Along with releasing concept artwork for most of the games, I will also be creating in-depth articles of the development of certain titles and showcasing beta and prototype screenshots. To kick things off, I decided to do a rather quick and simple feature. There is not much known about the development of the original Zelda game aside from a few interviews and concept art, and there is even less material in terms of screenshots.

Originally in the Legend of Zelda, the cave that Link enters to obtain his sword he had the option of the Wooden Sword or the Boomerang. These are the only two screenshots available to show this. It is unknown why the designers intended this as if Link would be able to beat a few of the dungeons without the sword (which is technically possible). The message actually says something along the lines of “Take your favorite weapon”.

Next up is a supposed beta screenshot of Aquamentus (first boss). If you look very closely you can notice that he has wings, and the area is also somewhat different. The blocks are of a different style and the color is different as well. Check it out and compare to the final version below.

And here’s another one of Gleeok. Notice the patterns in the dungeon design, he also dropped a bomb for Link, something that doesn’t occur in the final version.

Here’s an interesting one. This old animated gif shows off Link entering dungeon 3 with a different layout than the original and he has the Magic wand equipped early on in the game. You will also notice that the icon for Link’s bombs is missing.

These screenshots actually come from this old promotional video of the Famicom system. Check it out below to view some beta videos of the original Legend of Zelda. Along with that is actual in game footage of a beta version which includes animation, gameplay videos and more!

Now, lets take a look at some of the concept art from the developers.

Here are some quotes explaining the Second quest and the creation of this game and the world of Hyrule!

Iwata: In order to fit in as many dungeons as possible given the limited memory, you were making them like you were doing a puzzle.
Nakago: Right. Tezuka-san said, “I did it!” and brought this to me. I created the data exactly in line with it, but then Tezuka-san made a mistake and only used half of the data. I said, “Tezuka-san, there’s only half here. Where did the other half go?” and he was like, “What?! Oops, I messed up…” But Miyamoto-san said it was fine just like that.
Tezuka: Heh heh heh. (laughs)
Nakago: So, using the half of the memory that was left over, we decided to create the Second Quest.

The first thing I thought about was a game that made use of the Disk System’s function of rewriting data so that two players could each create their own dungeons and make the other player solve them. We actually created such a game, and when I played it, I felt it was very fun playing in the dungeons themselves. So we put together a game with a series of dungeons underneath mountains distributed around Death Mountain for a single player to solve them. But we also wanted it to feature a world above, so we added forests and lakes, and so Hyrule Field took form gradually.
Now, we didn’t decide the game’s title from the very beginning either. Originally, I wanted it to be “The Legend of X,” but I couldn’t find the appropriate word for the “X.” Then, the planner to whom we assigned the PR project suggested we did a story book of the game.

The Prototype
A few years back, an alleged prototype of Zelda released online. It was said this was an early build of the original version of the game (on the Famicom) and had different room layouts, different sprites, new music and a few glitches here and there. Secrets were also in different locations in both the overworld and the dungeons. You can check out some of the differences below!

Yep, Ganon originally had no color scheme to his design. For a complete list of details and differences between the final version and this prototype, check out Proto: The Legend of Zelda. You can also check out some videos below for some gameplay of the prototype!

Here’s another treat for everyone, a load of official concept art from Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. These are especially interesting as there were many forms and designs for Link, Zelda and Ganondorf! Did you know Teen and Adult Link were originally meant to be in the game? Hyrule castle was also originally it’s own island that you could explore. There are plenty of unique beta material here and I suggest you all checking it out! And stay tuned for official Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess concept art!

Source: History of Hyrule and Hyrule Historia

Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is next up on our official featured concept artwork list and is it a good one. Every MM fan out there will want to check this out to learn more about the development of this game. For instance, there was an adult version of Link that wasn’t Fierce Deity Link. Also, you can check out some beta areas and temples that never made it not the final version! So check them all out below or in our new gallery!

Source: History of Hyrule

Next up I bring you official concept artwork from Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons and Link’s Awakening. I especially like the Oracle series concept with their unique design of Ganondorf as if he was originally meant to be in the game (not as Ganon). Several others include unique styles of Link and other characters. The Link’s Awakening concepts are basically game concepts, for example how Link will confront and enemy or how certain maps and areas are designed. Check them all out below and in our new gallery!

Oracle of Ages and Seasons

Link’s Awakening

Source: History of Hyrule

Today we bring you official concept artwork from both Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and A Link to the Past. It is very interesting to check out what some of the creators originally had in mind for several of the characters in these games. You can view them all here or by visiting our new gallery! Stay tuned as I will feature concept art from the original Legend of Zelda, the Oracle of Ages and Seasons and The Wind Waker in the near future.

The Adventure of Link

A Link to the Past

Source: History of Hyrule