The first one is called Ricky, a boxing kangaroo that carries Link in his pouch, can use his fists to kill enemies, scale large walls and jump over small pits. Link also teams up with three animal partners along the way but only one of them can be a permanent companion, based on the flute that is obtained. However, a small icon indicating which season it is will also appear each time an area is entered that has a different one than the region the player came from. Surprisingly, the developers have actually found a way to make clever use of the newly added colours of the system, as the seasons are very distinct in their colour palette and easily recognisable that way. While a lot of content is in the dungeons of the game, plenty of time is also spent on the overworld and trying to discover where the next dungeon is and finding out how to access it with the help of the Rod of Seasons or other obtainable items. The Rod of Seasons can be used on tree stumps that are all over Holodrum but it doesn't come with its full abilities of controlling every season right away, as it has to be powered up three times throughout the game to regain its former strength.
For example, a lake that he can't swim through is completely frozen during winter and opens up new paths. This rod allows Link to manipulate the seasons and use them to his advantage. The most unique aspect of Oracle of Seasons is without a doubt its flagship item, the Rod of Seasons. Their isolation from the world of Holodrum is also apparent by the fact that they use ore chunks as their currency, as opposed to the classic Rupees. Fitting for their hot habitat, they enjoy hobbies like dancing and perhaps less common ones like taking magma baths. They are very secretive and always wear full-body robes to keep their identity hidden from others. This area is full of rocks and magma and has its own new race, the Subrosians. However, on top of Holodrum, there is a subterranean world called Subrosia that is linked to the overworld by several portals. Much like other games in the series, the goal is to explore the world and discover various dungeons to complete. Link is moved with the D-pad and both the A and B button can be used to equip one weapon or item at a time. The gameplay is very similar to Link's Awakening in terms of controls.
Not far into his quest, Link acquires the Rod of Seasons, which is the central item of this game and helps him travel through the land with its ability to manipulate the seasons. Link then meets the Maku Tree in Horon Village, the capital of Holodrum, and receives the task of gathering the eight Essences of Nature. He referred to her as the Oracle of Seasons and promptly after she was captured, the seasons start changing rapidly, heavily affecting the lives of its inhabitants of the world.
After he arrives there he is found unconscious by a dancer named Din, who is kidnapped by Onox, General of Darkness. The tale begins with the Triforce calling out to Link and as he approaches it he is transported to another world known as Holodrum.