Zelda’s Worst Game Becomes Its Best With a Switch 2 Remake

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The news is official: a next-generation remake of the game is coming to the Switch 2! But the question is, does it truly need one? Remakes often happen with popular games that are still well-loved, but haven’t held up visually over time. Companies rely on the fact that remaking a proven classic, like Final Fantasy 7, is almost a guaranteed success.

Remaking already successful games takes away opportunities to revitalize hidden gems. While remakes can be a quick way to profit from nostalgia, they truly shine when they reimagine beloved but flawed classics. A great remake can finally fulfill a game’s original potential by overcoming past limitations in technology or funding, allowing it to become the game it was always meant to be.

Look, we’ve already gotten remakes of Ocarina of Time and Link’s Awakening – both awesome games, don’t get me wrong. But honestly, I think Nintendo should take a bigger risk and remake Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link. Everyone always says it’s the black sheep of the family, and while it’s definitely different, a modern take on it could be amazing. It’s time to give that game some love!

Zelda 2 Became the Franchise’s Black Sheep Because It’s So Different

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains a stunning game, and many believe it’s just as enjoyable now as it was when it first came out in the 1990s. It doesn’t really need a major overhaul to appeal to modern gamers; it was already incredibly well-made. A simple update to the controls would be enough to make it just as playable and engaging as ever.

In contrast, the black sheep of the series, Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, would on the Switch 2.

While different from most other Zelda games, Zelda 2 is actually a very well-regarded title. It’s a cult classic with a dedicated fanbase who appreciate it for more than just fond memories. The game was innovative for its time, though its focus on RPG elements—like those found in Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy—sets it apart from what people typically expect from a Zelda game. In fact, Zelda 2 borrowed more heavily from those RPGs than any other game in the series.

As a huge Zelda fan, I always thought Zelda 2 was really unique. It was the only game where you could actually level up Link – earning experience and seeing his stats improve! Plus, it had a proper RPG overworld map, letting you roam around and visit tons of different towns. It was a big change from the first Zelda, which felt pretty lonely. Zelda 2 was full of characters you could talk to – some would give you clues, heal you, or just say the strangest things, like that famous “I am Error” line. It really added a lot to the experience!

Because Zelda 2 came early in the series’ history, when Nintendo was still figuring out what Zelda games should be, it feels more like a stepping stone than a fully realized Zelda title.

Unlike other Zelda games, Zelda 2 really focused on action-based combat, a style that didn’t become common in the series until the 3D Ocarina of Time and later games. It also featured an RPG-style overworld, which was unusual for its time and actually gave it the biggest map in the series for a while. While known for being very difficult, the game’s challenge isn’t as extreme as it’s often made out to be, especially when you compare it to today’s popular, notoriously difficult rogue-like and souls-like games.

Okay, so Zelda 2 is seriously different from the other Zelda games, and that’s something you gotta talk about. But honestly, it’s gotten a lot of flak over the years that I don’t think it deserved. It’s quirky, yeah, but not bad quirky!

Games Like Zelda 2 Are More Popular Now Than They Have Been Since the 80s

It used to be understandable why people didn’t like Zelda 2, but times have changed. Many of the things players disliked about its gameplay are actually popular again now.

Challenging games that take a lot of practice to master are becoming popular again. While older games on the NES often used high difficulty to simply make the game last longer, today’s difficult games usually focus on creating a competitive experience. Interestingly, the original Zelda 2 was the only main Zelda game to use a limited number of lives. If players lost all their lives, Link would die and they’d have to start over from the beginning, losing all their progress – a mechanic many players will recognize from games like Dark Souls.

Sidescrolling games are also making a comeback. With popular titles like Silksong and Dead Cells, players are really enjoying the Metroidvania style. In fact, you could even consider the classic Zelda 2 to be an early example of the genre.

Although the combat in the original Zelda 2 felt a little clunky, the Super Smash Bros. games have already shown us how to control Link smoothly in a fast-paced, side-scrolling fight. If a Zelda 2 remake for the Switch 2 used those modern control ideas and updated the gameplay, it could really revitalize this often-overlooked Zelda title.

A Modern Zelda 2 Remake Could Take The Franchise in an Entirely New Direction

While fans are understandably thrilled about the upcoming Switch 2 remake of Ocarina of Time, it seems Nintendo is prioritizing a guaranteed hit rather than taking a risk on something truly innovative. Many people would be happy to revisit the game, and Nintendo could easily achieve that by simply updating and bringing the excellent 3DS version to the Switch 2 with improved graphics and performance – 4K resolution and 60 frames per second would be fantastic.

Honestly, if they completely rebuilt Zelda 2 with modern graphics and gameplay, it could totally change how we see Link’s whole story. It might even inspire new Zelda games and spin-offs! Everyone always talks about Zelda 2 being the black sheep of the family, but a full remake could turn it into a beloved classic overnight. I’d be so hyped!

A modern remake could finally realize the exciting potential of the original Zelda 2. Sidescrolling combat is now highly refined, and Nintendo has proven its skill with recent games like Metroid Dread and Super Mario Wonder. Expanding the RPG elements and character progression could attract a new audience of action RPG fans. Plus, Zelda 2‘s expansive world and memorable locations would look stunning with updated graphics, perhaps using a beautiful 2D HD style.

Recent Zelda games have gradually incorporated more role-playing game (RPG) elements, suggesting that Zelda 2 wasn’t as different from the rest of the series as many people believe. Games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom let players customize their character’s abilities and upgrade equipment, adding depth to the gameplay.

For forty years, Zelda II has been considered an oddity in the Zelda series. However, it’s now becoming apparent that the game was simply innovative for its time. It would be hard to convince players of that today because of its outdated graphics and controls, but a modern remake would quickly demonstrate its merits – and it’s something that should definitely happen.

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2026-03-28 23:12