Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon

About

Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon is a side-scrolling platformer that breaks from the typical Legend of Zelda formula. Taking control of Princess Zelda herself you navigate a series of stages unlocked through a world map as you progress. Each level requires platforming skill and puzzle-solving to clear areas or defeat bosses. The story sees Zelda traveling to Gamelon to locate the missing King Harkinian and Link guided by her nursemaid Impa. Developed by Animation Magic and published by Philips in 1993 this single-player adventure exists on the Philips CD-i platform. Born from a partnership between Nintendo and Philips after a failed SNES add-on this game was released in 1993 but never officially recognized by Nintendo as part of the Zelda series. Often criticized for its departure from the top-down exploration of earlier entries it remains a niche entry in the franchise. While not as celebrated as other Zelda titles it offers a different take on the beloved characters and world blending platforming with puzzle elements. The game’s legacy is mostly tied to its unusual development history and its status as the first where Zelda is the main character.

Storyline

King Harkinian announces his plan to aid Duke Onkled of Gamelon who is under attack by Ganon and orders Zelda to send Link for backup if she does not hear from him within a month. A month passes without word from the King, so Zelda sends Link to find him but he too goes missing. Zelda ventures off to Gamelon to find both Link and the King, accompanied by her elderly nursemaid Impa.