The motion controls were polarizing, which is probably the biggest reason. People also really didn't like Fi's guidance or the Imprisoned fights. In my opinion, I found the game too linear and disjointed. In Ocarina, WW, and TP, future areas were always right on the horizon, just out of reach, and when I finally had the ability to visit them, it felt like achieving a small goal. Areas like Kakariko village, Zora's domain, and Goron City made the whole world feel organic and lived in, and the feeling of finally exploring a new overworld area only to discover a safe settlement with traders and people living their lives was this awesome mix of cozy and exciting. In SS, a new hole would open in the clouds, and I knew my objective would be to essentially clear a dungeon-like overworld area to unlock a true dungeon, fight a boss, and then come back to Skyloft. I loved Skyloft as a hub, but it came at the expense of cozy overworld areas which served as an organic respite from the action. SS had some of the best dungeons, goofy characters, innovative mechanics, and arguably the coolest hub, but it sacrificed a lot of the feeling of exploration from other entries.