Zelda II:

The Odd Game Out

In 1988, Nintendo released Zelda II: The Adventure of Link to the world of gaming. Since that time, this game has taken on some heavy criticism. People say that this game doesn't belong in the series and that it's not worth playing. Those people have some good points. However, as usual, I shall do my best to prove the other guys wrong. First, let's look at their reasoning. It all starts at the title. "Zelda II". This title is lacking "The Legend of" in the front of it, and it has an odd "II" in the back. All of the other Zelda games are titled "The Legend of Zelda: XXXXXXX". They have no numbers. The game is already looking like it doesn't belong. Within minutes of playing the game, you notice another difference. The enemies appear on the "world map" and chase you down. When they run into you, you enter a battle with them. This is very similar to RPG's (Role-Playing Games) such as the Final Fantasy series. However, this is inconsistent with the other Zelda games. In those games, you see the enemy, you fight the enemy right there, and you go on. Another element that Zelda II has that sets it apart is it's level system. As you kill enemies, you gain experience. As you gain experience, you get level ups. You can choose to add to your strength, your defense, or your magic. This is also consistent with RPG's, but not with the Zelda series. Also, the shape of Hyrule is different. The mountains are in different areas, and so are the lakes. All the other Zelda games have a basic "shape" of Hyrule. The exception to this is The Legend of Zelda that takes place entirely on Death Mountain. Other than that, this game is just like all the others. Link goes to different the temples, kills bosses, gets a triforce, and awakes Zelda. Many of you are already probably convinced that Zelda II doesn't belong. I would. However, when I play AL, I know it's a Zelda. Even if you changed all the names and all the sprites it would still be a Zelda. You hear the Overworld Theme burst out as you step onto the plains of Hyrule for the first time. You go to different towns with names like Talon and Darunia. You "feel" like you're playing a Zelda game. The shape of the land could've been the result of many earthquakes and other natural phenomena taking place between LTTP and AL. If you can't understand what I mean by this, go play it for yourself. Go buy a copy of the game for two bucks, site down, and experience the joy that is Zelda.

~Daniel Rendleman