Comments on RolStoppable analysis:
As a consumer the things you could use to guide you in your purchase is:
- Reviews (all Zelda games are about the same Metascore)
- Word-of-mouth reviews.
- Artstyle of press material.
"Removed the overworld basically altogether. Messed up the sword and shield combat by giving the player shields that break quickly. What could have been dynamic battles where you switch between blocking attacks, shield-stunning enemies and attacking, was turned into puzzle-like fights that required you to swing in the right direction. Questionable looks, obnoxious screentext speeds (plus a handholding sidekick), no overworld and poor execution of combat killed this game's sales."
These objections, even if true, was probably not what kept consumers away.