Turn-based combat in S/J RPGs.

Grinding in RPGS.

Same. I loved WW and the Ocean made the world feel huge and full of things to discover. WW and Zelda LTTP (The first one, I never played the later editions) are the two Zeldas I had the most fun with. 

I also like grinding in certain games. Long dialogs if well done and games that start slow. I am not the Arcade type player. Never were.

QTE's, in general. People tend to hate these nowadays, but I enjoy 'em. It does not matter where it is Shenmue, or Dragon's Lair, or Resident Evil. I luv 'em.

Backtracking. When it's handled properly.

Linearity.

One thing I hate that other people love is alternate endings or branching in a storyline I guess. Unless it's an open world game like Skyrim, I just prefer a canon story and ending.

The two player per kart mechanic in Mario Kart: Double Dash

What about a linear game with two selectable protagonists, who branches stories but get on the same canon ending? (Think of it like Resident Evil or Fear Effect)

It seems it's just a vocal minority that didn't like the sailing in Windwaker. I loved it too, as did anyone I know that played the game. Exploring all the little islands and things in the ocean was great. The Triforce quest gave me more sailing so it was perfect for me.

I also love roaming the near empty wastes in SotC, finding all the lizards and fruit and looking at the views. Seems most people criticize it for being empty, but that's what draws me to the game. Most game worlds are so full or stuff to do every 10 spteps that it breaks all immersion. RDR's traffic for example feels more like I'm in a parade instead of the vast landscapes of the wild west.

HL2 also got flack for the boat and buggy part. I loved those parts, stopping everywhere to explore the houses and countryside, and playing with the physics. Stuffing all the furniture down the fireplace chimney and throwing a grenade in the middle.

I guess most people hate hard puzzle platforming considering the praise the recent TR reboot got that scrapped most of that. I loved the control of the old tombraider games. Counting steps, rotating from the character's point of view, no compromises, no gimmes.

I'm with both of you on that one!