The best Zelda spinoff games

We get that most people shrugged off Link’s Crossbow Training as a cheap tech demo wrapped in a Zelda skin, but it is actually a very competent rail shooter. It is set in the same locations and uses the same models as Twilight Princess, but only allows Link to use his trusty crossbow weapon via motion-controlled aiming. This game is far from a grand adventure, but instead, a more arcade-like experience where you enter a stage and try to get the highest score possible. Levels can be focused on shooting targets, fending off waves on oncoming enemies, or small siege levels where you fight through an enemy camp. There are a few bosses, but the main downside to Link’s Crossbow Training is that it is incredibly short. Otherwise, it is unjustly hated.

Of all the Zelda characters to get a spinoff game, who would’ve thought it would be Tingle? In fact, this odd little man has multiple, but Freshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland is the best. This game is somewhat close to a mainline game in that it is a 2D adventure but with a bigger focus on getting as many Rupees as possible to build a tower. You can explore several dungeons across the game’s world where you will fight enemies, do a little puzzle solving, collect items, and fight bosses. Combat, though, is where things are very different. Instead of directly commanding Tingle to attack, he and his opponent clash automatically and all the player can do is mash the DS screen to cheer Tingle on.