The Legend Continues!
As I opened the Zelda sequel, I suddenly had a flashback of the original I had opened just a year before. Within the carefully opened box, I found a shiny, metallic gold cartridge that matched the first one perfectly. About to explode with all the built up love and obsession from the first Zelda, I simply couldn't wait to begin playing Zelda II. Obviously for many other gamers as well, Zelda II had remarkably high expectations to live up to.
When I started on my new adventure, I was amazed at how truly different this game was compared to the original. Link was now 16 years old and appeared much bigger on screen. Not to mention the fact that Zelda II also incorporated 2D side scrolling, along with the unique overhead view. Nintendo spent a lot of time experimenting and perfecting this combination of views. All the effort paid off, because you now had the best of both worlds. This also allowed game designers to add a noticeable amount of detail, which resulted in a significant graphic improvement. To enhance this new graphic concept, Nintendo also composed an equally awesome music theme. Its soothing melodies really gave off an enchanted vibe as I explored the perilous lands.
Other new features included the use of eight different Magics. You first had to explore and discover the Magics, and then you had to figure out where to use them. In addition to this, you had the ability to level up the Magic along with Attack and Health meters. You did so by earning experience points from killing enemies, collecting P bags and completing levels. When I say earn I mean earn! I literally spent hours just building up experience points. Now, I will explain the reason for all this leveling up. This game is extremely hard! I found it to be alot more challenging than the first. You must navigate through a maze full of axe yielding crocodiles in Death Mountain, Battle through seven huge Palaces and fight your very own shadow. This proved to be one of the most intense battles of my life! Your shadow literally dodges and counters nearly every single move. You must strike at exactly the right moments with precision to defeat him.
Now, you must consider the fact that Zelda II's predecessor was and is one of the best games ever made. The original was close to being a perfect game, so trying to follow in the footsteps of The legend of Zelda was a near impossible task. Even with all the new features that Zelda II introduced, the game still couldn't measure up to the original. However, The Adventure of Link is still an incredible game! It is a must have for all Zelda fans and adventure gamers who really enjoy a challenge.
Strong Points:
Awesome graphics. Incorporates both overhead and side scrolling views. Great need for strategy. Incredible characters, enemies and bosses. Some of the most action packed battles in any game.
Weak points:
Too challenging for beginners. Sound effects have a tendency to become annoying.