Link: The Faces of Evil
From Zeldapedia, The Legend of Zelda wiki
| Link: The Faces of Evil | |
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| Developer(s) | Animation Magic |
| Publisher(s) | Philips Media |
| Release date(s) | October 10, 1993 |
| Genre(s) | Action Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Platform(s) | Philips CD-i |
| Media | 1 CD-ROM |
- "So what kind of game is Faces of Evil -- and is it any good? Perhaps this will answer that question: *shows FMV of Link smiling* The title "Faces of Evil" is brimming with irony, eh? There is a reason why the CD-i games have disappeared into obscurity. "
- — IGN Hyrule Times article
Link: The Faces of Evil is developed by Animation Magic and released for the Philips CD-i in 1993, on the same day as Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon. A follow-up to both games, Zelda's Adventure, arrived in 1994. All three CD-i Zelda games were the product of a compromise between Philips and Nintendo after the two companies failed to release a CD-based add-on for the SNES.
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[edit] Gameplay
The Faces of Evil is played using the side-scrolling view introduced in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. For a variety of reasons, it is generally accepted that this game is inferior to Zelda II. Problems range from the quality of the CD-i controller, to the speed of the gameplay and the jerkiness of the character animations.
[edit] Plot
Non-canon warning: This section contains non-canonical information that is not considered to be an official part of the Legend of Zelda series and should not be considered part of the overall storyline.
It sure is boring around Hyrule, but as it turns out, the peace being experienced is what all true warriors strive for. Link wonders what Ganon is up to, and Gwonam, one of The King's spies, arrives on a carpet to inform them that Ganon and his minions have seized the island of Koridai. The King, wondering how they can help, is informed that it is written that only Link can defeat Ganon. Link leaves to grab his stuff, only to find that there is no time, but that his sword will be enough. Link asks Zelda for a kiss, but he had to have been kidding. Squadalah, and they are off. Link, wondering what all those heads are below, is told by Gwonam that they are the Faces of Evil and that he must conquer each. Link, realizing that he must get going, is shown the map and must decide where he wishes to go.
The story is largely told through animated FMVs, in an attempt to make best use of the CD-ROM format. The animation style is based on that of the Legend of Zelda animated series.
[edit] Ending
After reaching Ganon's Lair, he is presented the choices of joining him and having his face the greatest in Koridai or the threat of death. He throws the magical Book of Koridai at Ganon (who he bought from mmmMorshu the Merchant) and Ganon was sucked into the pit, which burned. After he saves her from Ganon, Link goes to the room where Zelda was kept to wake her up. Awakening, Zelda complains to Link for waking her from her sleep in the ominous, murky dungeon. Disbelieving of the fact that Link has saved her from Ganon, she is proven wrong as Gwonam, arrives once again on a magic carpet to congratulate Link for his well-doings, informing the two that Ganon is once again imprisoned. The two follow him on the carpet and see the harmony of Koridai and the beautiful birds. GOLLY! As it is written, Link is the hero of Koridai, unfortunately it was not worth a kiss. The game ends with Link loudly exclaiming "I WON!" just in case the player hadn't figured that out.
[edit] Controversy
These FMVs, however, are frowned upon by the Zelda community for containing what is considered to be some of the worst scripting, drawing, animation, and voice acting yet seen in a video game. And as mentioned, the gameplay was not up to series standards, to the point that the majority of the Zelda community outright rejects the CD-i trilogy as canon, something made easier by the fact that these games had nothing to do with Nintendo. The cutscenes have become a staple of "Youtube Poop" viral videos, most notably Link's "Gee! It sure is BORING around here!", the King's "MAH BOI!, this peace is what ALL true warriors strive for!", Ganon's "You will DIE !", due to the surreal animation and lackluster voice acting used throughout the game.
The animation is particularly controversial. A common occurrence during cutscenes is for a character to suddenly zoom closer to the camera, while the background doesn't move at all.
However, CD-I Zelda games did have an influence on the world of Zelda. In later three-dimensional Zelda games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the goofy, cartoon-like style of supporting characters has been retained throughout the series, completing the fantastic world as we know it today.
| Main series | ||
| The Legend of Zelda · The Adventure of Link · A Link to the Past · Link's Awakening · Ocarina of Time · Majora's Mask · Oracle of Ages · Oracle of Seasons · Four Swords · The Wind Waker · Four Swords Adventures · The Minish Cap · Twilight Princess · Phantom Hourglass · Spirit Tracks · Zelda Wii | ||
| Spin-off titles | ||
| Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland · Tingle's Balloon Fight DS · Link's Crossbow Training · Too Much Tingle Pack · Color Changing Tingle's Balloon Trip of Love | ||
| Alternate versions | ||
| BS Zelda no Densetsu · BS Zelda no Densetsu Kodai no Sekiban · Mystical Seed of Courage · Ocarina of Time Master Quest · Collector's Edition · Zelda LCD games · Ura Zelda | ||
| CD-i games | ||
| Link: The Faces of Evil · Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon · Zelda's Adventure | ||
| Other | ||
| The Legend of Zelda animated series · The Legend of Zelda series manga · The Legend of Zelda comics | ||
