Zelda II: The Adventure of Link: Difference between revisions

From Zelda Wiki, the Zelda encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Updating some sections)
Line 2: Line 2:
<br>
<br>
{{Game
{{Game
|image = [[File:Aol logo.png|center|260px]][[File:Zelda II The Adventure of Link boxfront.jpg|260px|Zelda II US Boxart]]
|image = [[File:Aol logo.png|center|260px]][[File:Zelda II The Adventure of Link boxfront.jpg|260px]]
|developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]
|developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]
|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
Line 16: Line 16:
|successor = {{ALttP}}
|successor = {{ALttP}}
}}
}}
'''''Zelda II: The Adventure of Link''''' is the direct sequel to {{TLoZ}}, both originally released on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System#Famicom Disk System|Famicom Disk System]] in Japan and then the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in the US and PAL territories. While retaining many of the features of its predecessor, ''The Adventure of Link'' altered certain elements of gameplay, most notably affecting movement and combat. Traveling across a large world map (not unlike those seen in the ''Final Fantasy'' series of video games) would lead to enemy encounters which took place on a side-scrolling field of play rather than the top down perspective for which the series became known.
'''''Zelda II: The Adventure of Link''''' is the direct sequel to {{TLoZ}}, both originally released on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System#Famicom Disk System|Famicom Disk System]] in Japan and then the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in North America and Europe. While retaining many of the features of its predecessor, ''The Adventure of Link'' altered certain elements of gameplay, most notably affecting movement and combat. Traveling across a large world map would lead to enemy encounters which took place on a side-scrolling field of play rather than the top down perspective for which the series became known.


==Plot Synopsis==
==Story==
{{Story}}
[[File:AoL pg5.jpg|thumb|left|Impa shows Link the sleeping Princess Zelda]]
[[File:AoL pg5.jpg|thumb|left|Impa shows Link the [[Sleeping Zelda|sleeping Princess Zelda]]]]
Several years after the defeat of [[Ganon]] and the rescue of [[Princess Zelda]], [[Link]], now at the age of sixteen,<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_lb/vc_lb_02.html Nintendo Virtual Console: Adventure of Link]</ref> is disturbed by the appearance of a mark on the back of his hand. Upon seeing this mark, [[Impa]], the nurse of Princess Zelda, tells him the story of how, ages ago, the [[King of Hyrule (The Adventure of Link)|King of Hyrule]] had hidden a third part of the [[Triforce]], the Triforce of Courage, in the [[Great Palace]] to safeguard it from evil.
Following the defeat of [[Ganon]] and rescue of [[Princess Zelda]], the land of Hyrule began to recover from the ills that had been visited upon it by Ganon. Content to aid in the restoration of [[Hyrule]], [[Link]], at the age of sixteen,<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_lb/vc_lb_02.html Nintendo Virtual Console: Adventure of Link]</ref> was disturbed one day by the appearance of a mark of three triangles on the back of his hand. Upon seeing this mark, [[Impa]], the nurse of Princess Zelda, related to Link the story of how, ages ago, the King of Hyrule had hidden a third part of the [[Triforce]], the Triforce of Courage, in the [[Great Palace]] to safeguard it from evil.


The story goes that upon the death of the [[King of Hyrule (The Adventure of Link)|king]], his son had searched eagerly for the missing Triforce, but its location had been imparted only to the king's daughter, [[Sleeping Zelda|Princess Zelda]]. Angered upon learning this, the [[Prince of Hyrule|Prince]] tried to use the power of a [[Magician|wizard]] to force the truth from his sister, but when she refused the wizard cast a spell upon her to put her into a deep and unending sleep, the wizard died soon after. Only by uniting the Triforce of Courage with its counterparts could Link awake the sleeping Princess Zelda.
Upon the death of the king, his son had searched for the missing Triforce, but its location had been imparted only to the king's daughter, [[Sleeping Zelda|Princess Zelda]]. Angered upon learning this, the [[Prince of Hyrule|Prince]] tried to use the power of a [[Magician]] to force the truth from his sister. After she refused, the wizard casted a spell upon her to put her into a deep sleep, which caused the wizard to die soon after. Only by uniting the Triforce of Courage with its counterparts, Link would be able to awake the sleeping Princess Zelda. Upon hearing this tale, Link receives from Impa [[Crystal|six crystals]] that serve as keys to open the seal on the Great Palace.
Upon hearing this tale, Link received from Impa [[Crystal|six gems]] that served as keys to open the seal on the Great Palace.


Even as Link learned all of this, the minions of Ganon had begun to stir once again. Believing that they could revive their master by pouring the blood of his conqueror (Link) over his ashes, they began again to spread across the land, seeking for him. Traveling the land and working with the peoples of its many remote towns, Link was able to discover each of the six palaces and overcome the tests that had been set against any who would seek to gain the Triforce of Courage. In the end, Link made his way into the depths of the Great Palace and discovered the Triforce guarded by a wizened old sage, who relinquished the prize to Link after putting him through one last test of courage: defeating his own shadow. Uniting the three Triforces, Link returned to the Northern Palace and awoke the slumbering Zelda.
As Link learns all of this, the minions of Ganon begin to attack once again. Believing that they could revive their master by pouring the blood of Link over his ashes, they begin to spread across the land, seeking for him. Eventually, Link is able to gain the Triforce of Courage. Uniting the three Triforces, Link returns to the Northern Palace to wake the slumbering Zelda.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[File:Zelda-II-The-Adventure-of-Link thumb3.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Link fighting Gooma]]
''The Adventure of Link'' was the sequel to the highly acclaimed {{TLoZ}}, and the second [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''Zelda'' game]] released. Like its predecessor, ''The Adventure of Link'' features dungeons that must be located in the overworld. Inside them, Link can find a boss and an item that will prove useful. However, the game features many and very significant gameplay changes from the previous installment.


''The Adventure of Link'' was the sequel to the highly acclaimed {{TLoZ}}, and the second [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''Zelda'' game]] released. Like its predecessor, ''The Adventure of Link'' features dungeons that must be located in the overworld; inside them is a boss that will challenge Link when they find each other, as well as a treasure item that will prove useful for Link eventually. However, the game features many and very significant gameplay changes from the previous installment, the quest progress is more complex and the difficulty level has reached a peak level.
Combat is restricted to the Sword and Shield. The main projectile weapon is the [[Sword Beam]], which can only be used when Link has full health. The game also lacks recovery [[Heart]]s, meaning that Link can only recover his health by leveling up, using the Life Magic, finding Fairies or [[Heart Container]]s, or by talking to some women in towns.


===Screen Interface===
===Screen Interface===
The first mechanic to be noted is the side-scrolling perspective, which conjugates with the also present top-view perspective. The former is used when Link is exploring a town, a cavern, a secret open field with some reward, a bridge, a mid-way track or a dungeon. The latter is just to move across the overworld so that Link can indeed travel towards any of the aforementioned places; in addition, when an enemy group (represented in the overworld map as black-colored creatures) manages to make contact with Link after chasing him, the perspective is side scroll as well, and here Link has to either defeat those who are bothering him and flee, or just do the latter (if he can do so easily, of course).
The game features a more prominent use of a side-scrolling perspective, which is used when Link is exploring a town, cavern, secret open field, bridge, or dungeon. The top-view perspective is only used when moving though the overworld. In addition, when an enemy group (represented in the overworld map as black-colored creatures) manages to make contact with Link, the perspective changes to a side-scrolling one, where Link must either defeat the enemies or flee.


===Magic Usage and Experience===
===Magic Usage===
The second mechanic, arguably more noteworthy, is that for attack, defense and action. Link, when he's on a side-scrolling place, is able to use [[Magic of The Adventure of Link|Magic]]. Each magic has a specific purpose, and depending of its effect, it's used either for attack, defense or solving a puzzle; each ability consumes a certain amount of Magic Points on Link's [[Magic Meter]], and while its effect is of unlimited time, it automatically cancels after Link reaches a new segment or zone. If Link needs the spell again, he needs then to perform it again, and thus needs magic reserve once more. Certain enemies drop [[Magic Jar]]s that contain magic power, ideal for replenishing the magic stock. There are eight [[Magic of The Adventure of Link|magic spells]] in total:
When Link is on a side-scrolling perspective, he is able to use [[Magic of The Adventure of Link|Magic]]. Each Magic can be used either for attack, defense, or solving puzzles. Each ability consumes a certain amount of Magic Points on Link's [[Magic Meter]], and while their effects are of unlimited time, they automatically cancel after Link reaches a new area. Certain enemies drop [[Magic Jar]]s that contain Magic Power which replenishes the Magic stock. There are eight Magic Spells in total:


*'''Shield''': Gives Link extra defense. Enemies inflict half of the damage to him.
*'''Shield''': Enemies inflict half of the damage.
*'''Jump''': Makes Link jump twice as high as before.
*'''Jump''': Makes Link jump twice as high.
*'''Life''': Makes Link recover three segments of life energy (this is, in fact, one of the only three ways to recover life, the others being collecting rare fairies and being healed in a town).
*'''Life''': Makes Link recover three life points.
*'''Fairy''': Turns Link into a [[Fairy]], extremely useful to reach high places, escape from enemy battles and passing through locked doors.
*'''Fairy''': Turns Link into a [[Fairy]], used to reach high places and pass through locked doors.
*'''Fire''': Makes Link able to shoot fireballs from his sword (only two at a time, however).
*'''Fire''': Makes Link able to shoot fireballs from his Sword (two at a time).
*'''Reflect''': Enhances Link's shield, which allows it to counter stronger projectiles.
*'''Reflect''': Allows Link's Shield to counter stronger projectiles.
*'''Spell''': Turns enemies into weak [[Bot]]s.
*'''Spell''': Turns enemies into [[Bot]]s.
*'''Thunder''': Eliminates every foe in the screen.
*'''Thunder''': Eliminates every enemy in the screen.


The third mechanic, earnestly vital for survival, is the [[Experience]] system. As Link defeats enemies, he gains experience points, when a certain number of points is matched, the player can make Link improve by an increment of 1 level one of these attributes: Health (enemies' attacks won't hurt too much, therefore will inflict less damage), Attack (the sword will gain strength, and enemies will take less hit to be pulverized) and Magic (spells will require less magic power to be performed); each attribute can be improved up to the eighth level, and the maximum experience amount to be matched is 8000. After nothing else can be enhanced, every time Link accumulates 9000 points he will gain an extra life (see below).
===Experience===
 
[[File:Zelda-II-The-Adventure-of-Link thumb3.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Link fighting Gooma]]
===Lives and Item Usage===
As Link defeats enemies, he gains [[Experience]] points. When a certain number of points is reached, Link can increase the level of his health, attack, or Magic up to level 8. The maximum Experience amount that can be reach is 8,000. After leveling all three attributes to their maximun, every time Link accumulates 9,000 points, he receives an extra life. Link can also increse his Experience points by collecting [[Treasure Bag]]s.
The fourth new mechanic is the life system. The player starts with Link having three ''lives''; unlike all other Zelda games, there is no way to instantly revive after depleting the entire health meter. This means that when Link dies, he loses a life, but resumes his quest from the same place where he died; he can increase his life stock by collecting dolls portraying Link himself, generally hidden in secret spots or even in the last dungeons. When he loses all lives, the game is over and, while the player can save his progress in this moment, next time Link resumes his quest, he'll restart from the Northern Palace (where the game begins). Of course, unlike most video games with life system, which reset absolutely everything the player did after all lives were lost, ''The Adventure of Link'' retains everything Link collected, and losing all lives simply bring Link back to the starting line. Now, this also has a severe disadvantage: By "everything Link collected", this also includes '''the dolls Link collected to have more lives'''; they are gone forever after being collected the first and only time. Experienced ''Zelda'' fans recommend the average player to refrain from collecting any doll until the final dungeon is to be explored, due to it being more difficult than the also difficult rest of the game.
 
Fifth mechanic: A modified item usage. Besides the magic spells, traditional items can also be collected, but not all of them can be used directly (by pressing a button). For example, the hammer and the flute are indeed used in the overworld (by pressing certain buttons, to which said items are assigned permanently) to open new ways to new areas, whereas the boots and the raft are for crossing otherwise prohibitive spots (respectively, a lake and an entire ocean), but without the need of being used by a button press; the other half of the items have permanent effects for the side-scrolling mode. The candle illuminates darkened caves, the glove allows Link to break hardened blocks inside dungeons, the gold key can open an infinite amount of floors, and the cross allows Link to see invisible enemies.


Combat is restricted to the Sword and shield, as well as the aforementioned spells, and the main projectile weapon (due to the absence of usable Boomerangs, Bows & Arrows, and Bombs) is the Sword Beam, which only works when the player has full HP. Another feature that sets this game apart from most games in the series is the lack of Recovery Hearts, meaning that a player is unable to replenish lost HP outside of towns without leveling-up, using the "Life" spell (which costs many Magic Points), or finding Fairies or Heart Containers. There is also a complete absence of Rupees or any other kind of currency, and no shops exist where items can be purchased, instead relying on side-quests or exploration for Link to collect certain items, upgrades, and spells.
===Lives===
Link starts with three lives, and when he is defeated, he loses one, afterwards resuming his quest from the same place where he was defeated. Link can increase his life stock by collecting [[Link Doll]]s, generally hidden in secret areas or dungeons. When Link loses all his lives, the game is over and the next time he resumes his quest, he will restart from the Northern Palace. However, Link retains everything he has collected.


Additionally, this game also cancels out the use of a map and a compass. Finding one's way around a palace can be quite difficult, especially in risk of a Game Over moment.
===Item Usage===
Link can also collect different items, however, not all of them can be used directly by pressing a button. The [[Hammer]] and the [[Flute]] are used in the overworld by pressing certain buttons, to which said items are assigned permanently. They can be used to open new ways to new areas, whereas the [[Boots]] and the [[Raft]] are used for crossing otherwise unreachable areas without the need of a button press. Other items have permanent effects for the side-scrolling perspective. The [[Candle]] illuminates darkened caves, the [[Handy Glove]] allows Link to break blocks inside dungeons, the [[Magical Key]] can open any locked door, and the [[Cross]] allows Link to see invisible enemies.


===Second Quest===
===Second Quest===
The game also offers a [[Second Quest]], though the only changes seen after ending the game are that the experience stats, sword techniques, and spells learned are retained from the first playthrough.
The game also offers a [[Second Quest]] after completing it. However, the game is the same, only that the Experience stats, Sword techniques, and Magics learned are retained from the previous playthrough.


==Game Information==
==Game Information==
{{Images|AOL}}
{{Images|TAoL}}
===Graphics and Audio===
===Graphics and Audio===
The overworld map has a similar visual style to that of the first ''Zelda'' game, but more polished and incorporating new elements that reflect the variety of the ecosystems; there is also a clear distinction between the enemy-free paths and the rest of the ground territory (grass, trees, sand, etc.). The side-scrolling visuals are more reminiscent of the platform
The overworld map has a similar visual style to that of the first ''Zelda'' game, but more polished and incorporating new elements that reflect the variety of the ecosystems; there is also a clear distinction between the enemy-free paths and the rest of the ground territory (grass, trees, sand, etc.). The side-scrolling visuals are more reminiscent of the platform
Line 70: Line 67:
Unlike most other games in the series, none of the music in this game was composed by famed composer [[Koji Kondo]] with the exception of the overworld theme, which was partly based off of his original overworld theme. Perhaps for this reason, almost none of the music in this game was brought back in other games. The Temple music, however, has been remixed several times, and can be heard in {{SSBM}}, {{SSBB}} and notably returned to the Zelda series as the "Streetpass Battle Theme" of {{ALBW}}. An alternate slower version of the temple music also serves as the Victory theme. The only other Zelda game to include music from ''The Adventure of Link'' is {{TMC}}. Since both games contain scenes of Zelda awakening, the music was reused from ''Adventure of Link''. The miniboss music in {{TMC}} is also a remix of a song from ''The Adventure of Link'': the Famicom version of the battle theme. The composer of this game is [[wikipedia:Akito Nakatsuka|Akito Nakatsuka]], who also composed the music for ''Ice Climbers''.
Unlike most other games in the series, none of the music in this game was composed by famed composer [[Koji Kondo]] with the exception of the overworld theme, which was partly based off of his original overworld theme. Perhaps for this reason, almost none of the music in this game was brought back in other games. The Temple music, however, has been remixed several times, and can be heard in {{SSBM}}, {{SSBB}} and notably returned to the Zelda series as the "Streetpass Battle Theme" of {{ALBW}}. An alternate slower version of the temple music also serves as the Victory theme. The only other Zelda game to include music from ''The Adventure of Link'' is {{TMC}}. Since both games contain scenes of Zelda awakening, the music was reused from ''Adventure of Link''. The miniboss music in {{TMC}} is also a remix of a song from ''The Adventure of Link'': the Famicom version of the battle theme. The composer of this game is [[wikipedia:Akito Nakatsuka|Akito Nakatsuka]], who also composed the music for ''Ice Climbers''.


As for sound effects, there are also many differences in the Japanese version. A few examples include different music for the title screen and for when Link encounters an enemy. In the Famicom version, the bosses also roar, and the sound effects are more harsh sounding than in the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] version.
As for sound effects, there are also many differences in the Japanese version. A few examples include different music for the title screen and for when Link encounters an enemy. In the Famicom version, the bosses also roar, and the sound effects are more harsh sounding than in the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] version.


===Setting===
===Setting===
[[File:Zelda2_overworld.gif|thumb|right|165px|The Hyrule overworld]]
[[File:Zelda2 overworld.gif|thumb|right|165px|The Hyrule overworld]]
''The Adventure of Link'' features the largest incarnation of [[Hyrule]] in the entire franchise; the only game that can compare to the NES game in this aspect is {{TP}}. Covering two continents and two islands, it features eight towns, which names were later used to name the [[Sage]]s from {{OoT}}; the first four towns are located in [[Western Hyrule]], the other four in [[Eastern Hyrule]].
''The Adventure of Link'' features the largest incarnation of [[Hyrule]] in the entire franchise; the only game that can compare to the NES game in this aspect is {{TP}}. Covering two continents and two islands, it features eight towns, which names were later used to name the [[Sage]]s from {{OoT}}; the first four towns are located in [[Western Hyrule]], the other four in [[Eastern Hyrule]].


Like [[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|the first game's]] incarnation of the land, and unlike that of most of the others, this one is not landlocked, meaning that Link will have to travel overseas to move from one side of Hyrule to the other. [[Death Mountain]], which used to be north, is now in the southwestern zone, and it's been now explored further, as it's now a complex rocky labyrinth.
Like [[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|the first game's]] incarnation of the land, and unlike that of most of the others, this one is not landlocked, meaning that Link will have to travel overseas to move from one side of Hyrule to the other. [[Death Mountain]], which used to be north, is now in the southwestern zone, and it is been now explored further, as it is now a complex rocky labyrinth.


===Timeline Placement===
===Timeline Placement===
Both this game and [[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|the first]] are linked in continuity, since the first game revolves around retrieving two of the major fragments of the [[Triforce]], and [[Ganon]] is fought in order to rescue [[Princess Zelda]]; the second game revolves around finding the third major fragment in order to revive an incarnation of Zelda that was sleeping for a very long time, and to impede the revival of Ganon.
Both this game and [[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|the first]] are linked in continuity, since the first game revolves around retrieving two of the major fragments of the [[Triforce]], and [[Ganon]] is fought in order to rescue [[Princess Zelda]]; the second game revolves around finding the third major fragment in order to revive an incarnation of Zelda that was sleeping for a very long time, and to impede the revival of Ganon.


In the [[Zelda Timeline|timeline]] revealed in ''[[Hyrule Historia]]'', ''The Adventure of Link'' takes place in the "Downfall" branch after {{OoT}}. It is the latest entry in the timeline that has its roots in ''Ocarina of Time'', and starts with {{ALttP}}. After Ganon is defeated again in ''A Link to the Past'', the {{OoX}}, and {{ALBW}}, Hyrule then entered 'The Golden Era', in which the wise [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Hyrule monarchs]] used the [[Triforce]] to govern the land. After the last king's death and the attempt of the [[Prince of Hyrule]] to assemble the complete Triforce, Hyrule was lead into the 'Era of Decline'. The Prince of Darkness Ganon was revived in ''The Legend of Zelda'', but ultimately defeated by Link. The events of ''The Adventure of Link'' take place immediately following ''The Legend of Zelda'', but refer back to the princess Zelda that was put under a sleeping spell at the beginning of the 'Era of Decline'.
In the [[Zelda Timeline|timeline]] revealed in ''[[Hyrule Historia]]'', ''The Adventure of Link'' takes place in the "Downfall" branch after {{OoT}}. It is the latest entry in the timeline that has its roots in ''Ocarina of Time'', and starts with {{ALttP}}. After Ganon is defeated again in ''A Link to the Past'', the {{OoX}}, and {{ALBW}}, Hyrule then entered The Golden Era, in which the wise [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Hyrule monarchs]] used the [[Triforce]] to govern the land. After the last king's death and the attempt of the [[Prince of Hyrule]] to assemble the complete Triforce, Hyrule was lead into the Era of Decline. The Prince of Darkness Ganon was revived in ''The Legend of Zelda'', but ultimately defeated by Link. The events of ''The Adventure of Link'' take place immediately following ''The Legend of Zelda'', but refer back to the princess Zelda that was put under a sleeping spell at the beginning of the Era of Decline.


=== Completion Records ===
=== Completion Records ===
Line 98: Line 95:
==Listings==
==Listings==
===[[Characters in The Adventure of Link|Characters]]===
===[[Characters in The Adventure of Link|Characters]]===
===[[Bosses in The Adventure of Link|Bosses]]===
===[[Bosses in The Adventure of Link|Bosses]]===
===[[Enemies in The Adventure of Link|Enemies]]===
===[[Enemies in The Adventure of Link|Enemies]]===
===[[Places in The Adventure of Link|Places]]===
===[[Places in The Adventure of Link|Places]]===
Line 115: Line 112:
In terms of critical reception, IGN reviewer Lucas M. Thomas gave the Virtual Console version a score of 8.5/10, encouraging players to give it a try and forget about the common belief that it is a "bad game";<ref>http://wii.ign.com/articles/793/793966p1.html Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Wii Review at IGN]</ref> he praised the sound, the gameplay, the length and the presentation, but admitted that the graphics "did not age very well". Kristian Reed from Eurogamer, when reviewing the Game Boy Advance version, justified the game being underrated, saying that the game was "an ill-fated experiment", and that it aged "badly".<ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_nesclassics_zelda2_gba Classic NES Series - Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Review (GBA)]</ref> When reviewing {{ST}}, Game Observer editor Jacob Crites cited ''The Adventure of Link'' as one of the black sheep in the series, along with {{MM}}, {{TWW}} and ''Spirit Tracks'' itself.<ref>[http://www.gameobserver.com/review/inside/all-platforms/legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-the--zelda-at-its-finest-385/ The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Zelda at its Finest]</ref>
In terms of critical reception, IGN reviewer Lucas M. Thomas gave the Virtual Console version a score of 8.5/10, encouraging players to give it a try and forget about the common belief that it is a "bad game";<ref>http://wii.ign.com/articles/793/793966p1.html Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Wii Review at IGN]</ref> he praised the sound, the gameplay, the length and the presentation, but admitted that the graphics "did not age very well". Kristian Reed from Eurogamer, when reviewing the Game Boy Advance version, justified the game being underrated, saying that the game was "an ill-fated experiment", and that it aged "badly".<ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_nesclassics_zelda2_gba Classic NES Series - Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Review (GBA)]</ref> When reviewing {{ST}}, Game Observer editor Jacob Crites cited ''The Adventure of Link'' as one of the black sheep in the series, along with {{MM}}, {{TWW}} and ''Spirit Tracks'' itself.<ref>[http://www.gameobserver.com/review/inside/all-platforms/legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-the--zelda-at-its-finest-385/ The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Zelda at its Finest]</ref>


The original version earned a score of 36/40 from Famitsu, and was placed 110th on Nintendo Power's Top 200 best Nintendo games of all time (however, in the December 2009 Issue, they changed their mind and placed it ''last'' in their list of best ''The Legend of Zelda'' games).
The original version earned a score of 36/40 from Famitsu, and was placed 110th on Nintendo Power's Top 200 best Nintendo games of all time (however, in the December 2009 Issue, they changed their mind and placed it last in their list of best ''The Legend of Zelda'' games).


===Fan Reception===
===Fan Reception===
Line 123: Line 120:
In 2003, Nintendo released a bundle for the GameCube which included {{CE}}, a disc which featured, amongst other games, ''The Adventure of Link''. A port for the [[Game Boy Advance]] for the "Classic NES Series" was also released.
In 2003, Nintendo released a bundle for the GameCube which included {{CE}}, a disc which featured, amongst other games, ''The Adventure of Link''. A port for the [[Game Boy Advance]] for the "Classic NES Series" was also released.


''The Adventure of Link'' has also been released for download on the [[Wii|Wii's]] [[nw:Virtual Console|Virtual Console]]. The game became available on August 31, 2011 as one of the games eligible for free download over the Virtual Console as part of the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program, a service available to players who bought a 3DS before its price dropped on August 11, 2011.<ref>[http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/3dsambassador.jsp Official Nintendo Website - Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program]</ref> It was officially released in the US on November 22, 2013.
''The Adventure of Link'' has also been released for download on the [[Wii]]'s {{nw|Virtual Console}}. The game became available on August 31, 2011 as one of the games eligible for free download over the Virtual Console as part of the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program, a service available to players who bought a 3DS before its price dropped on August 11, 2011.<ref>[http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/3dsambassador.jsp Official Nintendo Website - Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program]</ref> It was officially released in the US on November 22, 2013.


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
Line 132: Line 129:
*A [[magic]] system, even though it was never used so excessively after this game.
*A [[magic]] system, even though it was never used so excessively after this game.
*The introduction of several new enemies and one boss (aside from Dark Link) that return in later games, such as the [[Iron Knuckle]] and [[Volvagia]] (called Barba in the original English release).
*The introduction of several new enemies and one boss (aside from Dark Link) that return in later games, such as the [[Iron Knuckle]] and [[Volvagia]] (called Barba in the original English release).
*The ability to learn new moves (though still limited to only two). More generally, the existence of distinct sword techniques at all, as opposed to the single forward strike of {{TLoZ}}.
*The ability to learn new moves (though still limited to only two). More generally, the existence of distinct sword techniques at all, as opposed to the single forward strike of {{TLoZ}}.
*The world of [[Hyrule]] became significantly larger. The overworld of no other [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''Zelda'' title]] can be considered this large, with this many towns and this many different environments.
*The world of [[Hyrule]] became significantly larger. The overworld of no other [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''Zelda'' title]] can be considered this large, with this many towns and this many different environments.
*The Sages in ''Ocarina of Time'' are named after the towns in this game (in-game chronology, however, indicates the opposite: The towns were named after the Sages).
*The Sages in ''Ocarina of Time'' are named after the towns in this game (in-game chronology, however, indicates the opposite: The towns were named after the Sages).
*The need to do tasks outside the main mission 'Quest' like having to save a trophy or finding medicine for a sick child.
*The need to do tasks outside the main mission Quest like having to save a trophy or finding medicine for a sick child.
*This is the first game where Link [[Transformation|shapeshifts]] (into a fairy) as well the first game where the process is voluntary and beneficial.
*This is the first game where Link [[Transformation|shapeshifts]] (into a Fairy) as well the first game where the process is voluntary and beneficial.
*Contrary to popular belief, this isn't the only ''Zelda'' game to feature side-scrolling gameplay. It is used briefly in the first game when taking secret passages. It is also used in the Game Boy games {{LA}}, the [[Oracle Series|''Oracle'' Series]] and in {{FSA}} when taking underground paths, as well as certain boss fights.
*Contrary to popular belief, this is not the only ''Zelda'' game to feature side-scrolling gameplay. It is used briefly in the first game when taking secret passages. It is also used in the Game Boy games {{LA}}, the ''Oracle'' series, and in {{FSA}} when taking underground paths, as well as certain boss fights.
*[[Boss]]es have their own battle theme. They lacked it entirely in the first game.
*[[Boss]]es have their own battle theme. They lacked it entirely in the first game.
*This is the first game where villages and towns appear.
*This is the first game where villages and towns appear.
*This is the first appearance of an adult Link in the series. Link is officially sixteen in this game.
*This is the first appearance of an adult Link in the series. Link is officially sixteen in this game.
*All of the dungeons in this game are known by the word for temple in Japanese, and this naming convention is reused in English as well as Japanese and most other languages in some other entries in the series, like ''Ocarina of Time''. The English localization of this game changed it to palace due to Nintendo of America's then-current policy concerning religious references in games.
*All of the dungeons in this game are known by the word for temple in Japanese, and this naming convention is reused in English as well as Japanese and most other languages in some other entries in the series, like ''Ocarina of Time''. The English localization of this game changed it to palace due to Nintendo of America's then-current policy concerning religious references in games.
*Certain recurring types of item, such as the hammer and boots.
*Certain recurring types of item, such as the hammer and boots.
*The suggestion of romantic interest between Link and Zelda, as implied by the ending.
*The suggestion of romantic interest between Link and Zelda, as implied by the ending.
Line 148: Line 145:
[[File:Aolgannon.png|140px|thumb|right|Japanese intro with typos]]
[[File:Aolgannon.png|140px|thumb|right|Japanese intro with typos]]
*Although the Japanese title for ''The Adventure of Link'' uses the English name of ''The Legend of Zelda'', and the game's backstory explicitly defines ''The Legend of Zelda'' as a plot concept, the English language game is the only one in the main series not to include ''The Legend of Zelda'' in its title.
*Although the Japanese title for ''The Adventure of Link'' uses the English name of ''The Legend of Zelda'', and the game's backstory explicitly defines ''The Legend of Zelda'' as a plot concept, the English language game is the only one in the main series not to include ''The Legend of Zelda'' in its title.
*''The Adventure of Link'' marks one of the few times (apart from dialogue options of the player's choice) where Link speaks in a canon game, by saying "I found a mirror under the table" while in [[Saria Town]].
*''The Adventure of Link'' marks one of the few times where Link speaks in a canon game, by saying "I found a mirror under the table" while in [[Saria Town]].
*''The Adventure of Link'' is the only ''The Legend of Zelda'' game where bosses do not drop [[Heart Container|Heart Containers]] upon being defeated. It is also the only game where Link does not receive key quest items for completing dungeons, as he instead goes through the dungeons in order to place his key quest items within them.
*''The Adventure of Link'' is the only ''The Legend of Zelda'' game where bosses do not drop Heart Containers upon being defeated. It is also the only game where Link does not receive key quest items for completing dungeons, as he instead goes through the dungeons in order to place his key quest items within them.
*The Famicom Disk System version of the game uses the infamous "Gannon" spelling in the intro, as well as other typos such as "Tryforce". This intro was largely re-written in the American release.
*The Famicom Disk System version of the game uses the infamous "Gannon" spelling in the intro, as well as other typos such as "Tryforce." This intro was largely re-written in the North American release.
*Ganon's laugh when you get a game over in the game is actually used in the NES game Punch Out!! being Soda Popinski's laugh.
*Ganon's laugh when appearing at the game over screen is used in the NES game ''Punch Out!!'', being Soda Popinski's laugh.
*The GBA version's opening text crawl contradicts a few facts established in the original NES version: For example, it implies that the Zelda in this game is the same Zelda from the first game, rather than being an entirely separate character. It is also implied that this game picks up directly where the original left off, as opposed to occurring a few years after Ganon's defeat.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 160: Line 156:
===Artwork===
===Artwork===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:AoL_pg3.jpg
File:AoL pg3.jpg
File:AoL_pg6.jpg
File:AoL pg6.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Advertisement==
==Advertisement==
{{Youtube|teB2xkUw3bI|200|left|Australian Ad}}
{{Youtube|teB2xkUw3bI|200|left|Australian Ad}}
{{Clear}}


{{ref}}
{{Ref}}
<br>
 
{{Names
{{Names
|en=  
|en=  
Line 200: Line 195:


{{Games}}
{{Games}}
[[Category:Games|A]]
[[Category:Games|A]]
[[Category:2D games|A]]
[[Category:2D games|A]]

Revision as of 01:12, 17 July 2015

Template:GameNav
Template:Game Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is the direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda, both originally released on the Famicom Disk System in Japan and then the Nintendo Entertainment System in North America and Europe. While retaining many of the features of its predecessor, The Adventure of Link altered certain elements of gameplay, most notably affecting movement and combat. Traveling across a large world map would lead to enemy encounters which took place on a side-scrolling field of play rather than the top down perspective for which the series became known.

Story

File:AoL pg5.jpg
Impa shows Link the sleeping Princess Zelda

Several years after the defeat of Ganon and the rescue of Princess Zelda, Link, now at the age of sixteen,[1] is disturbed by the appearance of a mark on the back of his hand. Upon seeing this mark, Impa, the nurse of Princess Zelda, tells him the story of how, ages ago, the King of Hyrule had hidden a third part of the Triforce, the Triforce of Courage, in the Great Palace to safeguard it from evil.

Upon the death of the king, his son had searched for the missing Triforce, but its location had been imparted only to the king's daughter, Princess Zelda. Angered upon learning this, the Prince tried to use the power of a Magician to force the truth from his sister. After she refused, the wizard casted a spell upon her to put her into a deep sleep, which caused the wizard to die soon after. Only by uniting the Triforce of Courage with its counterparts, Link would be able to awake the sleeping Princess Zelda. Upon hearing this tale, Link receives from Impa six crystals that serve as keys to open the seal on the Great Palace.

As Link learns all of this, the minions of Ganon begin to attack once again. Believing that they could revive their master by pouring the blood of Link over his ashes, they begin to spread across the land, seeking for him. Eventually, Link is able to gain the Triforce of Courage. Uniting the three Triforces, Link returns to the Northern Palace to wake the slumbering Zelda.

Gameplay

The Adventure of Link was the sequel to the highly acclaimed The Legend of Zelda, and the second Zelda game released. Like its predecessor, The Adventure of Link features dungeons that must be located in the overworld. Inside them, Link can find a boss and an item that will prove useful. However, the game features many and very significant gameplay changes from the previous installment.

Combat is restricted to the Sword and Shield. The main projectile weapon is the Sword Beam, which can only be used when Link has full health. The game also lacks recovery Hearts, meaning that Link can only recover his health by leveling up, using the Life Magic, finding Fairies or Heart Containers, or by talking to some women in towns.

Screen Interface

The game features a more prominent use of a side-scrolling perspective, which is used when Link is exploring a town, cavern, secret open field, bridge, or dungeon. The top-view perspective is only used when moving though the overworld. In addition, when an enemy group (represented in the overworld map as black-colored creatures) manages to make contact with Link, the perspective changes to a side-scrolling one, where Link must either defeat the enemies or flee.

Magic Usage

When Link is on a side-scrolling perspective, he is able to use Magic. Each Magic can be used either for attack, defense, or solving puzzles. Each ability consumes a certain amount of Magic Points on Link's Magic Meter, and while their effects are of unlimited time, they automatically cancel after Link reaches a new area. Certain enemies drop Magic Jars that contain Magic Power which replenishes the Magic stock. There are eight Magic Spells in total:

  • Shield: Enemies inflict half of the damage.
  • Jump: Makes Link jump twice as high.
  • Life: Makes Link recover three life points.
  • Fairy: Turns Link into a Fairy, used to reach high places and pass through locked doors.
  • Fire: Makes Link able to shoot fireballs from his Sword (two at a time).
  • Reflect: Allows Link's Shield to counter stronger projectiles.
  • Spell: Turns enemies into Bots.
  • Thunder: Eliminates every enemy in the screen.

Experience

File:Zelda-II-The-Adventure-of-Link thumb3.jpg
Link fighting Gooma

As Link defeats enemies, he gains Experience points. When a certain number of points is reached, Link can increase the level of his health, attack, or Magic up to level 8. The maximum Experience amount that can be reach is 8,000. After leveling all three attributes to their maximun, every time Link accumulates 9,000 points, he receives an extra life. Link can also increse his Experience points by collecting Treasure Bags.

Lives

Link starts with three lives, and when he is defeated, he loses one, afterwards resuming his quest from the same place where he was defeated. Link can increase his life stock by collecting Link Dolls, generally hidden in secret areas or dungeons. When Link loses all his lives, the game is over and the next time he resumes his quest, he will restart from the Northern Palace. However, Link retains everything he has collected.

Item Usage

Link can also collect different items, however, not all of them can be used directly by pressing a button. The Hammer and the Flute are used in the overworld by pressing certain buttons, to which said items are assigned permanently. They can be used to open new ways to new areas, whereas the Boots and the Raft are used for crossing otherwise unreachable areas without the need of a button press. Other items have permanent effects for the side-scrolling perspective. The Candle illuminates darkened caves, the Handy Glove allows Link to break blocks inside dungeons, the Magical Key can open any locked door, and the Cross allows Link to see invisible enemies.

Second Quest

The game also offers a Second Quest after completing it. However, the game is the same, only that the Experience stats, Sword techniques, and Magics learned are retained from the previous playthrough.

Game Information

Template:Images

Graphics and Audio

The overworld map has a similar visual style to that of the first Zelda game, but more polished and incorporating new elements that reflect the variety of the ecosystems; there is also a clear distinction between the enemy-free paths and the rest of the ground territory (grass, trees, sand, etc.). The side-scrolling visuals are more reminiscent of the platform games for the NES, especially Super Mario Bros.. Also, each dungeon has a different texture and architecture, not like in the original game.

Unlike most other games in the series, none of the music in this game was composed by famed composer Koji Kondo with the exception of the overworld theme, which was partly based off of his original overworld theme. Perhaps for this reason, almost none of the music in this game was brought back in other games. The Temple music, however, has been remixed several times, and can be heard in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and notably returned to the Zelda series as the "Streetpass Battle Theme" of A Link Between Worlds. An alternate slower version of the temple music also serves as the Victory theme. The only other Zelda game to include music from The Adventure of Link is The Minish Cap. Since both games contain scenes of Zelda awakening, the music was reused from Adventure of Link. The miniboss music in The Minish Cap is also a remix of a song from The Adventure of Link: the Famicom version of the battle theme. The composer of this game is Akito Nakatsuka, who also composed the music for Ice Climbers.

As for sound effects, there are also many differences in the Japanese version. A few examples include different music for the title screen and for when Link encounters an enemy. In the Famicom version, the bosses also roar, and the sound effects are more harsh sounding than in the NES version.

Setting

File:Zelda2 overworld.gif
The Hyrule overworld

The Adventure of Link features the largest incarnation of Hyrule in the entire franchise; the only game that can compare to the NES game in this aspect is Twilight Princess. Covering two continents and two islands, it features eight towns, which names were later used to name the Sages from Ocarina of Time; the first four towns are located in Western Hyrule, the other four in Eastern Hyrule.

Like the first game's incarnation of the land, and unlike that of most of the others, this one is not landlocked, meaning that Link will have to travel overseas to move from one side of Hyrule to the other. Death Mountain, which used to be north, is now in the southwestern zone, and it is been now explored further, as it is now a complex rocky labyrinth.

Timeline Placement

Both this game and the first are linked in continuity, since the first game revolves around retrieving two of the major fragments of the Triforce, and Ganon is fought in order to rescue Princess Zelda; the second game revolves around finding the third major fragment in order to revive an incarnation of Zelda that was sleeping for a very long time, and to impede the revival of Ganon.

In the timeline revealed in Hyrule Historia, The Adventure of Link takes place in the "Downfall" branch after Ocarina of Time. It is the latest entry in the timeline that has its roots in Ocarina of Time, and starts with A Link to the Past. After Ganon is defeated again in A Link to the Past, the Template:OoX, and A Link Between Worlds, Hyrule then entered The Golden Era, in which the wise Hyrule monarchs used the Triforce to govern the land. After the last king's death and the attempt of the Prince of Hyrule to assemble the complete Triforce, Hyrule was lead into the Era of Decline. The Prince of Darkness Ganon was revived in The Legend of Zelda, but ultimately defeated by Link. The events of The Adventure of Link take place immediately following The Legend of Zelda, but refer back to the princess Zelda that was put under a sleeping spell at the beginning of the Era of Decline.

Completion Records

Main article: Speedrun Records
Time Performer Date Notes

Listings

Characters

Bosses

Enemies

Places

Dungeons

Items

Magic

Credits

Glitches

Hacks

Reception

Sales

The Adventure of Link was commercially successful, selling 4.38 million copies worldwide and being the fifth best-selling Nintendo Entertainment System game of all time;[2] however, it sold less than its predecessor, which sold 6.51 million copies.

Reviews

In terms of critical reception, IGN reviewer Lucas M. Thomas gave the Virtual Console version a score of 8.5/10, encouraging players to give it a try and forget about the common belief that it is a "bad game";[3] he praised the sound, the gameplay, the length and the presentation, but admitted that the graphics "did not age very well". Kristian Reed from Eurogamer, when reviewing the Game Boy Advance version, justified the game being underrated, saying that the game was "an ill-fated experiment", and that it aged "badly".[4] When reviewing Spirit Tracks, Game Observer editor Jacob Crites cited The Adventure of Link as one of the black sheep in the series, along with Majora's Mask, The Wind Waker and Spirit Tracks itself.[5]

The original version earned a score of 36/40 from Famitsu, and was placed 110th on Nintendo Power's Top 200 best Nintendo games of all time (however, in the December 2009 Issue, they changed their mind and placed it last in their list of best The Legend of Zelda games).

Fan Reception

Years after its release, The Adventure of Link has received positive feedback among fans of the franchise. It currently holds an average reader score of 9.4 at IGN,[6] as well as a current average user score of 8.0 in GameSpot.[7]

Ports and Remakes

In 2003, Nintendo released a bundle for the GameCube which included Collector's Edition, a disc which featured, amongst other games, The Adventure of Link. A port for the Game Boy Advance for the "Classic NES Series" was also released.

The Adventure of Link has also been released for download on the Wii's Virtual Console. The game became available on August 31, 2011 as one of the games eligible for free download over the Virtual Console as part of the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program, a service available to players who bought a 3DS before its price dropped on August 11, 2011.[8] It was officially released in the US on November 22, 2013.

Legacy

Despite featuring many radical changes from the previous Zelda title, the game also offered canonical elements to be part of the series' standards. It contributed largely to the overall storyline and gameplay of the series. For instance:

  • The ability of Ganon to be revived/return after defeat/death.
  • The introduction of the Triforce of Courage.
  • The first appearance of Dark Link.
  • A magic system, even though it was never used so excessively after this game.
  • The introduction of several new enemies and one boss (aside from Dark Link) that return in later games, such as the Iron Knuckle and Volvagia (called Barba in the original English release).
  • The ability to learn new moves (though still limited to only two). More generally, the existence of distinct sword techniques at all, as opposed to the single forward strike of The Legend of Zelda.
  • The world of Hyrule became significantly larger. The overworld of no other Zelda title can be considered this large, with this many towns and this many different environments.
  • The Sages in Ocarina of Time are named after the towns in this game (in-game chronology, however, indicates the opposite: The towns were named after the Sages).
  • The need to do tasks outside the main mission Quest like having to save a trophy or finding medicine for a sick child.
  • This is the first game where Link shapeshifts (into a Fairy) as well the first game where the process is voluntary and beneficial.
  • Contrary to popular belief, this is not the only Zelda game to feature side-scrolling gameplay. It is used briefly in the first game when taking secret passages. It is also used in the Game Boy games Link's Awakening, the Oracle series, and in Four Swords Adventures when taking underground paths, as well as certain boss fights.
  • Bosses have their own battle theme. They lacked it entirely in the first game.
  • This is the first game where villages and towns appear.
  • This is the first appearance of an adult Link in the series. Link is officially sixteen in this game.
  • All of the dungeons in this game are known by the word for temple in Japanese, and this naming convention is reused in English as well as Japanese and most other languages in some other entries in the series, like Ocarina of Time. The English localization of this game changed it to palace due to Nintendo of America's then-current policy concerning religious references in games.
  • Certain recurring types of item, such as the hammer and boots.
  • The suggestion of romantic interest between Link and Zelda, as implied by the ending.

Trivia

File:Aolgannon.png
Japanese intro with typos
  • Although the Japanese title for The Adventure of Link uses the English name of The Legend of Zelda, and the game's backstory explicitly defines The Legend of Zelda as a plot concept, the English language game is the only one in the main series not to include The Legend of Zelda in its title.
  • The Adventure of Link marks one of the few times where Link speaks in a canon game, by saying "I found a mirror under the table" while in Saria Town.
  • The Adventure of Link is the only The Legend of Zelda game where bosses do not drop Heart Containers upon being defeated. It is also the only game where Link does not receive key quest items for completing dungeons, as he instead goes through the dungeons in order to place his key quest items within them.
  • The Famicom Disk System version of the game uses the infamous "Gannon" spelling in the intro, as well as other typos such as "Tryforce." This intro was largely re-written in the North American release.
  • Ganon's laugh when appearing at the game over screen is used in the NES game Punch Out!!, being Soda Popinski's laugh.

Gallery

Box Art

Artwork

Load video
YouTube
Australian Ad

References

  1. ↑ Nintendo Virtual Console: Adventure of Link
  2. ↑ RPGamer - Japandemonium: Xenogears vs. Tetris
  3. ↑ http://wii.ign.com/articles/793/793966p1.html Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Wii Review at IGN]
  4. ↑ Classic NES Series - Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Review (GBA)
  5. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Zelda at its Finest
  6. ↑ IGN: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
  7. ↑ Zelda II: The Adventure of Link User Reviews for NES - GameSpot
  8. ↑ Official Nintendo Website - Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program
TMC Forest Minish Artwork.png Names in Other Regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite.png
Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese Template:Japanese The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link
Korea Korean Template:Korean Zelda Legend 2: Link's Adventure
Spanish-speaking countries Spanish Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Retrieved from "https://zeldawiki.wiki/w/index.php?title=Zelda_II:_The_Adventure_of_Link&oldid=445865"