Link: The Faces of Evil vs Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon

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: The Wand of Gamelon is a 1993 side‑scrolling platformer developed by Animation Magic and published by Philips Interactive Media. It places Princess Zelda in the lead role as she journeys through Gamelon to rescue Link and King Harkinian from Ganon’s forces. The game uses a world‑map to unlock new stages and features puzzle‑filled action sequences reminiscent of The Adventure of Link. Despite its unconventional design for the series, the title offers a nostalgic retro experience with CD‑based audio, colorful 2D sprites, and a quirky storyline that has become a cult classic among collectors and retro enthusiasts.

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

• Unique playable Zelda protagonist
• Distinct side‑scrolling gameplay
• Memorable retro soundtrack
• Cult‑classic status

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

• Awkward controls compared to modern standards
• Graphics are dated and low‑resolution
• Story and dialogue are often criticized for poor writing