Link: The Faces of Evil vs Realms of Chaos

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.

Realms of Chaos is a side‑scrolling platform game that blends action, adventure, mysticism, and role‑playing elements. Set in the fantasy world of Mysteria, players control brother Endrick and sister Elandra as they journey to free the realms from an evil shadow that has turned its inhabitants into hostile foes. The game, released in 1995 by Apogee Software and published by Apogee and 3D Realms, offers a single‑player experience on PC and Mac, delivering retro pixel‑art visuals and challenging boss battles that capture the spirit of 90s gaming.

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

• Authentic 90s graphics and sound
• Unique blend of platforming and RPG elements
• Engaging story featuring brother‑sister heroes
• Compatible with both PC and Mac

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

• Control scheme feels dated by modern standards
• Limited save and checkpoint system
• No multiplayer or co‑op options