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.
I was startled by how dated Zelda 1 is. I know, obviously it's very old, but people talk about it as if it still holds up today.... It doesn't. Maybe I could try Zelda 2 now.
Check out Golvellius: Valley of Doom. It was a Zelda clone, but I think it's more fun than the original.