Zelda 2: The Timeless Legacy that Defies Decades

Highlights

The game presents side-scrolling action gameplay and incorporates RPG mechanics, deviating from the traditional top-down perspective and emphasis on exploration found in other Zelda games.

Critics dislike the visuals of Zelda 2, finding them washed-out and less visually appealing than its predecessor. This has a negative impact on its overall presentation.

For 37 years, The Legend of Zelda has been one of Nintendo's top franchises, second only to Super Mario. Throughout this time, Link has embarked on epic adventures in Hyrule, defeating bosses, battling monsters, and rescuing princesses. Fans have continued to support the series, regardless of the console Link is featured on. However, not all entries are considered equal, and to this day, The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link is seen as the odd one out in the franchise.

Why Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link Is the Black Sheep of the Zelda Franchise

One of the primary reasons for Zelda 2's lack of recognition in recent times can be attributed to its distinctive gameplay in comparison to the rest of the series. The initial installment of the Legend of Zelda in 1986 established a standard that most subsequent Zelda games adhered to. The original game presented a top-down perspective, enabling players to navigate Link across an expansive overworld, undertake perilous dungeon quests, and engage in combat against various creatures. This top-down viewpoint prevailed in the franchise, featuring prominently in numerous Zelda titles made for Game Boy, GBA, DS, and 3DS. Conversely, the other prominent gameplay style in Zelda games involves a third-person action-adventure approach, first introduced in Ocarina of Time and subsequently employed on the GameCube, Wii, and now Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link stands apart from other games in the franchise. It mostly functions as a side-scrolling action game, with players controlling Link from a top-down perspective in the overworld, but switching to a side-scrolling perspective when entering a location or encountering enemies. This unique gameplay style, while not necessarily bad, sets it apart from the rest of the series in a jarring way.

In addition to the gameplay departure, Zelda 2 introduces RPG elements that were not as prominent in the first game. While the original Zelda had some RPG-like features, Zelda 2 goes all-in with its RPG mechanics. It introduces proper non-player characters (NPCs) in towns, allowing players to level up their stats after defeating bosses and unlock new abilities, including magic spells. However, the execution of these mechanics in Zelda 2 feels lackluster compared to newer entries in the franchise like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. As a result, the game feels unfinished and outdated.

The overall presentation of The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link is another significant factor contributing to its rejection today. Even during its release, the visuals of Zelda 2 appeared washed-out in comparison to its predecessor. While the original Zelda showcased vibrant green trees and blue rivers, Zelda 2's visuals seemed rather dull. Although Nintendo may have aimed for realism in the sequel, its presentation does not hold up as well as the original game's style over time.

The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link can be played on the Nintendo Entertainment System and Nintendo Switch platforms.