Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is the second major installment in The Legend of Zelda series and the direct sequel to the first game. Like its predecessor, it features dungeons that must be located in the overworld and searched for an item that will prove useful. However, the game presents many very important gameplay changes compared to the previous one, affecting especially the movements and the combat. Moving around the world map involves encounters with enemies that take place on a side-scrolling playfield rather than the top-down perspective for which the series became known.
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Not a Zelda game but a Zelda game. Tougher than nails and quirky. Fun but maddening. Gave it a higher rating because it has the slappiest soundtrack of all the Zelda games.
Yeah, it's not great. Dungeon design is lame, and the rpg leveling mechanics feel out of place. I wouldn't have beat this without a guide and rewind features - but with those, it's not a bad time.
You don’t have to like this game just cause it’s the black sheep of the series.
I already have a hard time with the original LOZ, so turning things into a tough-as-nails side-scroller doesn't do the first few Zelda games any favors, at least in my opinion. I can see the appeal & it's technically put together pretty well. The gameplay overall is still just a bit too obtuse & punishing for my taste. Greatness was still ahead for TLOZ, but it was still kinda just finding its footing back in the 80s.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is... a tough one. On one hand, I love the shift to side-scrolling action and RPG elements – it adds a unique challenge compared to the first Zelda. On the other hand, some areas are punishingly difficult, the map is super confusing, and the grinding gets tedious fast. It's a fascinating and ambitious sequel, but a seriously frustrating one for modern players. Diehard Zelda fans might appreciate the historical value, but it's definitely not for everyone.
Woaaah no buddy I am NOT messing with this game