When Nintendo launched The Legend of Zelda in 1986, the company set a new gold standard for action-adventure games on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Yet, just a year later, Nintendo took an audacious risk with Zelda II: The Adventure of Link—a sequel that would diverge dramatically from its predecessor’s groundbreaking top-down formula.
Developed by Nintendo and released in Japan in 1987 and North America in 1988, Zelda II remains the only entry in the long-running franchise to focus primarily on side-scrolling gameplay, a bold move that would cement its status as one of the most distinctive chapters in The Legend of Zelda series. The narrative of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link picks up years after Link triumphs over Ganon in the original game.
Now a teenager, Link finds himself plagued by a mysterious symbol on his hand.
Seeking guidance from Impa, he is led to a long-sealed chamber.
There, a sleeping Princess Zelda awaits: the victim of a powerful enchantment cast after she refused to reveal the location of the Triforce.
With the mark indicating Link as the chosen hero, he embarks on a perilous quest to awaken Zelda by conquering six distinct palaces and uniting six magical crystals to reclaim the Triforce of Courage. Zelda II's journey takes players through challenging terrain, from the meadows of Hyrule to the foreboding Valley of Death.
The action RPG brought several franchise firsts, including towns populated with non-playable characters (NPCs), a deeper and more strategic combat system, and the introduction of magic spells essential for overcoming enemies and solving environmental obstacles.
Notably, Zelda II also marked the debut of the formidable Dark Link, an antagonist who would make recurring appearances in later games. According to development archives, Nintendo described Zelda II on its title screen as Link’s “most adventuresome quest yet.” The game’s daring mechanical shifts—a leveling system to enhance Link’s attributes, magic to alter gameplay, and platforming challenges—would go on to influence other action titles, even as Nintendo never revisited the side-scrolling formula in subsequent Zelda games.
Despite its commercial success and over 4.38 million copies sold worldwide, critics and fans alike have noted the game’s occasionally opaque progression and challenging difficulty. Still, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is fondly remembered by many for its ambition and the creative drive it represents from Nintendo’s formative years.
Composer Akito Nakatsuka’s memorable soundtrack further underscores the emotional depth of Link’s journey.
Although considered the "black sheep" of the franchise, the game’s legacy endures, available on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch through Nintendo Switch Online and historically on the Virtual Console for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. For seasoned fans and newcomers alike, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link offers a glimpse into a period when Nintendo fearlessly redefined what was possible within one of gaming’s most iconic universes.
Its unique identity, paired with the developer’s willingness to take creative risks, continues to inspire the industry to this day.
Yet, just a year later, Nintendo took an audacious risk with Zelda II: The Adventure of Link—a sequel that would diverge dramatically from its predecessor’s groundbreaking top-down formula.
Developed by Nintendo and released in Japan in 1987 and North America in 1988, Zelda II remains the only entry in the long-running franchise to focus primarily on side-scrolling gameplay, a bold move that would cement its status as one of the most distinctive chapters in The Legend of Zelda series. The narrative of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link picks up years after Link triumphs over Ganon in the original game.
Now a teenager, Link finds himself plagued by a mysterious symbol on his hand.
Seeking guidance from Impa, he is led to a long-sealed chamber.
There, a sleeping Princess Zelda awaits: the victim of a powerful enchantment cast after she refused to reveal the location of the Triforce.
With the mark indicating Link as the chosen hero, he embarks on a perilous quest to awaken Zelda by conquering six distinct palaces and uniting six magical crystals to reclaim the Triforce of Courage. Zelda II's journey takes players through challenging terrain, from the meadows of Hyrule to the foreboding Valley of Death.
The action RPG brought several franchise firsts, including towns populated with non-playable characters (NPCs), a deeper and more strategic combat system, and the introduction of magic spells essential for overcoming enemies and solving environmental obstacles.
Notably, Zelda II also marked the debut of the formidable Dark Link, an antagonist who would make recurring appearances in later games. According to development archives, Nintendo described Zelda II on its title screen as Link’s “most adventuresome quest yet.” The game’s daring mechanical shifts—a leveling system to enhance Link’s attributes, magic to alter gameplay, and platforming challenges—would go on to influence other action titles, even as Nintendo never revisited the side-scrolling formula in subsequent Zelda games.
Despite its commercial success and over 4.38 million copies sold worldwide, critics and fans alike have noted the game’s occasionally opaque progression and challenging difficulty. Still, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is fondly remembered by many for its ambition and the creative drive it represents from Nintendo’s formative years.
Composer Akito Nakatsuka’s memorable soundtrack further underscores the emotional depth of Link’s journey.
Although considered the "black sheep" of the franchise, the game’s legacy endures, available on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch through Nintendo Switch Online and historically on the Virtual Console for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. For seasoned fans and newcomers alike, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link offers a glimpse into a period when Nintendo fearlessly redefined what was possible within one of gaming’s most iconic universes.
Its unique identity, paired with the developer’s willingness to take creative risks, continues to inspire the industry to this day.
