When you talk about the most divisive entries in The Legend of Zelda series, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link almost always tops the list. It was bold and experimental, trading the overhead exploration of the first game for side-scrolling combat and RPG-like mechanics. But it was also notoriously punishing, cryptic, and, for many, alienating.
Fast forward three decades, and Breath of the Wild reinvented what Zelda could be—an expansive, flexible, and player-driven experience that embraced exploration and rewarded curiosity. So, what if Adventure of Link got a modern remake inspired by BOTW? How could it keep its unique identity while adopting the best innovations from Nintendo’s open-world masterpiece?
Here are 10 lessons Zelda II could learn from Breath of the Wild to become the game it was always meant to be.
1. Freedom Without Punishment
One of BOTW’s greatest strengths is how it rewards players for experimenting. Zelda II, on the other hand, punishes experimentation with brutal difficulty spikes and cryptic progression. A remake could keep the RPG elements and combat depth but allow players to tackle objectives in multiple ways, just like BOTW’s Divine Beasts. Imagine dungeons that let you solve puzzles using your chosen abilities rather than forcing one rigid path.
2. Smarter Exploration and Map Design
BOTW made exploration feel natural by populating Hyrule with meaningful landmarks, physics-based puzzles, and hidden stories. Zelda II’s overworld, by contrast, is often empty and repetitive, with random encounters breaking immersion. A modern version could blend BOTW’s environmental storytelling with Zelda II’s RPG progression, turning towns, forests, and mountains into vibrant spaces with secrets worth finding.
3. Refined Combat Depth
The side-scrolling swordplay in Zelda II was ambitious, but clunky. BOTW proved Zelda combat could be tactical, fluid, and skill-driven, with parries, dodges, and environmental creativity. A remake could preserve Zelda II’s emphasis on one-on-one duels but expand it: stamina-based mechanics, elemental effects, and destructible environments could turn each battle into a showcase of player ingenuity.
4. Meaningful RPG Progression
Zelda II introduced leveling, but grinding often overshadowed exploration. BOTW sidestepped this issue by tying growth to player discovery—shrines, Korok seeds, and gear upgrades all felt earned. A remake could make experience points come from quests, exploration, and creative combat solutions, making the player’s growth feel organic rather than tedious.
5. Richer Towns and NPCs
Towns in Zelda II were mostly functional: heal here, get magic there, and move on. BOTW transformed NPCs into storytellers, quest-givers, and world-builders. Imagine towns that reflect Hyrule’s struggles, with characters who react to your choices and offer branching quests. Instead of “I am Error,” you’d meet NPCs with personalities, motives, and emotional weight.
6. Puzzle Diversity
BOTW thrived on sandbox puzzles that let players combine mechanics creatively. Zelda II’s puzzles were often “find the one obscure solution.” A remake could integrate BOTW’s physics and elemental systems into its side-scrolling format, making puzzles interactive and replayable. Think: using fire to clear brambles in 2D, or manipulating wind to swing platforms in creative ways.
7. Dynamic Enemy Behavior
In BOTW, enemies feel alive—they hunt, strategize, and react. Zelda II’s enemies often rely on simple patterns. A remake could introduce adaptive AI, making knights learn your tactics or bosses change phases based on your approach. This would keep combat tense and rewarding, honoring Zelda II’s focus on skill while removing the frustration of cheap hits.
8. A Living Overworld
BOTW’s Hyrule feels alive thanks to weather, wildlife, and dynamic events. Zelda II’s overworld feels static by comparison. Adding dynamic weather, day-night cycles, and roaming threats could transform travel into an adventure of its own. Imagine riding across Hyrule and spotting a roaming miniboss, or towns that close their gates at night, forcing stealthy entries.
9. A Stronger Narrative Backbone
While BOTW keeps its story minimalistic, its emotional core—the fall of Hyrule and Zelda’s sacrifice—anchors the experience. Zelda II has intriguing lore (a sleeping Zelda, Ganon’s followers hunting Link), but it’s barely explored. A remake could expand its story with cutscenes, journals, and character moments, making Link’s quest feel as urgent and personal as BOTW’s.
10. Player-Centric Experimentation
Above all, BOTW trusts players to play their way. Zelda II often feels like it’s fighting the player—limiting options and punishing mistakes. A remake could embrace BOTW’s philosophy: if you want to rush the final palace early, you can, but it’ll be tough. If you want to master magic and bypass combat creatively, go for it. Freedom breeds investment.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Two Eras Together
The Adventure of Link is often seen as the black sheep of the Zelda franchise, but at its heart, it’s a game that dared to take risks. Breath of the Wild shares that same DNA—it succeeded because it trusted those risks could pay off when paired with smart design and player agency.
A remake of Zelda II inspired by BOTW wouldn’t just “fix” the game; it would celebrate what made it bold in the first place, merging classic experimentation with modern sensibilities. In doing so, it could transform a divisive entry into a definitive one—proving that even the most controversial Zelda can find its breath of fresh air.
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