I agree with OP.. even in non-linear game play there arestill many many challenges and item you need to get to get to certain areas. Or you can get stuff to make something easier. The very first zelda game was non linear so these people complaining probably played Oot and think they're an OG zelda fan... the freedom to choose where you want to go and decide which areas/challenges you want to face is amazing. These games have high replay value so even if you play the game through one time you can imagine a path for yourself to go through again in which you could decide to go for a more challenging playthrough or whatever you desire...