It's worth noting here that Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks represent a different direction taken for the series - a third school, established after the first two (which began with LoZ and OoT, respectively) and focusing much more on puzzles and with entirely different play mechanics separating the dungeons, the towns, and the overworld.
If it doesn't feel like old Zelda games, that's because it's not, in ways that those unfamiliar with the series would not really be able to see. I do not mind that it is different, though. In fact, I find it kind of delightful.