Ubisoft's 'Goliath': A Lost Zelda Game Featuring Ganondorf

A fascinating, yet ultimately unrealized, concept for a Legend of Zelda game emerged from Ubisoft Milan, potentially altering the course of the franchise’s history. Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson reports that the project, internally dubbed ‘Goliath,’ envisioned a sprawling, new universe with a completely original protagonist – a departure from the familiar Link.

A Bold Vision for a Zelda Spin-Off

Former Ubisoft developer Gian Marco Zanna described ‘Goliath’ as a “new big bang in the video game universe,” reflecting the ambitious scope Ubisoft Milan aimed for. The plan involved a spin-off title within the broader Zelda universe, centered around a character never before seen in the series. Nintendo reportedly requested a significant alteration to the initial concept: shifting the protagonist to the iconic villain, Ganondorf – a first for a mainline Zelda game.

Nintendo’s Rejection and Unanswered Questions

Sources indicate Ubisoft Milan was given a deadline until late 2023 to deliver a prototype showcasing the Ganondorf-led game. However, Nintendo ultimately rejected the proposal, though the specific reasons remain undisclosed. Following the success of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Ubisoft Milan began exploring ‘Goliath’ shortly after its release, highlighting the studio’s momentum at the time.

A ‘What If’ Scenario

The cancellation of ‘Goliath’ leaves a significant “what if” hanging over the Zelda franchise. Speculation abounds regarding the potential narrative – perhaps a Ganon origin story? The unknown fate of the original intended protagonist adds to the intrigue. Ubisoft has not commented on the situation, though Henderson notes they acknowledged a journalist’s inquiry regarding the project beforehand. Like other canceled projects, ‘Goliath’ serves as a compelling reminder of the creative possibilities lost to time, much like the rumored Disney Smash Bros.-style game that also never materialized.