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.







