Link: The Faces of Evil vs Lufia & the Fortress of Doom

Link: The Faces of Evil is a side‑scrolling action‑adventure game released in 1993 as part of the ill‑fated Nintendo‑Philips CD‑ROM partnership. Players guide Link through the island of Koridai, battling Ganon’s minions and confronting the titular Faces of Evil to rescue Princess Zelda. Unlike traditional top‑down Zelda titles, this game uses a platformer perspective with a world‑map hub, offering a distinct take on the franchise that has been widely criticized and is not recognized as canon by Nintendo.

Lufia & the Fortress of Doom is a turn‑based role‑playing adventure that blends strategic combat with brain‑teasing puzzles set in a richly detailed fantasy world. Players guide the hero Maxim and his companions through dungeons, solve riddles, and uncover the secrets of an ancient fortress to thwart an impending evil. The game features a memorable soundtrack, a deep storyline, and a unique puzzle‑solving system that rewards careful observation and logical thinking, making it a beloved title among retro RPG enthusiasts.

• Unique Zelda spin on side‑scrolling
• Nostalgic 16‑bit visual style
• CD‑quality soundtrack
• Straightforward control scheme

• Engaging blend of RPG and puzzle gameplay
• Rich, character‑driven story
• Strategic turn‑based combat
• Atmospheric retro graphics and music

• Clunky and imprecise controls
• Level design feels repetitive
• Not officially part of the Zelda canon

• High difficulty spikes in later dungeons
• Limited save system can be unforgiving
• Original SNES controls may feel clunky on modern devices