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7 Cancelled Zelda Games We Wish We Could Have Played

7 Cancelled Zelda Games We Wish We Could Have Played
VOICE OVER: Johnny Reynolds WRITTEN BY: Johnny Reynolds
"The Legend of Zelda" is an incredible series, though some of these cancelled games could've made it even better. For this list, we'll be looking at enticing scrapped projects in the “Zelda” franchise. Our list includes Vanpool's Goron Spin-Off, a proper sequel to “The Wind Waker,” “Twilight Princess” Follow-Ups, and more!

Script written by Johnny Reynolds

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re looking at 7 Canceled Zelda Games We Wish We Could’ve Played. For this list, we’ll be looking at enticing scrapped projects in the “Zelda” franchise. Which of these do you wish you’d been able to play? Share your thoughts in the comments.

“Twilight Princess” Follow-Ups


“Twilight Princess” found a lot of success upon release, becoming the best-selling entry until “Breath of the Wild.” Creator Shigeru Miyamoto reasoned that because the world was so vast and well-received, Nintendo should follow up on it. Originally, the idea was to develop a smaller side story to please fans while they waited for a new game. However, everything the team came up with was considered too big in scope. Eventually, Miyamoto decided to use the Wii’s new peripheral, the Zapper, to create “Link’s Crossbow Training.” That spin-off also could’ve gotten a sequel, with producer Eiji Aonuma wanting to include online multiplayer. But at that point, Nintendo wanted him to focus on a new mainline entry. A new side story in the world of “Twilight Princess” sounds great, so it’s a bummer Nintendo couldn’t make it work.

A Third “Oracle” Game


In 2001, Nintendo released the “Oracle” duology for the Game Boy Color with the Capcom-owned developer, Flagship. Both games had separate stories and settings, but could impact each other through passwords and the handheld’s link cable. Having both also led to the true ending. This duology was originally planned to be a trilogy, with the third game focusing on the other Oracle, Farore, who appears in both games. However, linking all 3 proved too ambitious for the GBC to handle, and so it was scaled back to two games. Not much is known about the canceled third one, like how far it got into development. But we do know it would’ve focused on a color theme, similar to how “Ages” focuses on time and “Seasons” focuses on weather. They were great entries in the system’s library, so a third game would’ve been more than welcome.

Vanpool’s Goron Spin-Off


“The Legend of Zelda” features many fictional races, but the Gorons are one of its strongest. The jolly, mountain-dwelling rock folk are always wonderful inclusions. In 2010, Vanpool pitched Nintendo a DS game that would’ve starred a Goron. Making use of the handheld’s touch screen capabilities, it would’ve tapped into their natural rolling ability. Unfortunately, Nintendo rejected the pitch and suggested using the mechanics to create a new game. It became the 3DS’ “Dillon’s Rolling Western,” an action game that would receive two sequels. In an alternate reality, we got a Goron-based trilogy on the 3DS. Additionally, Vanpool had previously pitched a Horror game starring Tingle, which would’ve undeniably been interesting. But like the rest of the studio’s Tingle games, it probably wouldn’t have been released in North America anyway.

Ura Zelda


Although Nintendo stuck with cartridges at the beginning of 3D, it developed a disc-based add-on called the 64DD. “Ocarina of Time” was originally in development solely for it, though it was eventually moved over to the base console. Nintendo still intended to use the 64DD for “Ocarina,” using the tech to expand on it in multiple ways. Known as “Ura Zelda” during development, it would’ve restructured dungeons, introduced new stories, used network technology, and included a persistent world that changed based on your actions. Of course, the 64DD bombed and was never released outside of Japan. While remixed dungeons were eventually released as “Master Quest” on the GameCube, all other features died with the expansion’s cancellation. With how DLC has evolved, it sounds ahead of its time.

Retro’s Sheikah Spin-Off


In 2020, a smorgasbord of fantastic concept art for a canceled Sheikah game from Retro Studios surfaced online. Set in the franchise’s bad timeline, it would’ve explored the origins of the Master Sword. The action RPG was reportedly in development during the Wii era, and the impressive artwork got the internet buzzing immediately. However, in 2022, DidYouKnowGaming found out more about it. According to ex-Retro programmer Paul Tozour, the gameplay didn’t exactly meet the high standards of the series. He likened combat to Whack-A-Mole, using the Wiimote to hit wolves as they tried to attack you. The project was canceled when several higher ups left Retro to form a new studio. While gameplay sounded dull, who knows how it could’ve turned out? Retro’s caliber alone would’ve gotten us interested.

“The Wind Waker” Sequel


“The Wind Waker” is the most visually unique entry in the series, but that defining feature actually hurt it. Some fans, especially some very vocal ones in North America, weren’t interested in the cel-shaded, kid-friendly graphics. Many other games were taking a more mature route, and they felt “Zelda” should do the same. Originally, Nintendo planned on making a sequel to “Wind Waker” for the GameCube, which would’ve used the same art style. But it would’ve featured a more traditional setting rather than the Great Sea. “Wind Waker’s” mediocre sales and a seemingly unhappy fanbase caused Nintendo to change plans, instead creating the somber, more realistic-looking “Twilight Princess.” Given “Twilight Princess’” success, it was certainly a smart business decision. However, public opinion on “Wind Waker’s” graphics have changed over the years, and we would’ve loved a proper sequel. No offense, “Phantom Hourglass.”

“Heroes of Hyrule”


Retro wasn’t just working on a Sheikah spin-off. And from the sounds of it, this one could’ve been genuinely fun to play. “Heroes of Hyrule” is the latest canceled “Zelda” game to come to light, thanks again to another fantastic report from DidYouKnowGaming. This spin-off would’ve been a strategy game said to be similar to “Final Fantasy Tactics.” Part of the game would’ve focused on a young boy named Kori, while a larger part would’ve followed heroes of Hyrule’s past: a Goron, a Zora, and a Rito. By solving puzzles and exploring in Kori’s sections, you’d unlock more stories of the past. Sadly, Nintendo rejected the pitch, mostly because it wanted Retro to focus on “Metroid Prime 3.” “Heroes of Hyrule” sounds like it could’ve expanded on the franchise’s lore and history, so we’re sad it never got very far.
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