Daily Debate: Should the Animal Companions from the Oracle Games Make a Return?
Posted on February 25 2021 by David Lasby
An enormous bear with wings. A boxing kangaroo. A swimming Dodongo — the animal companions in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages are as iconic as they are strange. Capcom’s Oracle games brought a collection of new experiences and eccentricities to the Zelda franchise and are widely viewed as the best top-down games in series. (Okay A Link to the Past and Link’s Awakening fans might want a word — but that will have to be a different Daily Debate!) The two games offered the ability to link up the adventures and transfer over items, and even an unlockable, secret ending. But the strangest and most beloved feature of these games just might be the animal companions — Moosh, Ricky, and Dimitri.
Yes, other Zelda games make use of animal companions, most notably Epona; but these three help Link through the Oracle adventures in truly unique fashion. They are the first and only animal companions (outside of the amiibo generated Wolf Link in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) that actually fight enemies. Moosh allows Link to fly over bottomless pits to reach inaccessible treasures; he also has a powerful ground smash attack. Ricky carries Link in his pouch, springs up cliffs, and packs a legendary punch. Dimiti, the lovable and only friendly Dodongo in the Zelda universe, transports Link up waterfalls and bites enemies with powerful jaws.
The three companions are available in both Oracle games. Depending upon which Flute Link acquires, one of the companions will join his adventure. The choice of companion can affect a linked game, and even changes the physical landscape of the map. Certain regions will become flooded, full of cliffs, or impassible with pitfalls. Teaming up with the particular companion becomes the only way to move forward.
As we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, perhaps it’s time for these animal companions to make a return.
Simply put, there are so many possibilities for bringing the Oracle companions back. With the expansive overworld from Breath of the Wild, it’s not hard to conceptualize including such creatures in the upcoming sequel. Imagine exploring some remote hillside or cave and discovering Moosh. Maybe he’s being harassed by some Bokoblins or needs some Mighty Bananas to lift his spirits. Much like side quests and catching horses, finding and assisting the three Oracle companions would be a small but meaningful way of gameplay experience customization. Beyond letting players branch out from horses or the Master Cycle Zero, their inclusion would be a loving nod to the rich history of the Zelda series.
Another opportunity for returning these adorable creatures to the spotlight is a new batch of Zelda amiibo for the 35th anniversary. Imagine an amiibo 3-pack featuring Moosh, Ricky, and Dimitri. The amiibo could function similarly to Super Smash Bros. Link amiibo, which grants users Epona. Using the Oracle companion amiibo could instantly allow players a new mode of transportation and an ally in the fight against Hyrule’s Monsters.
Tell us what you think! Do you think the animal companions from the Oracle games should make a return in future Zelda games? Share your reactions in the comments below.
Image: Pink-Shimmer
I’m a life-long fan of video games and have been playing since I got my NES in the 1980s. The Legend of Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Aliens, and Halo are some of my favorite game franchises. I write for several sites, including Zelda Dungeon, Boss Rush Network, and The Mighty. Find me on Twitter to check out my other content!
