Until the end of civilization, Nintendo is releasing a new Zelda game. Luckily this time it will be a proper sequel on a platform that has had almost every previous Zelda game ported to it, yet hasn't hosted a true sequel (Twilight Princess doesn't count). Many people will probably feel indifferent to another Zelda title, but having been a fan from that one time in the past, I can't resist the temptation to see what Nintendo has cooked up. 
As a lead-in to the new game, I have been revisiting geriatric Zeldas to catch up with my favorite adventurer and try to psych myself up for the next installment. I played through Majora's Mask (on the N64 of course, no emulation!), then I played a bit of the original NES Legend of Zelda. After a few dungeons I decided to switch to Twilight Princess (Wii Version). I never actually beat the game. After almost a dozen hours on the Wii, I decided to revisit what I remember as the most difficult Zelda game I had ever played: Zelda II: Link's Adventure. I don't think I even know anyone who has actually beat the game so I figured I should be the one to put ol' yeller down.
This title is a little different. First of all it isn't "The Legend of Zelda", it's Zelda 2. Though you always play as Link, this is the first one which is specifically designated as an adventure involving Link (F*CK THAT 'HERO OF TIME' BULL). The premise behind Zelda 2 is the same, but the execution is vastly different. First of all, you need skillz to play it. Most of the other Zelda games are a nice conversation followed by session of hand holding. Also the game doesn't have any money. What??? No rupees???
How about a little back story? In Zelda 2 you play Picklesniffer the elf (Link for short). Link's girlfriend is suffering from a constant migraine and won't get out of bed until Link leaves their apartment. It is Link's job to go pay the bills and return to his girlfriend with her dry cleaning.
So in reality, Link was feeling self conscious because Mario, Nintendo's other man, was more popular. To combat this, Link went through an 'exploritory phase' where he tried emulating Mario in several ways. First there was the red clothing trading in his typical green duds for 'stronger' red clothing. Next, Link gains the ability to jump much higher than the average Joe, much like Mario. All in all Link gains most of Mario's signature traits: jumping on enemies' heads to do damage, busting blocks, red clothes, super jumping, shooting fireballs, etc.
Needless to say this is a grueling experience and I believed I wouldn't be able to complete the game... several times. In the end I persevered and was able to win after around 30 attempts. The game tracks your deaths so it is easy to gauge what kind of failure you are. All in all your girlfriend wakes up and no one cares that you beat the toughest entry in the Zelda Franchise. I still can't wait to check out Skyward Sword.
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