I cannot express how good the Redux version is. If you like Zelda 2, or at least can see it's potential, try playing the hack because it is the definitive way to do so. It is actually pretty fun and do-able without save states, the good elements of the original version, suchs as towns, bosses, ambience and overall feeling of progress are top notch when the unfair parts are toned down. If the fanbase has scared you off in giving Zelda 2 a chance, ignore the OG NES version and find a way to play the mod.