

Zelda II is the black sheep of the series—it ditches the top-down view for side-scrolling action and throws in RPG mechanics that never really came back. You’re still Link, but now you’re grinding for XP to boost your attack, magic, or health, which feels weirdly satisfying for a Zelda game. Spells actually cost MP this time, and every level-up makes them a little cheaper to cast.
The overworld map is classic NES—simple but full of hidden paths and towns where NPCs actually give you useful hints (for once). Combat’s got this weird rhythm to it—you’ve got to crouch-stab some enemies, jump over others, and pray you don’t get hit by those floating heads that steal your hard-earned XP. Yeah, losing progress hurts, but at least you can’t drop below your current level.
It’s janky, punishing, and totally different from any other Zelda, but there’s something about the way it mixes swordplay with spellcasting that just works. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand.
Must-play games
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Captain America And The Avengers (australia) (nes)
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Super Mario Bros. 2 (nes)
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T&c Surf Design (nes)
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Superman (japan) (nes)
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Ultima - Quest Of The Avatar (nes)
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Transformers (nes)
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Spider-man - Return Of The Sinister 6 (nes)
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Iron Tank - The Invasion Of Normandy (nes)
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Superman (nes)
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Ivan 'ironman' Stewart's Super Off Road (nes)
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Batman 3 (nes)
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Transformers - Comvoy No Nazo (japan) (nes)