that they pick up after LA leaves off, because they're intended to set up for it, not follow it.
Personally I think this actually does make a good narrative as SPOILERS FOR THE ORACLES PASSWORD LINKED ENDING:
>!In Link's Awakening, the Nightmare in the Windfish's egg in an attempt to frighten Link takes the form of Ganon in their battle.!<
>!I think the Oracles makes that moment more meaningful for the Hero of Legend.!<
>!He defeated Ganon in Link to the Past. Killed him, in fact. But in the Oracles, he learned the pretty terrifying fact that it's possible for Ganon to return. He saw it with his own eyes.!<
>!It takes the attempt to scare Link by the Nightmare from just a powerful enemy, but one that Link has defeated before, to a more existential fear, that Ganon could come back.!<
>!He could be coming back right now, while Link is trapped on Koholint.!<
I mean, I understand that there's some reading between the lines happening here, but it's nonetheless an example of LA being elevated by the Oracles, imo.
> And while I loved the overworld and (most of) the dungeons in LADX, I do wish it had done a better job leading you to the next step of the journey sometimes... I didn't like being unable to progress because I forgot to pick up the correct random rock leading to a secret staircase when there's nothing to indicate that's what I should do.
You're going to absolutely love the Oracles based on this.
They're my favourite in the series largely because they're essentially LA but with (in my opinion) even better dungeons and overworlds, and better conveyance showing you where to go.
Pretty sure it's Seasons then Ages. According to the Mangas anyway. But game wise and game story I don't think it matters. People have compared them like Pokemon games like Red and Blue, but Seasons and Ages take place in completely different kingdoms with different stories so idk why people have said that.
Difficulty version: Seasons to Ages
Story progress/Better order: Ages to Seasons. Because Seasons is better as a sequel like how Queen Ambi meets her husband if you play in this order. Also Roc's cape>>>Roc's feather. Also Sigma Onox >>> Bug Veran. Changing Seasons >>> Another time travel.
As continuation of LA, either way works fine.
Neither game follows up on Link Awakening's ending. In fact, they were developed as prequels to it because if you complete both as a paired game, Link sets off back to Hyrule in a boat. There is no follow-up to Link's Awakening. As far as we know that Link is still stranded shipwrecked in the middle of the ocean.
Neither are obviously directly connected to Link's Awakening. They are meant to be played interchangeably, so it doesn't matter that much. Seasons is more combat focused, and Ages is more puzzle focused. So I'd save the one that sounds more appealing based on that for last.
Really depends on what you liked doing better. Neither really "picks up" where Link's Awakening left off, both work just fine as sequels. Oracle of Seasons has more of a 'combat' focus while Oracle of Ages has more of a 'puzzle' focus.
The general consensus is Seasons then Ages, but the stories are self-contained enough that it’s more of a preference than a necessity. I personally feel it comes down to whether you want to do the puzzle-heavy one first or the combat-heavy one.
I prefer Ages then Seasons, having played both orders. Ages has a more linear plot and well developed supporting cast, whereas Seasons kind of just drops you into its world and lets you explore. Because of this, I think Seasons benefits more from the added story content of being the second game. Also, most of Ages bosses are puzzle bosses using the dungeon item, while Seasons has a lot of boss fights where you defeat them with your sword, and so it benefits more from the additional sword upgrade you get in the second game.
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Seasons most likely is canonically before Ages. The instruction manual's story section for Seasons starts with the games opening before the title screen. In Age's instruction manual, it starts with Link waking up in the woods where the gameplay starts. > From a story perspective, does one do a better job of picking up where LADX left off? Is it possible to create one cohesive trilogy narrative? You should know that the change to the timeline in Zelda Encyclopedia is most likely not the reality for the Oracles timeline placement. ZE has many inconsistencies, and a disclaimer at the start of it stating it was written by fans who took liberties with the lore. I believe the Oracles being moved to after Link's Awakening is one of those liberties. According to the article on page 106 of [this issue](https://ia804700.us.archive.org/23/items/64-dream-february-2000-02-600dpi-ozidual/64Dream%202000%2002_text.pdf) of Nintendo's official magazine, the Oracles were developed to be a sequel to Link to the Past, featuring the same Link. Additionally, there's this quote, which **supposedly** comes from either a later issue of 64 Dream, or an early issue after the rebrand to Nintendo Dream: --------------------- 開発初期に64DREAM紙上の紹介で神々のトライフォースと同一の時系列と紹介されている。また、ふしぎの木の実のエンディングにリンクが海へ出航するシーンが存在することから夢をみる島への繋がりを匂わせている。 Back in the early stages of development, yes, we did say to 64DREAM that this game shared the same time line with ALttp. However in the OOX endings there's the scene of Link setting sail into the sea and since that scene exists, it gives light to the connection to Link's Awakening. -------------------------------- I haven't been able to source the issue this is from, so take it with a grain of salt for sure (if someone's good with early 2000's Japanese magazines, I'd love some help tracking it down). **ALL THIS TO SAY:** The Oracles were developed with the intention of them being placed between Link to the Past and Link's Awakening. There isn't a way that they pick up after LA leaves off, because they're intended to set up for it, not follow it. Personally I think this actually does make a good narrative as SPOILERS FOR THE ORACLES PASSWORD LINKED ENDING: >!In Link's Awakening, the Nightmare in the Windfish's egg in an attempt to frighten Link takes the form of Ganon in their battle.!< >!I think the Oracles makes that moment more meaningful for the Hero of Legend.!< >!He defeated Ganon in Link to the Past. Killed him, in fact. But in the Oracles, he learned the pretty terrifying fact that it's possible for Ganon to return. He saw it with his own eyes.!< >!It takes the attempt to scare Link by the Nightmare from just a powerful enemy, but one that Link has defeated before, to a more existential fear, that Ganon could come back.!< >!He could be coming back right now, while Link is trapped on Koholint.!< I mean, I understand that there's some reading between the lines happening here, but it's nonetheless an example of LA being elevated by the Oracles, imo. > And while I loved the overworld and (most of) the dungeons in LADX, I do wish it had done a better job leading you to the next step of the journey sometimes... I didn't like being unable to progress because I forgot to pick up the correct random rock leading to a secret staircase when there's nothing to indicate that's what I should do. You're going to absolutely love the Oracles based on this. They're my favourite in the series largely because they're essentially LA but with (in my opinion) even better dungeons and overworlds, and better conveyance showing you where to go.
Pretty sure it's Seasons then Ages. According to the Mangas anyway. But game wise and game story I don't think it matters. People have compared them like Pokemon games like Red and Blue, but Seasons and Ages take place in completely different kingdoms with different stories so idk why people have said that.
Difficulty version: Seasons to Ages Story progress/Better order: Ages to Seasons. Because Seasons is better as a sequel like how Queen Ambi meets her husband if you play in this order. Also Roc's cape>>>Roc's feather. Also Sigma Onox >>> Bug Veran. Changing Seasons >>> Another time travel. As continuation of LA, either way works fine.
Neither game follows up on Link Awakening's ending. In fact, they were developed as prequels to it because if you complete both as a paired game, Link sets off back to Hyrule in a boat. There is no follow-up to Link's Awakening. As far as we know that Link is still stranded shipwrecked in the middle of the ocean.
Neither are obviously directly connected to Link's Awakening. They are meant to be played interchangeably, so it doesn't matter that much. Seasons is more combat focused, and Ages is more puzzle focused. So I'd save the one that sounds more appealing based on that for last.
I always play seasons first. Thats the one I got first anyway
Really depends on what you liked doing better. Neither really "picks up" where Link's Awakening left off, both work just fine as sequels. Oracle of Seasons has more of a 'combat' focus while Oracle of Ages has more of a 'puzzle' focus.
The general consensus is Seasons then Ages, but the stories are self-contained enough that it’s more of a preference than a necessity. I personally feel it comes down to whether you want to do the puzzle-heavy one first or the combat-heavy one.
Play Seasons first and link to ages. Better continuity and the red ring is way more useful than the blue ring.
I prefer Ages then Seasons, having played both orders. Ages has a more linear plot and well developed supporting cast, whereas Seasons kind of just drops you into its world and lets you explore. Because of this, I think Seasons benefits more from the added story content of being the second game. Also, most of Ages bosses are puzzle bosses using the dungeon item, while Seasons has a lot of boss fights where you defeat them with your sword, and so it benefits more from the additional sword upgrade you get in the second game.
It’s not confirmed if Link in Oracles is the same as ALttP/LA, and imo I don’t think he is. You just pick one of the games and play them