I think this game is the embodiment of "Being lost is fun, until it isn't"
It it certainly fun to be drop into an unknown world and be tasked with exploring it. Finding secrets and dungeons in this first Legend of Zelda is really rewarding, but the moment you start going in circles finding absolutely nothing because you didn't know that you had to burn a tree with your candle then the exploration becomes more frustrating than fun.
Still love playing this game, controlling Link feels great and the challenges that the game offers are fun to beat. I just wish the world had a few more directions so that your first playtrough isn't as miserable. (Altough this could just be a symptom of playing without a manual)