Link: The Faces of Evil vs Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

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.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link blends side‑scrolling combat with RPG elements, challenging players to master swordplay, magic, and experience points across a sprawling overworld. Released in 1987, it expands the original Legend of Zelda’s world with a deeper narrative and skill‑based progression. The game’s demanding difficulty, memorable boss battles, and iconic soundtrack have cemented its status as a beloved retro title, still enjoyed by newcomers and longtime fans alike.

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

• Deep RPG progression for its era
• Challenging boss designs
• Memorable soundtrack and atmosphere
• Blend of side‑scrolling and overworld exploration

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

• High difficulty curve can be frustrating
• Password save system feels outdated
• Limited visual fidelity compared to modern titles