AoL = good game

I know that AoL is arguably the most difficult Zelda, and probably the least liked amongst them all, but am I the only one that despite all this, still enjoyed the game? Sure, it was hard as hell, but so were a lot of games back in those days.

I will concede that top-down is by far the superior way to do a 2D Zelda game, but that doesn't mean you can automatically disregard the merits of AoL. So that's what I think we should discuss in this thread: all of the things you liked about AoL.

For example, the crocodile guys that wielded axes were really difficult, especially the red and blue ones, but I always liked fighting them, because it was satisfying killing them (and then wishing them fiery eternal deaths in the bottommost pits of hell).

I also liked that because of the fact that it was side-scrolling, you could speed-run through areas that you knew well, bouncing off of enemies with the downward thrust so you didn't have to fight them.

I just started playing it and yeah, its hard as hell for a noob, and very frustrating, but hopefully i can make it through.

No way are you the only AoL fan *waits for Aeffles to say something*

I adore the game and, ya, compared to other Zelda games it's harder, but I don't think it's as hard as some people make out. I happen to sit very happily with its difficulty level <3.

One of the better Zelda games IMO.

I admire how they managed to do such a hard-yet-fun game.

AoL is my 2nd favorite game in the series. I love the difficulty!! The game truely is epic. Enemies are tough. Treasures are well hidden. And the palaces are a nightmare. When you finally beat the game there is no greater sense of gaming accomplishment.

As much as I love and praise this game, there are a million threads like this.

AOL is a strange game to me. I've played it many times, and beaten it once, but since then I've had no urge to play it again....and that was 4-5 years ago.

I also think it is a good game. However, I still think it strayed too far from what really makes a Zelda game.

I think a lot of the difficulty comes from the fact that they don't guide you through the game as in the 3D games. You have to find everything yourself and that itself can prove to be quite the challenge.

Once you've figured out where all the items, spells and moves are the game won't be as hard anymore. Heck, I picked it up last month and played through it once more on the CE disc. Felt great when I managed to get to the last temple and beat the crap out of Thunderbird and the last boss. Just getting there is pretty much my definition of a nightmare x_X

Lovely game, just cleared it a few weeks ago (downloaded to my wii). It was really hard to me, I have a hard time with 2-D sidescrollers in general. And I had to use a guide on how to find some of the spells -_- c'mon a random hidden house in a forest like half the map from the town you were going to, how was i supposed to find it.

I think AOL is a brilliant game, just as i think of all Zelda games!
Its difficulty level might be a bit fustrating to many but i personally love the challenge and thats one of the reasons i think its a great game!

Originally Posted by Mekroth

I still think it strayed too far from what really makes a Zelda game.

That's exactly how I felt. It just was so wierd for a Zelda game, and I just couldn't really get into it like the others. I'd put it in my lower ranked Zelda games. It was just so odd it was hard.

I love Aol
it is a very fun game and confusing
and zfttm64 has it

Originally Posted by Aeffles

As much as I love and praise this game, there are a million threads like this.

Hey, not everyone on ZU is as much of a jaded forum veteran as you "they" don't know there's been a million threads like this.... yet!

And while I have not yet beaten the game, I do like it.







SOMEDAY!

AoL seems like a much better game once you have beaten it and never have to play it again.

Originally Posted by Dippo

AoL seems like a much better game once you have beaten it and never have to play it again.

LOL!!! I'm sure that's true. I like picking it up here and there and slowly getting through it. I think I may finish it by the time I'm 30

I liked it. It's actually not hard once you learn the nuances.
You have to play it like a strategy game. If you think it's an
action game, you'll get owned. It's in my top 5 Zelda games

Adventure of Link = C

PROS:
-The game was def one of a kind when compared to the others in the series. It had a top down view and it almost felt like you were playing an RPG and not a LoZ game. For its time id say that was a plus.
-I liked the palaces construction as well with the different floors and whatnot so you didnt beat it in like 5 mins.
-Also when youve already beaten a certain area it was easy to run quickly through it and pick up easy exp for u knew the design and enemies.
-The leveling up thing was a plus for me, as it was different from the others as ive mentioned and im a pretty big fan of RPG. (even though compared to other RPG's, this one was at the bottom id say)
-The world map wasnt too big where youd get lost and wanna quit the game.

CONS:
-The difficulty has swayed many players away.
-Some of the enemies can take alot of practice. It sucks when you have to fight an axe wielder on low health and have to start over when you die.
-The towns were terrible. The townspeoples dialogue was terrible.
-There was no real item gathering side quests which the franchise is so famous for. (heart pieces, etc.) except for the 3 u can find and a few magic vials.
-I know this is a PRO as well, but it can be a CON as well. The map was small.

Overall rating was a C for me. Not my favorite but a must have for Zelda fans. I mean, it is still a classic.

^ Fair review, I think I agree with most of your points.