Zelda II was much  different than any other Zelda game. Zelda II was a true RPG unlike the others which were a blend of RPG and adventure. Link got levels up and learned spells in this game, as well as visited towns and had a seperate map screen where he traveled and battled much like the maps of the FF games. The game was also different in that the fighting and towns were shown in a side-view and the A button was used as a jump button, there was also no form of money in Zelda II. Zelda II seemed to be one of those games that you either really liked or really hated, I for one, loved it, even though I still haven't beaten it. This game is truly like no other Zelda game or even like any other RPG.

Zelda II Walkthrough
Zelda II Review
Zelda II Items and Magic