Released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is often regarded as one of the most divisive titles in the Legend of Zelda series. While the first Zelda game introduced players to the expansive world of Hyrule with its top-down perspective and open exploration, Zelda II took a bold leap by incorporating side-scrolling action and RPG elements. This departure from the original formula has made it a unique and memorable entry in the series, even if it didn’t always win over the hearts of long-time fans. Despite its differences, Zelda II laid the groundwork for many mechanics that would later become staples in the series.
The Story Behind Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Zelda II picks up right after the events of The Legend of Zelda. Princess Zelda, the titular princess of the kingdom of Hyrule, has fallen into a deep sleep due to a curse placed upon her by a villain named Dark Link. The only way to awaken her is to break the curse, which requires the Triforce of Courage—a powerful artifact that can only be obtained by journeying to the Palace of Paradox. The hero of the story, Link, embarks on this dangerous quest to save Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule from impending doom.
The game takes place across a map of Hyrule, much like its predecessor, but instead of the familiar overhead perspective, players explore the world through a side-scrolling view during battles and dungeon explorations. This was a dramatic shift, but it added a more dynamic and action-packed approach to the series, making combat feel more visceral and involved.
Gameplay Mechanics: A Mix of RPG and Action
One of the most striking aspects of Zelda II is its combination of action-platforming and RPG elements. Players control Link as he ventures through a series of towns, caves, and dungeons, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and leveling up his abilities. Unlike the first game, which was purely action-oriented with minimal character progression, Zelda II features a full-fledged leveling system where players can improve Link’s health, magic, and attack power.
Link can acquire magic spells that can be used during combat to assist in battle or solve environmental puzzles. Spells such as Fire, Reflect, and Thunder allow players to strategically approach combat and exploration. Magic usage is limited, so managing your resources and choosing when to use spells wisely is crucial for success.
The game’s combat system is also distinct. Instead of the top-down slashing action seen in the original, Zelda II uses a side-scrolling combat system where players must time their sword strikes, jumps, and defensive moves carefully to defeat enemies. The game’s combat is more complex, as players need to block incoming attacks, jump over enemies, and take advantage of Link’s special moves, like the downward stab and upward stab.
In addition to the core gameplay, Zelda II introduced the Overworld Map, where players travel between towns, villages, and dungeons. Along the way, Link will encounter random encounters, and combat plays out in a real-time battle mode on a side-scrolling screen. The mix of exploration, random encounters, and dungeon crawling created a sense of progression and continuity that made the game feel expansive.
Fun Facts About Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
- The First Side-Scrolling Zelda Game: Zelda II was a major departure from the original Zelda’s top-down exploration style. Its use of side-scrolling action for combat and platforming was a bold design choice that set it apart from other games in the franchise. This shift was controversial at the time, as fans of the first game had become accustomed to its top-down, exploration-heavy mechanics.
- Inspiration from RPGs: Zelda II draws heavy inspiration from traditional RPGs. The game features character leveling, inventory management, and magic use—elements that were more commonly found in RPGs at the time. The decision to include these elements would eventually influence future Zelda games and their progression systems.
- The Triforce of Courage: The concept of the Triforce plays a significant role in the game’s story. While the Triforce of Wisdom was introduced in the first game, Zelda II focuses on the Triforce of Courage, one of the three parts of the Triforce. This shifted the focus of the game from the traditional battle for the Triforce to a more personal journey for Link, emphasizing his own courage.
- Challenging Difficulty: Zelda II is known for its high difficulty level, particularly its combat sequences and platforming challenges. Many players struggled with the game’s challenging enemies and difficult dungeons. Even though the game was generally well-received, its tough difficulty became a point of contention for some players.
- Influence on Future Zelda Games: Though Zelda II is often regarded as an outlier in the Zelda series, it had a lasting impact on the franchise. The leveling system and magic mechanics introduced in Zelda II would later influence The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) and other entries in the series. The RPG elements introduced here would eventually become a key component of the more expansive, open-world Zelda games.
- Hidden Secrets and Tricks: Like many NES games of the era, Zelda II is full of hidden secrets and tricks for players to discover. For example, some towns and caves can only be accessed by using specific magic spells or by performing certain actions. These hidden elements reward players who take the time to explore every nook and cranny of Hyrule.
- Dark Link’s First Appearance: Zelda II introduced Dark Link, a shadowy version of Link who serves as one of the game’s most memorable bosses. Dark Link would go on to become a recurring villain throughout the Zelda series, making his first appearance in Zelda II a significant moment in the franchise’s lore.
- The Great Palace: The final dungeon in Zelda II, known as the Great Palace, is considered one of the toughest and most complex in the entire series. It’s a massive, multi-level dungeon filled with challenging enemies and puzzles. The sheer difficulty of this dungeon made it one of the most memorable parts of the game.
Secrets and Tricks in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
- Grinding for Experience: Since Zelda II features an RPG-like leveling system, one of the most effective ways to progress is by grinding for experience. Players can repeatedly fight enemies on the Overworld Map to level up their stats, making the game more manageable as the difficulty increases.
- Use the Jump Spell to Reach High Areas: The Jump spell allows Link to leap higher, which is especially useful for reaching certain areas or avoiding enemies. It’s important to use the Jump spell at the right times to navigate through tricky platforming sections.
- Stock Up on Magic: Magic plays a significant role in Zelda II, and it’s often best to keep your magic reserves full by collecting magic containers. The Fairy spell can also be used to restore Link’s health and magic, so be sure to use it strategically.
- Save Often: The game features a continue system that lets you resume from your last save point, but the difficulty of the game makes it essential to save frequently. Be sure to use the towns as your checkpoints, especially before tackling tough dungeons or battles.
- Mastering the Combat System: The combat system in Zelda II requires precise timing and movement. To defeat enemies efficiently, use Link’s downward and upward stabs to deal with enemies from different angles. Mastering the jumping and blocking mechanics will make combat much easier.
- Dark Link Battle Tips: The final battle against Dark Link can be one of the toughest parts of the game. The key to defeating Dark Link is to stay patient and time your attacks carefully. Dark Link will mirror your movements, so watch closely for his patterns and attack when he leaves himself open.
Why Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is Still Worth Playing
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link may have taken a different approach from the other games in the series, but it remains one of the most unique and influential titles in the Zelda franchise. Its action-packed combat, RPG mechanics, and difficult dungeons make it a standout entry for those who enjoy challenging gameplay. While it may not have the same nostalgic appeal as the original Zelda or A Link to the Past, its distinct features and rich lore still make it a game worth revisiting.
The game’s innovative combat system, the introduction of magic spells, and the inclusion of a leveling system all contributed to shaping the direction of future Zelda games. Zelda II may not have been universally beloved at the time of its release, but its bold innovations paved the way for many aspects of the series that fans continue to enjoy today. If you’re a fan of the Zelda franchise or enjoy retro gaming, Zelda II remains an unforgettable adventure that’s worth the challenge.