Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link
Reviewed by Tony Myers
I was just going down to my TV room - which has an N64, Super NES, and
NES - one day, when I decided to look through a box containing Nintendo
manuals, old NES games, etc. when I came across a game that brought
back several memories: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. I bought Zelda II
in about 1994-95. It was being re-released as part of Nintendo's "THE
ORIGINAL: RE-RELEASED" series. By the way, Zelda II was the first
Zelda game I ever owned. At first I didn't care much for Zelda but
somehow I changed my mind. I was looking for the first one, but ended
up with Zelda II. I got Zelda I later. While I played Zelda II, I remembered
the never-forgotten sequel to the most influential game of all time.
(Hey, Zelda II is, too!) Here's the scoop.
Graphics 3 out of 5
Even with the N64's games that sport impressive 3-D graphics, no one
can forget the well-made graphics of Zelda II. The overhead and battle
scene graphics are well maintained.
Music and Sound 4 out of 5
One word: Involving! I just love the way the music goes! From the peaceful
music of the towns to the eerie music of the palaces and Great Palace,
from the sounds of a boss blowing up, to the sound of the woman that
revives Link's health, the music and sound has a lot to do with Link's world.
Game Challenge 5 out of 5
You want challenge? Zelda II delivers a game packed (and I mean PACKED)
with challenge (and I mean CHALLENGE!) It will take a long, long time and
a whole lotta guts to beat the game, even with the Game Genie plugged in.
Game Play-Fun 5 out of 5
Zelda II can be described in four letters: C-O-O-L. I had a lot of fun
rediscovering all the items you would need to beat the game. I was
playing an old file about 3/4 of the game done, and I still had to get the
final two spells, Spell and Thunder. I had a great time, even though I beat
the rest of the game in less than a day (using Game Genie, of course!).
Frustration
With the Game Genie? Not as challenging. Without, you will have a hard
time making your way to the end of the game in less than 2 years, even
if you were forced to spend that amount of time in a locked room with
no doors, windows or bed, just a light, a TV set, and your NES.
Replayability 5 out of 5
In all the hullabaloo with my Super NES and N64 games, I guess I forgot
Zelda I and Zelda II. But when I turned Zelda II on, I remembered what I
once forgot. If you're reading this, please take the time to turn your NES
on and replay the two adventure games that paved the path for games to come.
Game Value 5 out of 5
I would pay anything just to get this game, even though I have it. It is MORE
than worth its price. If you don't have it, get off your chair, run out to the
nearest used video game store, and get it!
Overall 5 out of 5
Zelda II is an absolute must-have for any NES owner. You won't be deprived
of a classic game that Nintendo worked hard on to achieve its popularity,
hence it was re-released, along with the preqel, Zelda I (better known as
The Legend of Zelda.) Go and play Zelda I and II once again, along with Link's
Awakening and Link To the Past. Until the release of Zelda 64: The Ocarina
of Time, remember the two that started it all.