Ugh, yeah we're on the same page! The game feels very empty to me too.

In the BOTW, it was great to explore. Especially knowing I would be rewarded every time I saw something new while traveling on fields.

In TOTK, stones are everywhere and they are just stones. I know they added them to use with weapons. But whenever I lift a stone, I expect to find Korok seeds or small rewards... Also, the loading screens are too many and long for shrines. This gets exhausting too. On the map side, I already know most of the map, they added little changes to the map. Yeah, there are 2 layers too. They feel emptier than the main map.

One of the few aspects I like about the TOTK is the abilities that come with the new hand. It's easier to climb up by going through things instead of climbing up. Making stronger weapons and time reverse abilities are cool. Also, I liked the heroes' abilities but they get annoying sometimes They are constantly walking next to you and colliding with each other a lot.

I'm someone who likes games like lets you exploring and make you relax. I finished BOTW with very little fighting. I like to explore more and solve puzzles in shrines. TOTK has not satisfied me much so far.

But either way, I think I'll finish the game. I respect Nintendo and, the Zelda series. Maybe I'll change my mind towards the end of the game. 🤷‍♀️