Yes, this game does feel like something of a remix/remake of A Link to the Past. Thing is, the game doesn't suffer because of it. It isn't just a rehash; it puts a unique spin on the content and streamlines the mechanics a fair bit (diagonal attacks? Yes, please). Even if you've played A Link to the Past, this game is still well worth playing. But enough of comparisons; the real question is "Is the game good on its own merits?" And the answer is yes.
The world isn't enormous, but it's very dense, and this is a good thing. There are no wide empty spaces with nothing happening (coughHyruleFieldcough), the small world makes traveling from place to place easy, and wherever you explore there's something to do. The warping system is introduced early in the game, which makes traveling around even more convenient. There's also an impressive amount of freedom in the order you want to do things thanks to the item rental/purchase system. However, despite the freedom, the game never feels like a Quicksand Box. There's no real hand-holding (i.e. no forced tutorials); the game makes hints available (via the fortuneteller and hit ghosts), but never gets in the way. You only see the hints if you look for them. The gameplay itself is lots of fun; the items are mostly useful and there's a great variety of puzzles and uses for them. The introduction of the "merging into walls" mechanic adds a whole new dynamic to exploration that gives this game a unique feel.
ALBW isn't perfect, of course, but most of the issues are minor. The game has a tendency to go overboard on the Anti-Poop Socking (reminding you to take a break whenever you save), and if you're just renting items, it's a pain to re-rent them when you die. Fortunately, the game is easy enough that this likely won't be an issue more than a few times. Unfortunately, the game is easy enough that once you get some upgrades, the combat has little challenge. It's still fun, but until you get to hero mode, it's not exactly challenging. The characters and story are interesting, but unfortunately each character gets maybe 2 or 3 scenes, and the overarching plotline has maybe half a dozen scenes total.
The short version? While it's not perfect, ALBW is a strong entry in the series that can stand completely on its own merits, and I definitely recommend it.
Stands on its own
Yes, this game does feel like something of a remix/remake of A Link to the Past. Thing is, the game doesn't suffer because of it. It isn't just a rehash; it puts a unique spin on the content and streamlines the mechanics a fair bit (diagonal attacks? Yes, please). Even if you've played A Link to the Past, this game is still well worth playing. But enough of comparisons; the real question is "Is the game good on its own merits?" And the answer is yes.
The world isn't enormous, but it's very dense, and this is a good thing. There are no wide empty spaces with nothing happening (coughHyruleFieldcough), the small world makes traveling from place to place easy, and wherever you explore there's something to do. The warping system is introduced early in the game, which makes traveling around even more convenient. There's also an impressive amount of freedom in the order you want to do things thanks to the item rental/purchase system. However, despite the freedom, the game never feels like a Quicksand Box. There's no real hand-holding (i.e. no forced tutorials); the game makes hints available (via the fortuneteller and hit ghosts), but never gets in the way. You only see the hints if you look for them. The gameplay itself is lots of fun; the items are mostly useful and there's a great variety of puzzles and uses for them. The introduction of the "merging into walls" mechanic adds a whole new dynamic to exploration that gives this game a unique feel.
ALBW isn't perfect, of course, but most of the issues are minor. The game has a tendency to go overboard on the Anti-Poop Socking (reminding you to take a break whenever you save), and if you're just renting items, it's a pain to re-rent them when you die. Fortunately, the game is easy enough that this likely won't be an issue more than a few times. Unfortunately, the game is easy enough that once you get some upgrades, the combat has little challenge. It's still fun, but until you get to hero mode, it's not exactly challenging. The characters and story are interesting, but unfortunately each character gets maybe 2 or 3 scenes, and the overarching plotline has maybe half a dozen scenes total.
The short version? While it's not perfect, ALBW is a strong entry in the series that can stand completely on its own merits, and I definitely recommend it.