Whilst on a technical level this is obviously a step backwards from A Link to the Past (with a bunch of awkward consequences of these technical limitations), and there's certainly a bit too much compulsory backtracking for my taste, this game pushes forward Zelda on multiple levels that lead to it being a more rewarding experience for me than the earlier entries in the series.
Most notably this game made me actually care about its characters and world, something none of the Zelda games released prior to it could accomplish. Whilst the story here is simple it is fairly emotionally compelling for what it is (Marin seemingly trying to wake up the Wind Fish in particular is a fascinating moment), the world you explore is extremely charming, and the game's bizarre, psychedelic presentation fits its storytelling perfectly.
Also notable, this is the first Zelda game to start pushing its puzzle-solving aspect. In this regard the seventh dungeon here, Eagle's Tower, is at this point in the series my favourite dungeon so far as it is the first one that actually forced me to really think making completing it all the more satisfying.
Most notably this game made me actually care about its characters and world, something none of the Zelda games released prior to it could accomplish. Whilst the story here is simple it is fairly emotionally compelling for what it is (Marin seemingly trying to wake up the Wind Fish in particular is a fascinating moment), the world you explore is extremely charming, and the game's bizarre, psychedelic presentation fits its storytelling perfectly.
Also notable, this is the first Zelda game to start pushing its puzzle-solving aspect. In this regard the seventh dungeon here, Eagle's Tower, is at this point in the series my favourite dungeon so far as it is the first one that actually forced me to really think making completing it all the more satisfying.