Does anyone really rate the original LoZ in their top Zelda games? I sure don't.
I also disagree with the notion that linearity is inherently bad. There is linearity done well (Uncharted, Zelda) and linearity done badly (FFXIII). Less linear games don't mean they're inherently better, and I think Zelda does a pretty good job of having big worlds to explore while also having a set progression to follow.
I don't really think Zelda needs to go the Elder Scrolls route entirely.
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You have no time to ponder such questions, as Link has just grabbed a Smash Ball.
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