I’ve been determined to finally beat Zelda II and determine that I would do it without save states and without a guide.
I know Zelda II is considered a black sheep somewhat but I really think in some ways it’s more fun than the original although I’d still pick Zelda 1 over II.
Check out Golvellius: Valley of Doom. It was a Zelda clone, but I think it's more fun than the original.