Good controls, good dungeon design, fun spoils and upgrade system, fresh and interesting stamina system. Terrible go-nowhere story, small world with areas repeating again and again, hardly any exploration, aggravating repeated tasks, few interesting bosses (more repetition), bland and boring graphics, treats you like a four-year-old.
I feel like it could have been the best, but it's got huge problems, which isn't something I've been able to say about any other 3D Zelda. On my first playthrough I might have seen your side of it, but after the second time my opinion of the game when down several points.
Currently playing:
Bloodbath Paddy Wagon Ultra 9