Product ReviewsZelda II: The Adventure of Link Gold (Nintendo Entertainment System, 1988)

A title to learn

The Legend of Zelda and it's sequence: Zelda II, are titles that a video gamer should play and analyze in order to learn about the elements of a good video game. Wonderful classical story, great music, interesting challenges for the hero (who's role is played by the gamer) places to discover, wide variety pf enemies ranking from some dumb characters to formidable bosses, hidden items to find and many other surprises along the way to solve the problem and get the princess rescued while defeating a terrible enemy and restoring order and peace to the mytical land of Hyrule.
One more thing, the graphics are minimimal due to the technical limitations of the time, but that is not an impediment to qualify 5 stars both games. Definitely knowing those games for a gamer is like reading the classics for a reader or watching the great films from the silent and blak & white times for a serious movie watcher.
You will be enriched by playing this games and never repented about the time dedicated to learn from these master prices.Read full review...

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A worthy member of the Zelda series

The Adventure of Link is one of the most controversial games in the Zelda series. Departing from the "bird's eye view" of the games which preceded and followed it, the game's battles are fought in "side-scroller" mode (i.e. Link appears in profile and only moves across the screen). In addition, the game incorporated RPG elements like levelling up and magic spells. Ganon was not present. To top it all off, the game was one of the hardest in the Zelda series.

But all this doesn't detract from the game's high quality. The elaborate palaces, challenging enemies like Iron Knuckle, and myriad characters Link can interact with draws the player into the world of Hyrule. It feels like a real accomplishment to finally access the special items located in well-defended and hard-to-reach areas of the palaces, and using these items to explore new parts of the overworld map provides great excitement. In addition, the music is superb and the graphics are good considering the game's age.

This may be the most difficult game in the Zelda series, but it is also the most intriguing. The feeling a player gets when a powerful Iron Knuckle enters the screen or the chills that accompany hearing the boss music aren't reproducible in any other game.Read full review...

ZELDA II: The Adventure of Link

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link for the NES. Gee, what can I say... Well this certainly wasn't as good as the first Legend of Zelda, but it's still a good game. I mean out of all the Legend of Zelda games it's probably my least favorite, but c'mon, the worst Legend of Zelda game is probably better than the majority of other NES games that came out at the same time. And Nintendo doing things there own way and being innovative basicaly changed the classic original in two ways - 1:Top down to side scrolling and 2:A role playing format was introduced. I personally enjoyed playing the game, though it does have a few draw backs. I think that the advent of the side scrolling was the cause to a lack of puzzles. There are a few hard jumps to makes, and sure, you have to figure out where to go and how to get to certain places within the palaces, but is that really a puzzle? I think not. No blocks to push, no patterns to unlock, just basically figuring out where to go which is more a practice of trial and error. There are some cool items in this game though such as up stab and down stab. One thing this Zelda game does not have is bombs. This was however the first Zelda game to have a magic meter, though the last to use the magic to cast spells, which had some pretty cool ones as well like turning yourself into a fairy, or the reflect spell. I'd say the hardest part of this game is probably the firghts, especially when you're going agianst a red or even harder blue night (keep an eye on where the sword pops out behind him to properly block). Also some of the bosses at the end of the palaces are pretty tough. Other than that you just need to talk to a lot of people and find the hidden area on the over head map which just comes down to getting lucky if you're not using the help of the internet (which I urge you not to do unless you're really really stuck). A lot of people will tell you that this game sucks and shouldn't belong as a part of the Legend of Zelda series but that's just because it's so different from the first and every single one after it, but that doesn't necessarily make it a bad game. It does have elements of other popular side scrolling games such as Super Mario or or Mega Man in that there are some hard jumps to make and things that come down to simple timing. This is a fine game made by Nintendo though. It's a classic too. And you gotta love the gold cart. It's quite legendary. There are a lot of reviews on here saying bad things about this game but I'd say they're are being a bit over critical and just shooting down a game because it was a bit different than what you were used to. This is one instance where I think the difference is refreshing. The only downfall, like I said, is the lack of puzzles to solve. There is enough sustainability to keep you happy with this game though. Greatest RPG ever? No, but a very good Zelda game. Give it a shot, I think you'll like it.Read full review...

Different but Solid

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is often considered the black sheep of the Zelda family and is shunned by some as a poor game because of how much different it is from every other Zelda title. Nintendo abandoned the "bird's eye view" that they used in "The Legend of Zelda" and every subsequent 2D Zelda game since and went to a side scrolling view. The game was also more RPGish. You had to acumulate experience points by defeating enemies to boost your stats. Even though it is very different from any other Zelda experience you've ever had I recommend giving it a try. It's different, in a good way. While I am glad Nintendo decided to go back to the bird's eye view perspective, the side scrolling works with this game. Zelda II introduced the up and down stab, and plenty of names, items, and enemies that you'll probably recognize that have been used in later Zelda games. The game is extremely challenging because you are only given three lives, once their gone you start back at the beginning and must find your way all the back to where you were to continue your quest. It's not the best Zelda ever, but it is a solid title and a piece of Zelda history. So if you're into Zelda games, give this one a try.Read full review...

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link NES

I remember getting this game when I was about 7 years old. We went into a PX and I was hoping to get the original Zelda as I hadn't played it yet. Unfortunately, it wasn't available so we purchased Zelda II.

The game is enjoyable though I must admit at the time it wasn't so much tough as it was confusing. Not that the game is simple mind you, but it is more confusing if you don't understand what you are doing. Once you understand what you are doing then things work out pretty easily and things become much easier then initial appearance. Link levels up this time around and the views are much different then the first game. There is a mixed RPG and side scrolling platform element to this game. The music is excellent in parts and controls are good though require some time to master. Some enemies will give you trouble at first but if you keep working through it you should start to figure it out easily enough. If you are confused, don't be afraid to look at a few hints. It is straightforward but things can be cryptic at the same time.

If you're an old NES fan, buy it and give it a shot. It isn't hard and is very enjoyable. Have fun and happy gaming.Read full review...

Black Sheep? I don't think so!

A nice follow up to the Original "Legend of Zelda", it packs an adventure that amazes the gamer. The game is different from any other Zelda game in that it uses a side-scrolling view. For those who don't know what that means, a Side-Scrolling view is like watching somebody walk in front of you rather than the typical overhead view used in most Zelda games.
The gameplay is pretty self-explained. The game is quite difficult to most unseasoned gamers, yet once you get the hang of it, it is very entertaining. For those who have never played an NES game, I do not recommend starting with this one. The game uses a point system where you level up based on the amount of points you earn, similar to Pokemon and Final Fantasy. However, instead of leveling up one particular thing, you have three options of things to level up. First is your Attack power, Second is your Magic Power, and Third is your Health. You start out with only level 1 on each option, which makes the game difficult right from the beginning.
For the hardcore gamer or Zelda fan, this is a definite must have. Even though this is often considered the black-sheep for the Zelda series, I most humbly do not think so at all. This is one of those games you need to give a chance rather than just losing and turning it off. It introduces many things to the Zelda series that are still used today, such as the Dungeon theme, the downward and upward stab, the third Triforce piece, Dark Link, Magic, so on, and so on. Altogether, this is a fun, yet challenging game that is bound to keep you busy!Read full review...

Fun game

Fun zelda 2 nes video game never beaten it before and it seems fun to play gives you something to do play as link the main super hero to save the princess and fight with monsters love the gameplay throwback zelda 2 game buttons are easy to control use a normal nes controller and not a retron 1 controller and it makes a huge difference in playing this game also i give this game an a+ for its action and fun gameplayRead full review...

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Zelda ll The Adventure of Link NES

They all call this the "Black sheep of Zelda games" for a reason.
It is a sidescroller (the only one of its kind in the series)
Now, if you are a Zelda fanatic such as myself, you have to get past the differences and try to gain a feel for the gameplay control.
It is harder than the others until you get used to the fighting sequence, and Link utilizes magic meters & spells more like the common D&D style RPGS.

I write media reviews for my local newspaper, and on Friday I always do an old school game.
I basicly compair this Zelda title to "Halloween 3" if you know what I mean.
Not like the rest, it has to grow on you.
Overall, it IS Zelda, so give it a chance.Read full review...

Great classic.

I grew up playing this game, and love it. It’s the only Zelda game that was somewhat RPG based. Instead of finding new and better swords and shields, you level up you attack, life, and magic abilities.Read full review...

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One of the top 3 Nintendo games

A classic. Tons of replay-ability and as good as the first Zelda. I wish there was another Zelda game like this that is a sidescroller not top view. Definitely not to be missed. Great gameplay items powers and map.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: phesic862