Zelda II: It's Not the Black Sheep | Retro Odyssey

Retro Odyssey ep.020
An IN-DEPTH review, analysis, and retrospective of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (『THE LEGEND OF ZELDA 2 リンクの冒険』) for the Famicom Disk System and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
This video is part of a longer series of videos covering my experiences playing through retro video games chronologically as a first-timer.
Thank you so much to all of you for watching. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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~ Zelda II: The Adventure of Link ~
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Title: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (『THE LEGEND OF ZELDA 2 リンクの冒険』)
Platform(s): Famicom Disk System, NES
Release Date(s):
JP: January 14, 1987
PAL: September 26, 1988
NA: December 1, 1988
Developer(s) Nintendo R&D4
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Tadashi Sugiyama, Yasuhisa Yamamura
Producer(s) Shigeru Miyamoto
Designer(s): Kazunobu Shimizu
Writer(s): Takashi Tezuka
Composer(s): Akito Nakatsuka
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~ note: all gameplay footage for 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒐 𝑶𝒅𝒚𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒚 is recorded using original hardware ~
LINKS
Music: outmind.bandcamp.com/
Artwork: / yasmeensh , / yasmeena.sh
Timestamps:
0:00 - introduction
2:46 - overview
7:15 - the black sheep
14:30 - story
16:44 - version differences
24:55 - northwest hyrule
35:53 - southwest hyrule
43:03 - northeast hyrule
45:45 - southeast hyrule
51:30 - final thoughts
54:00 - special thanks
Next up: Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line (ドラゴンクエストII 悪霊の神々
~ if you would like to support the show: ko-fi.com/hprshredder/ ~
#zelda2 #adventureoflink #リンクの冒険

[@jpbell82]

You don't have to level-up evenly in NES. You can cancel the level-up and bank the EXP for a couple of lvls until it gives you the option you want again. For example: you want to focus on ATK, depending on H Containers and M Bottles in the early-game for those upgeades. Lvl 1 ATK up. Lvl 2 cancel and bank, lvl 3 cancel and bank. Lvl 4 ATK up. This is total game-changer once you know it. Just don't die between activated lvl-ups or you lose your banked exp.

[@ryanpeck3377]

Yup, there is definitely a strategy to leveling up .... and the losing banked experience is almost, NES “Dark Souls” esq

[@mudsh4rk]

@@ryanpeck3377 IT's also a lot like Dark Souls (the first one, at least) in that your first playthorough will probably be grind heavy, but once you know your way through the game and have the mechanics internalized it's almost grind free - you can get through on skill alone but there's still enough challenge that it's fun. Dark Souls comparisons are thrown around way too much, but in this case it really makes sense - the gameplay just feels similar once you get around the 2d vs 3d difference and 20 years of advancing console technology. It's not a coincidence that Dark Souls 1 and Zelda 2 are two of my personal favorites. EDIT: with the ironknuckles, the short poke is the right idea, but works better if you kneel mid jump. Basically if you press down before you reach the top of your jump and then attack the head while still holding down on the D pad, you can hit both the upper and lower half of the sprite with a single attack and have an (almost) guaranteed hit against any enemy with a shield (including Shadow Link, although it doesn't work as well with him). They'll still block sometimes but you'll get about an 80%-90% hit rate. Figuring that out as a kid (in fairness, a friend of mine figured it out and taught the rest of us) felt a lot like the first time you really start to get the parry-riposte timing down in Dark Souls 1.

[@thatonezeldaguy250]

This game is REALLLLLY underrated, it's very different from Zelda 1 but it has an adrenaline effect in battle at times, it is so hype when you're fighting a dark nut, they feel like a puzzle when fighting them, and the sword techniques are just so cool

[@priestesslucy3299]

I love how Link's best move is basically Mario's standard move. Just jumping on mofos

[@HPRshredder]

lmao

[@vario6492]

He's looks cooler doing it tho 😎

[@mjordan072]

Something I love about your videos is how you directly address the "parroting" a lot of reviewers and essayists do, and try to engage with the game on it's own terms instead of just mimicking what others are saying. So many reviews feel like they tick the same wikipedia data points and then just restate where the game has landed culturally, but you're really engaging with the games and analyzing them from a personal level. Hope you keep at it because your channel is really refreshing!

[@HPRshredder]

Glad you've been enjoying and appreciating them! They're definitely more about my own personal experience.

[@VampiricBard]

That's how I feel about Fallout 4. I think it's a fantastic RPG and I hear so many of the same complaints regarding it's supposed lack of choices even though it has more than Fallout 3. The writing of the companions is also on par with the writing of the companions for Fallout New Vegas.

[@allorfh2495]

Honestly I went in blind and I found the game insanely difficult and just not fun. Granted I was playing on a phone emulator and after trying out LTTP on bot touch screen and pc I can safely say keyboard control is far more confortable, it probably still wouldnt save the game (neither NES game, both worlds feel too dead to me)

[@BERNDSBG]

​@@HPRshredderI am so curious about your verdict on Simon's quest, the black sheep of Castlevania. There is great Finnish patch to do a re-translation and give important hints. With that patched it is just a gem of a game.

[@nyehentertainment]

Yes. This.

[@riggles]

It's the cool uncle of the franchise, letting you do things you usually wouldn't.

[@NESADDICT]

Ha, this analogy is great.😊

[@SwordsmanOrion]

Zelda 2 was the first Zelda game I ever played, so I never saw it as a bad game. I definitely saw it as a hard game, in fact I never could finish it as a little kid. I couldn't beat it until years later as an adult. More people should appreciate the game and what it did. Great video and I hope a lot more people get to watch it.

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks for that comment, I really appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I definitely agree it would seem that people who grew up with this game tend to have a more favorable opinion of it.

[@jaakkopontinen]

Never finished it as a kid either - not without Game Genie anyway. Awesome game. Captivating. Whole-hearted. Ofc nostalgy glasses on.

[@xerxestelevision6666]

When we were kids we only ever had a handful of games, ice hockey, kid Icarus, rc proam, pouchout, and Zelda II. Seemed to fit in to me, it was definitely challenging but just like kid Icarus we got to the point where as soon as we would beat the final boss we would just start it over again in an endless loop that lasted the rest of our childhoods.

[@xerxestelevision6666]

Wait a minute,why am I sitting here listening to a guy talk about the legend of Zelda when he just played through the first Zelda a year ago? Great video, great presentation and content man. Total fan of your delivery and thoughts. But I beat the first Zelda half a dozen times the year it came out and continued to hold it as my favorite franchise for many decades to come. I’ll tell you about Zelda. Good stuff man, new sub here!!!

[@ver-loren9224]

Same here

[@rGGdom]

For new players wanting to finish this game, here are some tricks-strategies from a very old player of this game: 1- Grind at the beggining: You can either use HPRshredder technique (at 29:00 in this video) or you can do it in Parapa Palace. Get at least attack x 5, you're going to need it in Death Mountain (See point 5 to know how to grind in palaces without messing it up) 2- Use the life spell without hesitation, combine with magic bottles drops for magic recharge. You know how enemies can drop blue or red magic bottles? these are your friends, since at the beggining you'll probably lack some combat experience and get some damage. So use the life spell, recharge magic, and redo. See next point to find more red bottles. 3- Like HPRshredder said, strike statues to drop red bottles, especially those at the start of a palace. If a statue drop an iron knuckle instead of a red bottle, go out, come in again, strike again until you get it. 4- Before getting a magic red bottle, click start, position your cursor in the life spell, click start again to go out of the menu, get the red bottle and INMEDIATELY charge the life spell. You'll find that red bottles will charge your magic almost to the fullest, while also getting the life recharge from the life spell. Neat trick! 5- Never finish a palace by dropping a cristal IF you have lots of points for the next life-magic-attack upgrade. Cristal holder statues at the end of each palace will charge your points infinitely until the next upgrade, so if you have lots of points, this point boost will be wasted. For example: Imagine your next upgrade is at 4000 points, and you already got 3200 after finishing the palace... the statue will only give you the remaining 800 points. But, if you manage to get to the 4000 by your own, your points will go to 0 and the statue will give the next 4500-5000 points needed for the next upgrade after the one you just took. One way to achieve this is going out of the palace WITHOUT placing the cristal. Notice that, when placing the cristal, if you get close to the statue links snaps in place and the cristal gets placed... BUT, if you jump the place where Links get snapped for placing the cristal, you can skip the whole thing, go out of the palace and come back in again. Or you can just go back to a room with fire-skeleton head bubbles, which do not stay dead and revive just by coming to their rooms again. They each drop like 50 points if I remember correctly. 6- Like HPRshredder said, learn to use the down thrust accordingly. This makes the game so much easier. 7- You don't have to kill all enemies you encounter... some are simply not worthy. You can easily skip them by jumping in their heads with the down thrust and coming the other side.

[@ffKensou]

Use reflect spell against Thunderbird helps with its fireballs.

[@chrisd6287]

33:29 "The DVD screen waiting for the logo to hit the corner thing going on" 😂😂😂

[@mywiifits8460]

Your Zelda 1 and Metroid 1 videos inspired me to finally give those amazing cryptic games from before my time a chance, and even dragged a friend into doing the same thing. I finally finished both of them, and just in time to have another good video to supplement the game I'm tackling next. Keep giving these games a second chance no matter how dated people think they are.

[@thebristolbruiser]

This game be bussin

[@HPRshredder]

deadass

[@valeska_kevinleahy]

it's funny how personal experience is everything. this was my first zelda game, and didn't play a different zelda until Ocarina. I never knew that everyone was thrown off by this game! I thought it was fun and mysterious and figured other Zeldas were just like it..

[@koobs4549]

I’m in the same boat. In fact, I never knew that you could save your progress by using the start & up combo button press on the 2nd controller. So I had no idea what a feat of gaming I had accomplished as a kid, to beat it without using that function 😂

[@valeska_kevinleahy]

@@koobs4549 WHAT YOU COULD SAVE??? not kidding I’m just learning this. I played from the beginning every time 😭😭

[@koobs4549]

@@valeska_kevinleahy yes, I think this is what partially, led so many people to believe it was a really difficult game when in reality, we were all just playing it in hard mode 😁

[@notsans9995]

The funny thing is, Zelda 2 is probably the least played Zelda game, but it has some of the most iconic Zelda tracks that gets reused in other media

[@kannonwright4969]

Dude, I absolutely love this! You're voice and review style is so relaxing. It's funny how I used to love shouty videos when I was in my early teens. Nowadays, I crave chill vibes. Life is pretty stressful right now and somehow this video made me relax instantly.

[@HPRshredder]

Very happy to hear that, thanks for the comment!

[@joeboo8626]

Just found this channel a week ago. Really digging your videos and glad you're going to keep at it. I personally prefer the "black sheep" second Castlevania/SMB/Zelda games to the originals. Subscribed. 🙂

[@acebailey2478]

My dude do you realize how good your content is? Please don't stop. One day it'll catch fire and you'll get the publicity these videos are worth!

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks for that. I’m glad you’re enjoying them! I plan to keep making more. Prepping for Season 3 right now. (this was the final episode of Season 2)

[@acebailey2478]

​@@HPRshredder I'm so excited to hear season 3 is coming! Your channel reminds me of the old days where I'd sit for 30-45 minutes and watch a quality TV show. You are the Reading Rainbow of KZbin channels! I wish everyone put the amount of care into their content that you do. I feel like I get a proper education on each game you play because you go into immense (and entertaining) detail I can't find anywhere else. Thank you again for all that you do!

[@docgriff86]

Yeah im going to second that... I just recently found your channel but your break downs are on point. Zelda 2 is one of my favorite retro game of all time. I enjoyed the review. Keep them coming!

[@CaptainMangles]

season 2 lets go

[@deef7923]

Really enjoyed this one

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

Just dropping a comment while binge-watching your content. Zelda 2 is an essential part of the series’ DNA. It feels divorced from the series, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As you correctly point out, it was simply ahead of its time.

[@MilamasylumMA]

It's one of the better Zelda games and is by far underrated. So many complain because it's too hard and it's honestly not at all and has some great mechanics. I love it.

[@kimmykimko]

Oh no, it's hard as shit. But that's what makes it a fun challenge.

[@RetroSho]

First! What a hell of a video to jump into! 👀

[@MrTerbman]

This hit just right on a Sunday morning.

[@antonylavelle5760]

I'm a huge fan of this channel. He's so chill and concise, his Metroid video set the bar for this kind of content (in my opinion for everyone) and this is another great video about a great classic game. Thanks!

[@yasmeens.h9846]

Amazing and comprehensive overview of Zelda 2! You give it the justice it deserves! It does get a lot of hate, but it's a fun game for what it is. For me, no game was more satisfying to finish than this one 😆 It really felt like finishing a long and arduous journey. It's 100% justifiable to beat Dark Link by crouching in the corner. That, too, is a technique learnt along the way! This video was such a comfy watch and I really appreciate the time and effort that went into it! the pacing, editing, visuals, and sound design is smooth and seamless. I enjoyed every part of the video! Your humor was also all in the right places and brought all your points together nicely! I'm glad my Zelda 2 fanworks could be of service to the community! ☺

[@HPRshredder]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!! And thank you so much again for allowing me to feature your artwork. It is seriously amazing. It has really stuck with me. Zelda fan art can be very hit or miss. Yours is next-level good in my opinion. It makes me really happy you ended up enjoying the finished video. Thanks again, Yasmeen!

[@BERNDSBG]

I didn't finish many games. Always lost interest. But Zelda 1 and 2 are among the finished ones.

[@alexcannon294]

I must say your channel is the comfort food of retro game reviews-deeply informative as well as relaxing and easy to listen to. You're my favorite for sure dude. Keep up the amazing work! ✊🏼😊.

[@neverchris]

This was such a great video which really brings me back. I used to play this game a ton before I knew how to read as a child lol. I had the list of spells and their order memorized as well as what the NPC's generally said based on my parents reading it to me. I would really enjoy drawing out the palace maps on paper as well. What I find interesting to think about is how this game is treated like the black sheep and the one-off strange title but for a time, Zelda II represented 50% of all Zelda with a 3 year gap before A Link to the Past. I remember being surprised that A Link to the Past was going back to the old style but then thinking it made sense when Mario 2 was so different but then Mario 3 more resembled the original. That was my kid logic, at least. I should say that I really like your comparison between the NES and FDS versions. I knew that there were some differences but not this many. I really like seeing the Japanese instruction manual and such as well. Anyway, keep it up man!

[@HPRshredder]

I’m really glad you enjoyed this one. I was born in ‘92 so I didn’t even know this game existed until maybe 2010. That’s about when I started getting more into games as a hobby and looking into the history and such. I only had a few interactions with an NES ever before starting this channel. And any games were just ports on other systems or emulation. It’s definitely a whole different thing experiencing stuff on original hardware. And about your point of it being 50% of Zelda games at the time; I think a lot of people thought that way. I think it’s part of why people who grew up with it largely never had any issues with it. But thank you again for the comment. I really do appreciate it!

[@itsasecrettoeverybody]

Ooohhhmigoshi new vídeo! ❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@VampiricBard]

I love this game. I played it sooo many times when I was younger. I remember the epicness of fighting shadow link.

[@donHaize]

Whilst the Zelda series isn't one I normally have an interest in, I have to say, this video is very well put together, good effort Shredder!

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you for the comment! I'm glad it was able to hold your interest despite not being into Zelda; that's a huge complement

[@kimmykimko]

Who doesn't like Zelda? That's like not liking Nintendo. Whatever dude, do you.

[@Trav0103]

Zelda 2 was a very important game to me growing up in the early 90s. This video excellently sums up my feelings on this game's greatness, even if I feel several other Zelda games are greater than this one. I still go back to this game every few years or so. Great video!

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate that. I do favor the first game overall, but I was really impressed with this one. It’s definitely worth playing today IMO, and I do see myself going back to it.

[@AndSaveAsManyAsYouCan]

It's easy to say other zelda games are greater. Just think if zelda 2 had access to the same technology as the zeldas that came after it. Maybe you should compare the Ford model t to the Lexus LFA or the hindenberg to the concord.

[@AndSaveAsManyAsYouCan]

​@@HPRshredder black sheep? No Ugly duckling? No Red headed stepchild would be the better term to use.

[@AndSaveAsManyAsYouCan]

​@@HPRshredder It's always nice (and rare) to see someone review this game for what it was when it came out. Most compare it to later games built with better technology and more extensive lore (which this game helped contribute to). Good job.

[@AndSaveAsManyAsYouCan]

​@@HPRshredder P.S. If you haven't played super metroid or Chrono Trigger yet, do yourself a favor and check them out. It'll be a real treat for you.

[@njkidding]

I just binged a bunch of your videos. Seriously have no idea how you haven’t blown up yet. Your production quality, editing, analyses are all top notch. Seriously rooting for your success man!

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you so much! I'm flattered they were good enough to watch back-to-back. I know they're a bit longer and not always the fastest-paced videos. The channel has picked up a lot since February and I'm starting to see more consistent views and impressions and I'm really thankful for that. Glad you found the channel! (nice drum videos btw, you're really talented!)

[@TheCrawl]

The Return of the King.

[@tokugawa7]

Hell yes. Let's.... Go!!!!!!...... 💪

[@tokugawa7]

Not even watching this until tomorrow... Yet I feel like I should just do myself a favor and order a cart tonight.

[@tokugawa7]

Almost ordered a famicom a week or so ago... But scared myself off due to the controller cable length... I'm a bum.

[@HPRshredder]

I have the AV Famicom which is basically just an NES toploader that lets you plug in controllers like the NES does. There are a few differences in sound output but I like it. Comes with the dogbone NES controller, but I think it does still have a shorter cable. The NES cable is loooooong

[@codyseevers6405]

New upload from HPR😁...... It's Zelda 2🤤 I was waiting for your upload, thanks for the new vid.

[@aaroarponen8610]

Alrite, been waiting for this for over a year!

[@itsasecrettoeverybody]

Great video. I have a confession to make I finished all Zelda games but the NES games and the multiplayer ones (I don't have friends).

[@Exmotable]

aw man i'm drunk and sleepy but hopefully i'll watch this tomorrow

[@CaptainMangles]

Hey I'm in the credits! I thought that was a list of people who donated to you lol, thank you!

[@HPRshredder]

I think ~6 people have supported me with tips or donations. For the end of the video though I like including return commenters whose comments I look forward to.

[@MattyStoked]

Took me a while to get to this, but BOY was it worth the wait. I love that you maintain a chill energy, but we still get to see your enthusiasm bubble up when you're passionate about something. Love to see it! Can't wait for season 3!

[@HPRshredder]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, @StokedTube! I kept telling myself and others to not expect a huge one but it got out of hand lol. I'm very happy with this video and happy my stuff has been getting out there some more over the past few months. Now I just hope the videos I'm working on finishing now and the eventual season 3 don't disappoint 😬

[@Ian-ky5hf]

I played Zelda II when it came out. I have always loved!

[@coopdegra27]

Fantastic video! Glad to see this game getting the appreciation it truly deserves. Growing up, my brother had always been iffy on it, which lead me to always being off on it. A few years back I sat down and played through it and had an amazing time with it, it's such a unique entry in the series and definitely worth playing. I did use a game genie toward the end of the game to give myself infinite magic, maybe one day I'll be good enough to not cheese the game ha. Can't wait to see what's next, Love Live Retro Odyssey!

[@HPRshredder]

Good to hear from you again, Coop! Glad you watched and enjoyed this one! Infinite magic honestly sounds fun to play with but I'd probably just spam thunder if I had it lol. And hopefully it won't be too long! I'm hoping to get Retro Odyssey Recap #2 out this month along with another smaller non-Retro Odyssey project, and then hopefully kick Season 3 off towards the beginning of May. Thanks for sticking around. Always appreciate your comments.

[@averyrogers8103]

best intro you’ve made thus far

[@DannyDeVoid]

Favorite video on the channel yet! I feel like Zelda 2 was trying to move the series forward by taking some tips from other popular genres at the time particularly the Dragon Quest series as you mentioned. It almost feels like a fighting game sometimes when you encounter certain enemies in the Dungeons who have their own attack pattern and methods of blocking, and links different moves that would only work with this new sidescrolling perspective. Weird take, I know, but that's kind of ambitious! Thanks for showing this game some of love and shining it in a different light. I enjoyed the game before but this review only adds to that appreciation for Zelda 2. Edit: Also wow I'm in the credits! :D

[@LukeJobeAGS101]

I just wanted to let you know that, youtube recommended me this video, and after watching it I've been binging all your content. The only part of your content that dissapoints me is that I eventually ran out of backlog. I just really enjoy the chill nature of these videos, the calm delivery that is so conversational and friendly, the thorough execution, and the passion for the project. I understand that not every single game is the most engaging thing for you, but I really enjoy that you are still giving a lot of time to older games and thoroughly discussing them. It's easy to do something throw away to say that a game is good or bad, but you play through these games and really form an opinion on them. I just wanted to encourage you to keep going. I'll be here to watch whatever you put out. I'm really hoping that KZbin finally picks you up more in the algorithm because these clearly take a lot of effort and I'm excited to see more.

[@HPRshredder]

Wow, that is such a nice comment, thank you so much! I hope my future videos don't disappoint lol. Very glad you've enjoyed the back catalog of games and that you've found them enjoyable. I have every intention to continue making these. I'm going to try incorporating some other kinds of content as well and trying to stream more, but this is the backbone of the channel and I am pretty determined to get through all the games I put on my list in 2018. Recap 2 will be coming out soon naming the games for season 3 and covering the experiences of working on season 2. Hope you enjoy it!

[@LezardDesu]

This video was such a treat and definetly worth the wait. I was glad to see you had a fun time with this game. It really does have a great loop, and the progression is just right to keep you hooked all the way through. (About the Dark Link cheese, I wouldn't let it bother you too much lol. Playing this game blind, I recall getting cornered in the wall, throwing out a stab, and the rest is history. I think that for most players the cheese will happen naturally from playing defensively)

[@HPRshredder]

Finally remembered to add your name to the special thanks -- hope you saw! And I'm glad you enjoyed the video. o7

[@ryanpeck3377]

Agreed about Dark Link. I think many players figured that out through trial and error. I wouldnt be surprised if the developers included that on purpose as the “solution to the puzzle” so to speak. As some bosses had easier was to fight them than just aggressive attacking.

[@ffKensou]

Zelda II is such an awesome game, this "black sheep" myth has to stop, I like how you compared it to the "ugly duckling" a way more accurate comparison. I admire that you applied yourself to beating this and the first Zelda, most people today only think of Zelda in terms of the Eiji Aonuma formula (Ocarina of time forwards) and it's refreshing seeing someone who stared playing Zelda games with Spirit Tracks (!) go back and play the originals and appreciate why they are good, instead of just bashing them because of dated graphics or "cryptic puzzles".

[@HPRshredder]

After properly experiencing Zelda 1 and seeing how good it was it was hard for me to wait this long to play Zelda II actually. I was really excited for it, and while it was good in different ways, it didn't disappoint. I have enjoyed Zelda games from each different era now. Playing the older titles makes me want more from the future of the series.

[@politicaefutebolsediscutem1157]

Amazing game! Btw your content is gold!

[@BSSniper]

This game was torture back in the day. The blowback from this is what led to A Link to The Past basically being a reimagining of the first game and the formula remained from there. Excellent video!

[@leadbones]

Torture? This game, from the moment it was released, is a masterpiece. A true classic, and one that inspired the design of generations and genres of games since.

[@BSSniper]

@@leadbones I wouldn’t go so far as to suggest it is a masterpiece. It definitely moved the bar in terms of some interesting new ideas but it is very repetitive and lacks imagination in every other way.

[@leadbones]

@BSSniper I consider you to be absolutely wrong. To say it lacks imagination is simply a mistake. It had far more variety than almost any other console game at the time. There was no reason for any blowback, and the bad rep the game received was unjustified.

[@AL-nv4gk]

It's a boring ass press left side-scroller with very occasional enemies just because someone makes a flowery positive video on it doesn't change the fact that it objectionably sucked otherwise we would have seen more Zelda in that vain, Nintendo and the public just wrong though huh? you're the only one with good taste apparently delusional 😂 ​@@leadbones

[@ragintombo]

Once again I feel that you have raised the bar and added little flourishes like the call center voice commentary. Loved hearing about your experiences with the game, well done!

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks so much, Tom! I’m glad you liked this one. I was looking forward to what your thoughts would be - glad they’re positive!

[@daganmoriarty1973]

Recently discovered your channel, totally digging it. Awesome work!

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks so much! Glad you're enjoying it.

[@RetroZoltan]

Brilliant work! Wow I loved this! I was fortunate enough to play Zelda2 back when it was originally released, no one had an opinion on it yet, and I loved it.. LOVED IT! This review was worth the wait! You rock!

[@HPRshredder]

Glad you enjoyed, Zoltan!

[@RetroZoltan]

@@HPRshredder also .. thanks for the special thanks! I watched this a 2nd time today and noticed!

[@StrokedGT]

Same, we loved it. When it came out, we wanted something different than Legend of Zelda. The only way I can describe it is that we wanted something closer to the cartoons and art for the game. Zelda II gave us that. There was nothing else to compare it to, it wasn’t even an ugly duckling or black sheep, i guess i never saw it that way.

[@HabAnagarek]

I was in 8th grade, totally got swept up in the hype, Nintendo Power, etc. I didn't love the Overworld style but the side-scrolling is really the heart of the game. There is no other NES game with such agile character mechanics. Very challenging but never boring. I will take this game's approach to RPGs over the Dragon Warrior/ Final Fantasy/Phantasy Star style any day.

[@rGGdom]

I first saw Zelda 1 when I was like 9 years old, but I always watched my cousin play it, never experienced it myself. Years later some friends and I got our hands on a copy of Zelda II, so we spent months playing it, and to this day I absolutely adore it, thanks to this game I was introduced to the franchise, so no regrets whatsoever.

[@HPRshredder]

Where does it stand among the others you have played do you think? One of your favorites? Just okay? Or one of your least favorites? Just curious!

[@rGGdom]

@@HPRshredder It's a little hard for me to give it a grade, especially when compared to other masterpieces in the franchise. But if I have to give it a rating, I would say that it is in my 4th place approximately, only below Ocarina, Botw, Majora's Mask and Link's Awakening (the original game boy version). Yes, at this moment I like this game even more than Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess, which many would consider a cardinal sin 😂

[@Paiste2002Fan]

The best way to beat the Fokkas in the Great Palace is let them jump over you, then upward thrust. And if you want to beat the Shadow without crouching in the corner, jumping stabs to the throat and chest area work well. It was a small hit box.

[@HPRshredder]

I had another commenter suggest the same for the Fokkas. I think I’m going to try and take on the grand palace again on the FDS soon to give them and Dark Link another go.

[@pootis.145]

FINALLY MY BALLS HAVE BEEN SO BLUE

[@HPRshredder]

Hope you saw your shoutout at the end of the video

[@pootis.145]

​@@HPRshredder I did! What an honor to be immortalized at the end of an hprshredder video!

[@pt9009]

This channel is a hidden gem :) You're going to blow up in popularity sooner or later with how excellent your content is!

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you! I hope you're right lol

[@andrewvoor5814]

Congrats on getting this one out!!

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks, man! Looking forward to this year. Hoping to upload a lot more.

[@robertanderson9447]

I kept forgetting to watch this and I'm mad about that because it's a great video. Makes me wish I had the patience to fully replay Zelda II after all this time. I did beat this game, but I sucked majorly at the combat and got many Game Overs. The Lizalfos fences you mentioned were passed through many times, which is why they personally got on my nerves a lot. However, I found Dark Link to be a very fun and satisfying final boss. Defeating him without the exploit is long and rough but I somehow managed. What probably kept me going the most was the unique satisfaction that comes from figuring out the secrets. I find the design of old adventure games fascinating because a lot of creativity goes into it, and often you'll find these games actually do point you in the right direction in subtle ways. Zelda 1's second quest is possibly the greatest example of this type of game design done right.

[@HPRshredder]

I do plan to go back and beat Dark Link without the cheese soon just to see what it was like. I might do that in a livestream but I haven't made up my mind. And Zelda's second quest is a game I still need to play. I plan to save it for a special occasion. Not sure what yet though...

[@samachell]

Hey man I love your videos so much - I got recommended the Metroid one the other week and since then I've binged them all. You're legit one of the best reviewers on youtube, I really feel your passion.

[@HPRshredder]

I appreciate that so much, thank you for the comment. Over the past few months I've suddenly begun getting a lot more impressions. I'm not sure why but I'll take it! Glad you've enjoyed them so far -- I've got more on the way!

[@Exmotable]

yo what the fuck i never knew that zelda was asleep because of her brother's henchman, i always thought it was just "lmao ganon" interesting that link's sprite lacked a mouth in the og famicom version, reminds me of how in the old sonic games, sonic didn't have a mouth put into his sprites until sonic 3, which i prefer. it helps avoid making it look as if sonic is just smiling all carefree like when shit is going down my opinyot is that you shouldn't worry too much about rambling in these kind of videos, it's a deep dive into a video game, people can see that video length, they'll know what they're getting into by watching something like this

[@ClassicCo-op]

This video is damn good, man! Took a couple of sittings, but I just finished the whole thing. What an in depth look at Zelda II. This is like the definitive video on the game! I’ve never been able to beat this game. I got pretty far as a kid then accidentally deleted my save. I haven’t gone back since. But might have to try again with some of your tips! I’m a huge fan of your b roll and crt shots. They always add so much to the presentation. Great work on everything! Love this!

[@HPRshredder]

Thanks so much for all the kind words! I’ve noticed you guys doing more with the b-roll and I think that looks fantastic as well.

[@Taldorin]

See now you are just showing off with the edits! Well done video all around great way to end the season! I do enjoy this game as a standalone separate from Zelda. As someone who played the games back in the day on my top loader, Zelda one set such a great precedent and became a must have for the system, Zelda two came in and was just...entirely different and that disappointed many people even with the game being fun. That said there is a reason this game has randomizers, people do enjoy it! Also did you call those bird warriors are called fuackers? What a coincidence that's pretty close to what I called them when I was going through that temple!

[@HPRshredder]

Glad to see youin the comments, JaketheSnake. And I'm glad you're still enjoying these. o7

[@Sakeenster]

I love seeing how much your editing has improved since your first videos. This is one of my favorite videos of yours for sure! Even with it being an over 50 minute video it goes by quite fast because every moment is interesting and well edited. You make me interested in games I was never interested in and I love that 💛 V excited for the next season! No cap 🧢

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you so much, Sakeenster! That means a lot!

[@berkedemirezen2540]

Well-made and detailed video, great content, good delivery, attractive voice, cute face, nice hair... I had no option but to subscribe. 😂

[@HPRshredder]

lmao 😂 thank you!

[@TARINunit9]

I also want to clear a misconception: you CAN choose your level-ups in the NES version. If you scroll up to "cancel" on the NES level-up screen, it will NOT spend your level-up, and after getting a few more XP you will get a second level-up where you can CHOOSE what stat to boost. It's hard to explain but simple to understand once you do it

[@sammi388]

Came here to say this exact thing, thank you!! I ALWAYS beef my attack first thing 😊

[@koobs4549]

I wish I knew this as a kid. I also wish I knew about the whole start plus up function to save your progress. Would’ve made beating it a whole lot easier

[@sammi388]

@@koobs4549 I was today years old when I found this out 🤯 thanks!!

[@koobs4549]

@@sammi388 I honestly think this is one of the major reasons why so many people think of it as being a difficult game. Most of us just had no idea we were playing it in “hard” difficulty all along

[@sammi388]

@@koobs4549 yeah this is absolutely why things are called "Nintendo hard" they really used to make us use our brain or buy the guides instead of the handholding modern games do

[@themusicholecole]

Its 6am, I cant sleep, and Im lying here in bed watching this cool video. Cheers mate thanks for your hard work.

[@HPRshredder]

Hope you got some rest eventually!

[@noatiendoboludos]

I really liked the analogy of the ugly duckling. As someone who played this game for the first time last year and absolutely DESPISED it, after replaying it a couple more times under the feeling of "I'm gonna show this stupid game who's boss", I ended up really liking it. People call it the "Dark Souls syndrome", pure annoyance and suffering on your first go, but very fun to play on subsequent playthroughs. That's what I understood about what you meant "as great potential under a very unpromising start." Most of my frustration with this game came from: 1. being completely lost. 2. getting completely destroyed. You dont really have neither of these on replays of the game, because you already know where to go, and how to deal with most enemies, so you're just left with the best parts of this game.

[@locke103]

that shoutout to hungry goriya made me chuckle. the two of you truly deserve more subs.

[@samuelbaugh4952]

I loved this game on 3DS virtual console, really gotta play through my NES cartridge version soon. Looking forward to what comes in season 3!

[@HPRshredder]

Always look forward to seeing your comments, man. Stoked you're excited for season 3!

[@vanyadolly]

While there's little that could convince me to subject myself to this game, it's great to see other people discover its value.

[@scv-70whitebase]

Hell yeah boy, let's GOOOOO

[@OnlineVideoSurfer]

If I remember right, the best way to deal with those bird soldiers is to upstab them when they jump over you. It should be a consistent hit. The only risk is that they might fire a beam when they're jumping, or you might be fighting them with uneven ground, low ceiling, other enemies, etc. Running is still often the best way to deal with them, especially if you're max level, but like every enemy here there is a method to the madness. I liked the revisit. Zelda II has a lot of merits, and I do have fun playing the game, but I do think you need to have an instinct for NES idiosyncrasies - what many would call NES bullshit - to deal with it. The game has a lot of beginner traps and weird quirks to the combat that you just have to adapt to, like learning to do those jump attacks to fight iron knuckles reliably or adapting to the sometimes awkward hitboxes of so many enemies and bosses. Combined with the game being quite a bit more difficult than Zelda 1's first quest - I can see the difficulties for people that did not grow up during the last...millennium adapting to this.

[@HPRshredder]

I don't know how I didn't think to try the upstab on them, wow. That probably would work excellent for future playthroughs. I think in the moment they were just wrecking me so I had to run. Kind of love the suspense it provides though either way lol.

[@jamesgames4553]

Had some vegetables to chop, what a delight to open KZbin and find a new HPRShredder video to keep me entertained - I know I’m in for something special here! (On a related note, gaming magazines in the early 2000s were also perpetuating the lie that the game is a “black sheep” despite its apparent commercial success and positive reception when it launched in North America.

[@danstrang7088]

Nice

[@bigdeagle1331]

Once you get the upper and lower sword attack! The game is easy! Especially the down sword thrust

[@dracojoule]

The second game of a series is almost always considered the "black sheep." Metroid 2, Zelda 2, mario bros 2, dark souls 2, Castlevania 2

[@ferdinandcountfathom9298]

I had previously thought that projared had my favorite Zelda 2 review, but yours knocked his off the top spot! I love how thoughtful and well-constructed your reviews are, and they remind me of why I loved these games as a kid and still do😊

[@HPRshredder]

Thank you for that comment! I appreciate it. I also love Projared’s review.

[@RAAAAAAHHHHHhh]

Too be honest I accidentally bought this game as a kid when I was trying to buy the first game (they both had gold carts), which I'd hired from the video store and loved. At first I was disappointed but it grew on me.

[@reikosuzuka8608]

I often wonder if any of these people who call zelda 2 the black sheep, were even around when it was released. I knew nobody who hated it. It was rented just as much as zelda 1, in local shops. There was always some random person whod gotten further, or beaten it. Nobody i knew disliked the game. Modern folk talk about it being hard, but many games were hard... and some of us even beat zelda 2 before 1. Just like zelda 1, people would get together and try to yet further, and explore. In my region, it not only wasnt a black sheep. It was popular. Most who called themselves gamers had played it.

[@AB-80X]

I loved Zelda 2. Was my first Zelda game as a kid. Is still my favourite Zelda game.

[@ilikeme1234]

I really like your format. Good editing, good production and a great tone and overall presentation.

[@HPRshredder]

I appreciete it! I'm glad you enjoyed.

[@mr.g4990]

Haven't played this one as a kid, and the price it goes for nowadays still makes me frown. I'll get there eventually. Having said that, the game always looked good to me, I don't see myself bitching about it. Thanks for the video. I don't mind the length either, it feels like you had plenty to share.

[@Crekification]

This is the only zelda game I have not finished. I just couldn't honestly it was hard

[@niemand7811]

It is funny that this Shadow Boss also exists in Battle of Olympus, yet another great side scrolling adventure. And you beat it the same way as you did there in Zelda II because the developers knew you gonna figure it out.

[@twosocks0621]

I always come back to your content even if I've watched it multiple times its just that good

[@randallgoeswhere]

A damn shame we will never get another side scrolling Zelda like this. This game is amazing.

[@nihilism242]

I can't wait for your channel to explode! You are amazing-

[@rhyanbrandt3807]

New favorite KZbinr unlocked! Killing it bro! Keep this up! You’re a breath of fresh or on this app

[@HPRshredder]

Glad you enjoyed the video, man! I appreciate the comment

[@docholliday8269]

You absolutely can choose which stat to level up in the NES version. The manual explains: "When Link collects points and reaches the NEXT point at the upper right of the fight screen, you can raise the level of the one element of the three that has reached that point. A SELECT menu, such as the one at the right, will be displayed on the fight screen. Move the arrow using the cross button to the element that you have enough points to raise and press START button to choose that one. If you want to raise the other elements first, CANCEL and fight more to gain the necessary points."

[@Ryan_Butterfield]

Great review! I remember playing Zelda 1 and 2 with my dad in the late 80’s as a kid. Terrific memories. I could beat Zelda 1, but never could beat Zelda 2. For some reason it was too much for me. Finally beat it as an adult about 20 years later :)

[@realsquirrelhours565]

So glad to see a new episode and a long form one too!! This is one I think I need to actually pick up a copy of instead of emulating it because everytime I've attempted it via emulation, I just could never get into it. I've found that I'm like that with a lot of games, Zelda 1 and Metroid were like that for me. You've definitely renewed my interest in the game with this review and I definitely think it's time I sit down with it. I feel like after recently tackling Ninja Gaiden on original hardware blindly that I could most certainly learn this one, lol. Awesome review as always, man, and I'm glad to you're back!!

[@HPRshredder]

I haven't played Ninja Gaiden aside from briefly trying it out to test my Everdrive N8, but if you can beat that game you can definitely beat Zelda II. Always look forward to your comments -- if you didn't notice before your name is in the end credits

[@TonyStarkCLC]

Finally an objective video that doesn't echo-chamber the copy-paste criticism surrounding certain games, among them Zelda II and METROID. GREAT ANALYSIS! HARD GAME, like few, and that's why i love it. And i cannot believe i defeated this game at age 10 (i'm 42 now).

[@koobs4549]

I’m in the same boat as you. I honestly think that if we’d have gotten the same disc based version they had in Japan, it may have been a different story. I did not know until I was an adult, that you could save progress by using the 2nd controller to do the start plus up combo. When I beat it as a kid, I essentially did it in one play through. We’d pause the game & leave the system on till we could play again. I think that many people were unaware of that function & I think that could have played a big part in people thinking it was too hard to beat

[@plexim1591]

Dude, your channel is the best! It's only a matter of time before you go big.

[@alexflorez1913]

Wow... I just found out about the Prince of Hyrule today, but now I've also noticed the magician is springing from his shadow... Sort of like the final boss.

[@shogunsaca714hb]

Love this game. When I came to the USA my family bought a Nintendo which came with Mario and duck hunt. My family also bought Zelda 2 with it. I took to Zelda like a fish to water. I was 8 and played it so much I beat it and found all the secrets on my own by just walking about everywhere. I use to love using the hammer on the trees which is how I got the note to cross the river. Idc what anyone says I love this game so much. :)

[@michaelboerlage7988]

You are so underrated! Keep up the good work and I bet you get the fame you deserve!

[@Appl908]

One of the Best nes game of all time. Probably my most replayed game ever. I love this game

[@thewingedavenger1007]

Awesome review and video! I played this as a child when it was new and I beat it without any help. People who say it's too hard are just comparing it to the excessive hand-holding that games are plagued with nowadays. As you pointed out, expectations matter.

[@mattBLACKpunk]

33:38 wow you weren't kidding about them taking insane amounts of damage

[@JeffyLB]

FYI, you can still choose what order to level up stats in the NES version by backing up out of the Level Up screen I avoided this game for a long time due to its reputation. I was surprised by how refined many of its mechanics were, and consider it a premier retro experience

[@JeffyLB]

That said I do think it deserves it's reputation as a "bad" Zelda game due to its heavy emphasis on combat and twitch reflex, which also results in extreme difficulty. Obviously all Zelda games have these elements, but most people enjoy Zelda primarily due to its exploration and puzzle solving, with light action mixed in. This game just doesn't satisfy that balance in the same way that other entries do. Much better to think of it as a spin off, which it basically is

[@ryanpeck3377]

Zelda 2 was my first Zelda game, So i have a special love for it. It definitely took the franchise into a more rpg genre (overworld, leveling up etc) and while they did revert back to the original formula after they did slowly go back to some elements of it later in the franchise. Zelda 2 definitely has a much deeper strategy to it than many realize. Things like banking experience, grinding etc, not finishing dungeons till after youve just upgraded to get another full upgrade etc etc. overall i think its a great action rpg and I think if this wasnt a zelda game, just had a different name on it many who look down on it would love it