I don't really feel like writing a lengthy review like I did last time for Twilight Princess, but this is a brilliant experience. A Zelda world that I actually felt like exploring every nook and cranny of is an excellent indicator of me really, REALLY enjoying something. The world is such a blast to discover. Dungeons are quick and succinct with really solid theming and bosses that mostly hit the mark. The story is a very bold step in a totally new direction for Zelda while still maintaining the classic Zelda magic and whimsy. The things that people hate this game for (slow sailing, triforce quest) are honestly really not that bad? If you experience this game earnestly and honestly try to explore discover the goodies this world has to offer throughout the entirety of the game (instead of just doing a collectathon in the end of everything), it ends up being really not that excruciating - at best, it's a fun (if tedious) romp around the world to see what you can discover with Link's full kit, and at worst it's an annoyance before the end of the game. The only thing I can knock this game for is some of the more cryptic aspects of exploration and the fact that you have to have so many rupees for endgame, but I can't complain about much else when this world is so inviting and open to freely explore.

Respect is the word I would use to describe this game best. Respect for the past of Zelda, yet respect for the need to move past Ocarina of Time's influence and try something new, respect for the intelligence and memory of the player, and respect for creativity in art style and world design. However, there is a bit of a lack of respect for the player's time. Still, this is a brilliantly fun Zelda experience that has aged so, so gracefully, especially in the visual department. If I played Wind Waker HD I think this might have been a 10 for the quality of life improvements.