Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (THE LEGEND OF ZELDA 2 リンクの冒険, The Legend of Zelda 2 Rinku no Bōken) is a video game for the NES that was released a year after The Legend of Zelda was. While the original game used a bird's eye view perspective, The Adventure of Link goes in a dramatic new gameplay direction that basically is a sidescrolling RPG/action adventure video game. The game's map takes on a bird's-eye-view perspective, though the dungeons, boss battles and towns take a sidescrolling perspective. It is also included in The Legend of Zelda, Collector's Edition. It is available on the Virtual Console for 500 Wii points.

Gameplay
The game stars the silent protagonist Link. His objective is to save the princess once more, though he'll have to go through more challenges than ever to do so. The game starts on a world map that is seen through a bird's eye view. You control Link on this map and direct him to the game's many different dungeons or towns, fighting enemies on your way.

The action itself takes place through a sidescrolling perspective, where you're only allowed to guide Link left or right. You'll be able to attack with your sword, among other dependent weapons as well.

Trivia
A notable mistranslation in this game is one character who claims his name is "Error". This is a mistranslation from the original "Errol", which in Japanese is pronounced identically to "Error". This was not fixed in subsequent ports.

Reception
The game was initially successful, but its popularity dwindled quickly. Nevertheless, many elements and weapons from this game went on to appear in most Zelda titles following it. Link would be portrayed in his Zelda II form in Captain N: The Game Master.

There are many contributors to its lack of popularity. The game's overworld is for traveling only. Battles occur in underworlds after semi-random encounters. The overworld also lacks detail, making it difficult to navigate. The citizens of each town only provide tips, not actual assistance.