Most Unusual Zelda Games

Key Takeaways

Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link combines side-scrolling action with top-down exploration, creating mixed reactions among fans.
Link’s Crossbow Training lacks Zelda hallmarks, being a light gun spin-off that could have used any IP.
Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon is infamous for its terrible gameplay.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that the world of Zelda is one of the most intriguing and diverse in all of video games. From the original adventure to the latest symphony of gameplay, there’s always something fresh and exciting to explore.

A series like The Legend of Zelda doesn’t endure for as long without occasionally venturing into new territory and introducing fresh ideas. In truth, each Zelda game offers something unexpected, and this is accurate. Yet, some titles push the boundaries even further, demonstrating themselves to be the most unconventional Zelda games that fans can encounter.

Doing something novel isn’t always sufficient, as some versions of the “Zelda” series took things in an unconventional, even surprising direction. These outcomes ranged from being slightly underwhelming to paving the way for the franchise’s future evolution.

6 Zelda 2: The Adventure Of Link

Side-Scrolling Action

Following an innovative initial installment, the subsequent game didn’t continue the journey of the same style on a fresh map. Zelda 2, however, offers an intriguing blend of side-scrolling action and top-down exploration that longtime fans might recognize but not entirely so. In this sequel, players traverse the overworld in search of towns and dungeons. Upon entering one of these locations, the game perspective changes from top-down to a side-scrolling view.

Moving only left or right in combat significantly increases the challenge, as maneuvers for evasion are scarce. Engaging with townspeople was an improvement over the cave dwellers from the initial game. Although the main series took a different path in the third game, A Link to the Past, Zelda 2 continues to have its devoted followers who admire the risks it dared to take. Embracing innovation is, at heart, what Zelda is truly about.

5 Link’s Crossbow Training

Shoot Targets With The Wiimote

The long gaps between full-fledged Zelda games can feel excruciatingly long, making even spin-offs like Link’s Crossbow Training, which utilizes the unique features of the Nintendo Wii effectively, seem almost unfair. For instance, despite its successful implementation of the Wii’s capabilities, it lacks the distinctive elements that define a typical Zelda game.

It could have been done with any IP, and it would have been the same game. A story or some segments allowing for exploration would have also gone a long way for fans who are always looking for their next Zelda fix. It is simply unusual and humorous to see such a prestigious series receive a light-gun spin-off.

4 BS Zelda No Densetsu

Beamed Into The Living Room By A Satellite

Platform: SNES
Released: August 6, 1995
Developer: Nintendo
Genres: Action-Adventure, Shooter

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I must say that the experience I had with this game is unlike any other I’ve encountered before. It was brought to us in an unconventional way, making its debut through the Satellaview, a less-known broadcasting service in Japan. This innovative technology would beam a playable game directly onto subscribers’ consoles. Some popular series, like Mario and F-Zero, also had their entries in this short-lived format. Among these, BS Zelda No Denseteu, or BS The Legend of Zelda, is quite reminiscent of the original Legend of Zelda, but it has a few distinctive twists that set it apart.

Firstly, players don’t manage Link, but rather, they command the main character from a different Satellaview game, which can be considered as the service’s emblematic figure. What makes this unique broadcasting service stand out is its ability to play voiceovers during the game, a feature that was beyond the SNES’s capabilities.

3 Legend Of Zelda: Cadence Of Hyrule

Fight To The Music

Occasionally, Nintendo permits an external developer to attempt working on the renowned Zelda series. However, they were so impressed with the combination of dungeon exploration and rhythm gameplay in Crypt of the Necrodancer, they asked the developers to create a spin-off set within the Zelda universe. Essentially, Cadence of Hyrule follows the same format as Crypt of the Necrodancer, but transposes it into the familiar setting of Hyrule.

In a battle, synchronizing combat with the rhythm of the music enhances its efficiency. Uniquely, this game also offers cooperative multiplayer, which, though not exclusive to Zelda games, isn’t commonly seen within the series.

2 Zelda: The Wand Of Gamelon

This Game Wasn’t Even On A Nintendo Console

The Philips CD-i may be seen as one of the most challenging periods in the series’ timeline. Due to circumstances, Nintendo was unable to prevent Philips from producing several Zelda games for their CD-i system. Among these games, all were critically panned and considered very poor quality. Notably, “The Wand of Gamelon” offers a unique instance where players can control Princess Zelda.

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice the adorably corny animated cutscenes that occasionally pop up. It’s tough to fathom how Nintendo must have felt, watching their esteemed franchise being handled this way, but it’s understandable why they keep silent about it and why these games haven’t been officially re-released in any capacity since.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom

Play As Zelda And Imitate Objects In The Environment

It’s not the initial instance where gamers can command the main character, who happens to be the princess, but it’s unique because she headlines a game specifically designed for a Nintendo system. However, Echoes of Wisdom stands out for more than just this singularity.

Instead of following the standard format seen in previous games, the gameplay uniquely revolves around the Tri-rod’s capacity to replicate items it has previously touched. While some items mimic traditional combat functions, many others require players to think inventively about the game environment to solve puzzles and navigate obstacles. This gives the game a hint of the Tears of the Kingdom philosophy blending with a 2D style similar to classic Zelda.

2024-10-09 03:34