As a big Zelda hater as a kid, I skipped the series completely. I’ve been going through to experience them all in order now. I really enjoyed the first two games of the series so I expected to like this one too. What I didn’t expect is was that it really is one of the best games on the Super Nintendo if not one of the best games of all-time.
So interesting! I can see the merits of 2D Zeldas, but to me the N64 Zeldas were what really elevated the series (LttP is a great game, sure, but I'm in love with OoT and Majora's Mask).
I think they are really different experiences despite the shared DNA and so will appeal to different people differently.
I never had an N64 and played one for maybe 10 hours (predominately Mario Kart) in high school/college. Still have never touched a GameCube.
The N64 Zeldas felt awful to play with the camera and controls and I could never get into them.
I think I just like the cartoon Zelda’s more. That’s why I gravitated towards WindWaker and the DS sequels (Phantom Hourglass was awesome!, I’m finishing spirit tracks now and it’s one notch under, the trains feel more restrictive than the boat)
By the way, I’m playing the DS versions on my iPhone and it’s the perfect platform for it. Vertical screen covers the dual screens with touchscreen (add a touch stylus if you want). I use Ignited emulator loaded with SideStore (no jailbreak)
I have to admit I loved Phantom Hourglass too when I was younger and never came back to replay it. I need to give all of them a revisit with a new perspective. I've been meaning to play LttP again anyway, so I might do a series-wide marathon in the future!
Oh god I hated PH