10 Hated Video Games That Became Cult Classics

The top-down view has been a staple in The Legend of Zelda, dating all the way back to the original. However, Nintendo decided to mix it up for the sequel, turning The Adventures of Link into a side-scroller. The universal response was so overwhelmingly negative, Zelda II was hailed as the worst instalment in the series for years.

But with the benefit of hindsight, there's no question the rabble were too quick to judge this entry. Considering LoZ has stood the test of time by constantly reinventing itself, it's ironic Zelda II's biggest criticism was the fact it was too different. Many people who hate on the game never gave it a chance, since they switched it off when they saw it didn't follow the original's format.

By playing Zelda II for no more than an hour, any player can see how appealing and innovative it is. It was among the first games ever to effectively blend platforming and role-playing together. Fighting enemies rarely feels like a slog, since every encounter gives Link experience points, allowing him to enhance his weapons, armour, magic, and health.

The NPCs have their own patterns and movements, accentuating the game's world-building. Zelda II introduced many key component to the franchise's lore, including the Triforce of Courage, metered magic, and Dark Link.

Adventures of Link is not a masterpiece, but there's enough here to satiate any fan of the beloved saga.