Link: The Faces of Evil vs Sonic Colors

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.

Sonic Colors is a platforming adventure starring Sonic the Hedgehog as he battles Dr. Eggman in an intergalactic amusement park. The game blends 3D third‑person runs with side‑scrolling sections and introduces Wisps, alien power‑ups that grant new abilities. Released worldwide for Wii and Nintendo DS in November 2010, the title offers both single‑player and multiplayer modes, appealing to younger gamers and families with its colorful visuals and accessible difficulty.

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

• Vibrant, eye‑catching visuals
• Innovative Wisp power‑up system
• Blend of 3D and side‑scrolling gameplay
• Family‑friendly difficulty curve

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

• Limited platform availability (Wii/DS only)
• Some level designs feel repetitive
• Multiplayer options are basic