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Description
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, known in Japan as Rinku no Bลken, is an action-adventure video game with role-playing elements, developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) platform. Originally released in Japan on the Famicom Disk System in 1987, and later on a cartridge for the NES in 1988, this game is the second installment in The Legend of Zelda saga.
The game is distinguished by its significant change in gameplay compared to its predecessor, featuring a side-scrolling perspective instead of the top-down view of the previous title. It incorporates a strategic combat system and more pronounced role-playing elements, such as an experience point system, magic spells, and greater interaction with non-player characters.
Regarding the available platforms, in addition to the NES, the game has been re-released on several consoles, including the Game Boy Advance under the Classic NES Series collection, the Nintendo Gamecube in the The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition compilation, and on the virtual consoles of Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. It is also available on Nintendo Switch Online and in the special edition Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda.
Improvements in later versions mainly include adaptation to the controls and screens of the new consoles, maintaining the essence of the original game. However, some critics point out that the game broke with the premises of the first Zelda and did not succeed with its new mechanics, which has given it a reputation as the "black sheep" of the saga. Despite this, the game was successful and many of the elements introduced have been reused in future Zelda games.
The plot of Zelda II follows Link on a quest to save a different Princess Zelda, who has been enchanted and put into eternal sleep. The only way to awaken her is to retrieve the Triforce of Courage from the Grand Palace. To achieve this, Link must place six crystals in palaces around the world to break the "binding force" that protects the Grand Palace.
This game is known for taking the series' plot in a new direction and introducing characteristic elements that would continue in later Zelda games. Despite divided opinions, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is a fundamental piece in video game history and an emblematic title within The Legend of Zelda franchise.
History
The story of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link begins with our hero, Link, discovering a mark on the back of his hand on his sixteenth birthday. This mark is the Triforce, and the appearance of it indicates that Link is the chosen hero. Impa, the princess's nanny, takes Link to the Northern Castle where she discovers a princess Zelda from previous generations, cast into an eternal sleep by a spell.
To break the spell and awaken the princess, Link must embark on a dangerous adventure to find the fragments of the Triforce of Courage. His journey takes him across a vast kingdom of Hyrule, exploring monster-infested palaces and solving puzzles. As he advances, Link gains experience and power, learning magical spells and improving his combat skills.
In search of him, Link must face Ganon's minions, who seek to resurrect their evil leader. Each palace guards an item necessary to progress in the adventure and, finally, to unravel the mystery of Princess Zelda's dream. The adventure is arduous, with Link traveling between two worlds: a top-view representation of Hyrule and the side-scrolling sections where the action takes place.
The climax of the story is reached when Link collects all the fragments of the Triforce of Courage. With the Triforce complete, he returns to the Northern castle to face the final challenge. In an epic battle against his own dark reflection, Link prevails, breaking the spell and freeing Princess Zelda from her eternal slumber.
With the princess awakened and peace restored to Hyrule, Link has fulfilled his destiny as the kingdom's hero. The Triforce of Courage, along with wisdom and courage, shines once again, symbolizing the eternal struggle against the forces of evil and the tireless pursuit of justice and harmony in the kingdom of Hyrule.
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NES
Action / Adventure / Role Playing 