About this game
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is the 1987 FDS sequel to the original Legend of Zelda, and the most radical departure the franchise has ever taken. Rather than the top-down exploration of its predecessor, it combines a side-scrolling action platformer for combat with an overworld map and RPG experience-point mechanics for leveling attack, magic, and life. Composed and programmed by Akito Nakatsuka — who built the game's audio driver himself — it sold approximately 4.38 million copies worldwide and received a Famitsu Platinum Hall of Fame rating of 36/40.
Key Features
Side-scrolling combat with sword, shield, and jump mechanics. Overworld map exploration linking dungeons and towns. RPG leveling system for Attack, Magic, and Life statistics. Magic spells with distinct battlefield applications — Shield, Jump, Fire, Fairy, Life, Reflect, Spell, Thunder. Six palace dungeons with distinct puzzle and enemy designs.
The Story Behind
Released just over a year after the original Legend of Zelda, Zelda II defied expectations by abandoning the series' defining top-down perspective in favor of side-scrolling action. Miyamoto assembled a brand-new team at Nintendo R&D4 — with Tadashi Sugiyama and Yasuhisa Yamamura directing — deliberately avoiding the creators of the first game. The combat system drew inspiration from Irem's Kung-Fu Master (1984), and the RPG mechanics reflected the influence of Chunsoft's Dragon Quest (1986). A ROM chip shortage in 1988 delayed the North American release by nearly two years.
Tricks & Tales
Composer Akito Nakatsuka not only wrote all the music but programmed the game's audio driver himself — an exceptionally rare combined role. He was credited under the pseudonym 'Tsukasan.' A cancelled Super Famicom sequel using the Super FX chip was reportedly in development in the early 1990s, featuring 3D polygon graphics, before being shelved when key staff shifted to Star Fox 64 development.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
The Famicom Disk System version (Japan, 1987) and the North American NES cartridge version (1988) differ slightly in content and visual presentation. The NES cartridge version shipped during a ROM chip shortage, contributing to its initial rarity in North America. The Japanese FDS version is the original and definitive version.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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