What are the Failed Zelda Games?
The Legend of Zelda series is one of the most beloved and iconic gaming franchises of all time. With a rich history spanning over three decades, the series has seen its fair share of successes and failures. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the failed Zelda games that didn’t quite live up to the hype.
The CD-i Trilogy: The Worst of the Worst
The CD-i trilogy, consisting of Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon, Zelda’s Adventure, and Link: The Faces of Evil, is often considered the worst of the worst in the Zelda series. Released in the 1990s, these games were developed by Philips Interactive Media and were widely panned by critics and fans alike. The games suffered from poor graphics, weak storytelling, and frustrating gameplay.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Released in 1987, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link was the sequel to the original Zelda game. While it introduced new features such as side-scrolling sections and a more complex storyline, it also introduced a number of issues, including poor level design and frustrating combat mechanics.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages
The Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages games, released in 2001 for the Game Boy Color, were intended to be a spin-off series that would expand on the Zelda universe. However, the games were met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising their innovative gameplay mechanics, while others found them to be too short and lacking in depth.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Released in 2002 for the Nintendo GameCube, The Wind Waker was a departure from the traditional Zelda formula, featuring a more cartoonish art style and a focus on exploration. While it received praise for its innovative gameplay mechanics and charming visuals, it was also criticized for its slow pacing and lack of challenge.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Released in 2011 for the Nintendo Wii, Skyward Sword was a 3D action-adventure game that introduced a new motion control system. While it received praise for its beautiful graphics and engaging storyline, it was also criticized for its poor camera controls and frustrating combat mechanics.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Released in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, Phantom Hourglass was a 3D action-adventure game that introduced a new touch-screen control system. While it received praise for its beautiful graphics and engaging storyline, it was also criticized for its poor camera controls and frustrating combat mechanics.
Table: Failed Zelda Games
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Critic Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon | 1993 | CD-i | 22% |
| Zelda’s Adventure | 1994 | CD-i | 24% |
| Link: The Faces of Evil | 1993 | CD-i | 20% |
| Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | 1987 | NES | 65% |
| Oracle of Seasons | 2001 | Game Boy Color | 76% |
| Oracle of Ages | 2001 | Game Boy Color | 74% |
| The Wind Waker | 2002 | GameCube | 87% |
| Skyward Sword | 2011 | Wii | 84% |
| Phantom Hourglass | 2007 | DS | 83% |
Conclusion
While the Zelda series has seen its fair share of successes, it has also had its share of failures. The CD-i trilogy, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and the Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages games are often considered the worst of the worst in the series. However, even the failed games in the series have their own unique charm and can be enjoyed by fans of the series.