An early version of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been found, in which Link could transform into Navi

A development version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been discovered that reveals an ongoing look at Kakariko Village, an early archery test, and that Link could have transformed into Navi via the Soul Medallion. As reported by Eurogamer, this demo, which was shown at Spaceworld ’97, was found on an old N64 development cartridge that was used to hold F-Zero X. Upon further inspection, the demo version of Zelda was found, and although it was partially saved, there was still plenty to see.

Shared by Forest of illusion on Twitter, one of the more surprising revelations was that Link could transform into Navi via the Soul Medallion. As you can see in the pictures below of @MrCheeze and @Zeru64, he could have flown around the map and would still have his Master Sword and Hylian Shield;

Other medallions would have allowed him to throw and dispel fire at will, warp when in danger, and more.

We also get a glimpse of a Hyrule different from @MrTalida:

A more basic and less developed Kakariko village of @shanebattye:

An archery test where you also mount Epona from @MrTalida and @xdanieldzd:

Here we get a look at what could have been Link’s Pegasus Boots from @zel640, which seem to have made the final game as slightly modified Hover Boots:

Some of the translated text also hints that the story of Ocarina of Time originally unfolded a bit differently. One says the Deku Tree was to be a fairy prison where Link should free Navi.

For more on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, check out our original review, a modder’s new adventure created in the Ocarina of Time engine, and other Ocarina of Time finds from the Nintendo Gigaleak – which is different from this one.

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Adam Bankhurst is a reporter for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.