It seems that most of Nintendo's direct sequels follow a rule to "Try something completely new" with the series. In some cases it works well (Like Majora's Mask) and in other cases it takes the series back a step. Zelda 2 isn't a BAD game, but almost feels like it should be a different game with a different name at times. Despite the fact that they both share the similarity a nice golden cartridge, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is a completely different game than it's older brother. The first noticeable difference is that it is a sidescroller. You can jump and use magic. You can gain experience. There are no "hearts" for a heart meter and a new meter for magic. A lot of overall user interface differences that you notice right from the start. Storywise - the game is about the same, although there is a stronger sense of urgency in this one. You start off in the palace where Zelda is "sleeping" and you can actually return here at any point. The game feels slightly more epic because of this because there is no rescuing to be done. All you need to do is break this sleeping curse and you save the princess. In order to do so, however, means you must travel across Hyrule's many towns and 6 dungeons to take on the evil that is plagueing the land. Gameplay is definitly cut more from an RPG than anything else. You travel across a "overworld" where random creatures appear. If you touch one you get warped to a quick sidescrolling map where your goal is to get to the edge to escape and continue your journey. The map and enemies you face depend solely on what location of the map you are touching when you cross path's with a monster. So if your overworld link is crossing over a forest when you intercept a baddie - you will be warped to a Forest scene where you have to take on Forest type enemies and escape to continue on with your quest. Link still follows the same overall pattern as all the rest of the games. Generally you need a certain item to progress in the game. At some point you need a hammer to crush a rock to get to the next dungeon or you need a certain spell to uncover a bridge to proceed. Overall, only a select few of the items and spells you come accross are actually NEEDED to proceed, and others are there just to keep the game interesting. On a small Diversion - there are townspeople in this game. This is a Zelda first. The towns seem very Medieval in comparison to some of the newer games. All the towns look the same however thanks to the NES graphics and at times can become a chore looking for the one person you need to actually speak to get what u need. Also, the translation is pretty bad for a Mainstream Nintendo Game. Here are some classic lines from some of the townspeople... "I am Error" "Use keys in Palaces they are found in" (About 5 people say this in the game for some reason) "In Midoro swamp find a handy glove." and my personal favorite *****SPOILER******* The ending to this game clearly states "Thanks a Million For Playing this game!" ******END SPOILER***** All and All, this game isn't really that bad. Especially the first time you play the game trying to figure out what is going on and what the deal is with certain things. It just doesn't have that wonderful replay value that the original has nor is it as friendly. The saddest part for me too is upon beating the game, I expected a second quest. This was furthered by the fact that when you beat the game - you can replay the game with all the experience and spells you earned from the previous game (You just need to beat the dungeons again). I myself beat the game 5 times in one sitting just because I thought something cool would happen and it didn't. A must play for any Zelda Fan, but don't expect the world from this game.
Other Helpful Reviews for Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
First off, I will admit that it took me time to get into the game. It was very difficult, especially in the beginning since you are so weak with no experience or spells. I put the game away more than once, and I've heard... Read Full Review
After defeating Ganon, princess Zelda is suddenly falling in a sleep, but strangely she isn't waking up. The princess has been cursed, she's lying lifeless in a sleep which is unstoppable. Until, our hero Link takes on t... Read Full Review
