Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

"The best 2D Zelda game."

The Legend of Zelda series will always be popular. I think that it set that standard way back in 1987 when the first game came out. It was the first game to offer an auto save feature. Plus, gamers had never seen a game of its sheer magnitude ever before. The second game was released on the NES about a year later, and although many will disagree with me, it is my favorite 2D Zelda game. The Legend of Zelda: The Adventure of Link is in my opinion the best 2D Zelda game. Yes, better than the original Zelda and better than A Link to the Past. Besides, it has been ported to the GBA and the Gamecube, so it is a good game. Believe me, it's a blast to play.

The gameplay is much different than the first game. Instead of an overhead perspective, Zelda 2 is a side scroller. The overhead view is still present when on the overworld map, but once you touch an enemy, it turns into a side scroller. In addition, there are RPG elements in the game. Link can use magic as well. Some of the magic is almost useless, but others are essential to completing the game. In all, Zelda 2 is about on par with the first game in terms of difficulty. Basically if you just stand around and level up, the game will be very easy. In fact, if you are leveled up all the way, the first and second bosses only take two hits to defeat each one. However, if you want a decent challenge, then simply don't level up. That is the beauty of an RPG style game; it allows you determine the difficulty to your liking. Just remember to level up at least a little bit because some of the enemies in the Great Palace are very difficult.

The story once again revolves around Link. After the defeat of Ganon, Link still felt evils presence. His fears were confirmed when Zelda feel into a deep sleep thanks to a cruel magician. In order to save her, Link had to place six crystals in the six palaces in Hyrule in order to access the Great Palace, where the magician has fled. In addition, all of Ganon's minions have gotten together in order to revive him. It is said that if Link's blood is poured on Ganon's ashes, then Ganon will be revived. If you ever die in the game, you will see this happen. So, while the citizens of Hyrule live in peace, Link starts out on an even more dangerous journey than his first one. This time, to save Zelda once again, and to free Hyrule from Ganon once and for all. According to most people, Zelda 2 might indeed be the last game in the Zelda series. Most of the games made after Zelda 2 have been before the original Zelda on the NES, such as Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Wind Waker, and A Link to the Past.

The graphics are about the same as the first game. That is expected since it came out a year later. Still, a lot of the enemies have a lot more detail, as does Link. The music is nicely done. The palace theme, action world theme, and the boss theme are some of the game's best. The best music of all? The final boss theme, which is a remix of the regular boss theme, but with a darker feel to it. In all, Zelda 2 has a much darker tone to it than the first game, but that's okay. At least it isn't the same old, same old type of game.

Replay value is sadly lacking. That is my only gripe with the game. It is fun to go threw it after you beat it, but the game won't call your name in your sleep. It is also worth noting that when you do play it a second time, you are allowed to keep your RPG stats from the first play threw. That means that by the second dungeon, all of your stats will probably be at level 9 (maxed out). Playing the game a second time is fun, but none of the enemies will be any challenge to you if your RPG levels are at level 9. Still, this game is a classic, and should be played by all.

While a lot of people think that the first Zelda was the best 2D Zelda game on the NES, I disagree. For some reason Zelda 2 was always my favorite. It just feels more Zelda like to me. I hope it does for you too. I must say that Zelda 2 is considered the dark horse of the series, meaning the game is considered to be the least popular. I don't believe that. This game has sold millions, and besides it has been ported to other platforms as much as the first Zelda has. Some people simply don't like a change when it comes to video games. Zelda: Wind Waker is also bashed by a lot of people because of a small change (graphics). My advise, don't listen to them. Zelda 2 is fantastic, and should be played by all. I remember begging my parents for years to get this game. It took a while, but I eventually got it. I guess all that begging was well worth it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/28/05