Why I Consider Zelda II the Best In the Series

by Kiel Warren

The vast majority of the gaming community considers Zelda II the worst game in the series, a black mark on an otherwise shining example of gaming. However, I'd like to offer a different opinion, I consider Zelda II to be the finest game in the series.

When the game was released most gamers (kids ages 8-15) expected a game exactly like the first. Well, they didn't get that, instead they received a rather difficult side scroller that was based heavily on fighting and less on puzzles. Nintendo implemented a variety of new mechanics into the game, so much that the only thing that resembled the first game was the eight dungeons. The game plays from a side scrolling view point like most of the early nintendo games. Link could jump, he could duck, he could upthrust, downthrust, and even use magic. An experience system was also implemented, which would mean this game is more closely related to RPG's than the other Zelda's. But for some reason gamers hated it.

Zelda II was far ahead of it's time. Gamers were younger back then, they only wanted to play something they could sit down and be really good at right away (note: RPG's weren't nearly as popular then as they are today). The average gamer gave up in frustation after trying the fight the knights in the first dungeon, misunderstanding the battle system. With the exception of Zelda 64, II has the most advanced battle system in the series. Unlike the first game, a gamer can't expect to be able to run up to the armored knight's and kill them by hitting a certain spot. Concentrating on the fight and learning the enemies moves and patterns is what makes the battle system fun and easy. It becomes much more entertaining than the hack and slash skirmishes of the other games.

Graphically the game changed, and gamers were confused. Who's the tall guy with the weird sword? What happened to the short fat Link? The new graphic style was fitting for a game based more on the action element of Zelda. Challenges came not in solving a block puzzle, but in finding a way over a pit or defeating an enemy. Gamers weren't expecting this, and were instantly turned off. True, Link's moves weren't as fluid as Mario, but a little practice, and any gamer can master jumping and sword techniques within the game.

The huge turn off for most gamers was the steep challenge the game provided. This is the reason I enjoy the game so. With the first Zelda the most average player can blow through the game's dungeons without giving it a second thought. However Zelda II provided quite a bit of challenge for those eager ten year olds waiting for the next Zelda. I too found it quite difficult playing for the first time. I came back to the game several years ago, and was able to beat it quite easily. Back when the game was released, most gamers just didn't have the patience to meet the challenge.

Hidden beneath the rough exterior, is a gem of a game. Had this game been released under the current mindset of gamers, would it have been praised for taking a chance and radically changing the gameplay of a success? Offered within that gold case (or grey depending on which version you have) is an action-rpg, quite a bit of challenge, amusing gameplay, and an extreme change, from the other Zeldas. It is a true departure from the formula which is beginning to permeate the series. Give it another chance, you'll be glad you did.