The Adventure of Link
Story
The story takes place after the first adventure, when Link suddenly develops a strange mark on his hand when he turns 16. Knowing that things are not really well, Link consults Impa the wise old chambermaid, who tells him about the Legend of Zelda and the last remaining Triforce of Courage which has yet to be found. He learns that a great king had sealed the Triforce in a Great Palace in the Valley of Death, which can only be accessed by placing 6 Crystals on the statues of 6 Palaces that binds its entrance. By gathering this piece, the Three Triforce can then be united to revive the �original� Princess Zelda, who has been sleeping since the eons of time. Hence Link ventures forth on a quest to seek out this last Triforce.
Special Features
Different from the previous Zelda, this game is a 2-D action RPG. One unique feature is that the attacking gameplay is totally changed. In the 2-D platform, Link can either stand or squat so he now can choose either to thrust his sword up or down to attack the enemies� weak point. By learning from Masters in towns, Link could also perform sword techniques of upward-thrust and downward-thrust attacks which are fatal to enemies. But there are also certain disadvantages. In a 2-D platform where you can�t attack from behind, the notorious �Knight� enemies now become hard to beat. �Knights� also have sword and shield so they can fight just like Link. To defeat them, Link has to anticipate its attack and block with his shield, while trying to get past its defence by counterattacking. In fact, fighting 'Knights' easily becomes an interesting display of attack and defence.
As usual, most essential elements from the first Zelda are also incorporated into the game. But in this game, a new element of experience points is also being introduced. When Link accumulates enough experience to increase in Level, he can choose to upgrade one of the three stats that determines his strength, either Life, Attack or Magic. This upgrade will prove crucial in different parts of his quest. For example, at the start of his journey where Magic is not available, Link can focus all his bonuses on Life and Attack so as to make full use of their enhancements. And when he first learns the Healing Spell, Link can then choose to strongly boost his Magic scores. This choice adds depth to the game and creates much joy to players.
But the most important element in Zelda II is the element of Magic not available in the previous game. Each town that Link visits hides a Sage that will teach him a new magic, but he needs to complete certain tasks first before he gets to learn spells from them. Magic is very crucial throughout the whole adventure. They are either used to destroy previously invincible enemies to open a new pathways, or to perform special functions that unlock important secrets of his quest. For example, the Jump spell is used to access many areas that are too high to reach, while the Fire magic destroys former invulnerable Spiders that block Link�s path.
In conclusion, The Adventure of Link carries on the wonderful Zelda legacy. Also, it is the only game in the whole Zelda series that is played on a 2-D platform.
Rating: 9 (at its time), 8.5 (now) |
