Originally posted by: C3PX

Concerning the two oracle games, the fact that two very simular Zelda games with very simular names came out at the exact same time indicates that it was a quick money job to capitalize on the Zelda name.

Except that they were freaking awesome.

Seriously, from a pure gameplay standpoint, I'd rate Oracle of Ages the best in the series.

I also haven't played Minish Cap or Four Swords Adventures.

Minish Cap is really very good, but not as good as it should have been. It has a good story and some good dungeons, but it's also on the short side. FSA is sort of a dark horse, since it's designed around multiplayer; it's not a bad game, but it's limited in many ways.

I believe they're great from a design standpoint as well, but its overall story always bugged me. Just where exactly is it supposed to fit into the overall Zelda timeline

Well, there are multiple forums dedicated to debating that. I personally believe they have the same Link from ALTTP and LA, happening prior to either game. He defeats the villains in Holodrum and Labrynna, stops Ganon's revival, gets shipwrecked on the way home and has to wake the Wind Fish, then returns to Hyrule in time for Aghanim to begin his take-over.

TMC/OOT-MM/TP/TWW-TPH/FS-FSA/Oracle of Ages/Seasons - Link's Awakening - A Link to the Past/LOZ-AOL