I wonder what percentage of the negative side are long time fans of the series.
BOTW differs greatly from the Zelda games before it.
The older games were linear and story driven. The dungeons were larger, had a different look/feel and were designed around the items you had access to at that point. Each one felt more challenging than the last.
By contrast, BOTW is non-linear, more player driven. The shrines (which replace dungeons) all look similar and you get access to all the abilities you need to solve them early.
The weapon degradation system was annoying until you master the dodge timing for the flurry rush attack.
Lifelong fan of the Zelda series and the changes you mentioned were why I enjoyed my time with BOTW as a game, but the failure to meet my expectations as a Zelda title were a constant disappointment.
While I'm hesitant to call any Zelda title a metroidvania, I'd they're pretty close neighbors at worst. Open world that is blocked off by item/equipment gates.
BOTW felt like an Elder Scrolls game, which isn't bad, but it definitely didn't feel like any Zelda game before it.
I wonder what percentage of the negative side are long time fans of the series. BOTW differs greatly from the Zelda games before it. The older games were linear and story driven. The dungeons were larger, had a different look/feel and were designed around the items you had access to at that point. Each one felt more challenging than the last.
By contrast, BOTW is non-linear, more player driven. The shrines (which replace dungeons) all look similar and you get access to all the abilities you need to solve them early.
The weapon degradation system was annoying until you master the dodge timing for the flurry rush attack.
Lifelong fan of the Zelda series and the changes you mentioned were why I enjoyed my time with BOTW as a game, but the failure to meet my expectations as a Zelda title were a constant disappointment.
While I'm hesitant to call any Zelda title a metroidvania, I'd they're pretty close neighbors at worst. Open world that is blocked off by item/equipment gates.
BOTW felt like an Elder Scrolls game, which isn't bad, but it definitely didn't feel like any Zelda game before it.