If 3D Dot Game Heroes was an actual Zelda game...

[miz1q2w3e]

generally copies/ripoffs aren't as highly rated or appreciated as the originals they copied

try looking at sequels for example, it's a similar situation but to a lesser extent, they slam them for being too much like the originals, even though they might be great and even though they're technically not ripping off anyone

now imagine if a game copied an early version of a game with none of the improvements made over the years and the natural evolution of games since that day

3D Dot Game Heroes: 77 meta - copied really old version of Zelda
Darksiders: 83(X360)/82(PS3) meta - copied newer version of Zelda + God of War
still, both failed to get similar metascores to the originals they copied, DUE to them BEING copies

if it was an actual Zelda game it might have gotten a slightly better meta since it wouldn't have ripped off anyone, also it would have sold much better due to it's name, but by now means would have gotten a 90+ meta, do you HONESLTY think it would have?