I remember the backlash, and it was bizarre, especially given this was the first Zelda game that gave us _some_ semblance of continuity. But I also do remember a Dolphin demo reel showing a more realistic Zelda that probably made people think that's where the next game was going, so people were naturally disappointed when their expectations were undermined.
> the first Zelda game that gave us _some_ semblance of continuity
What continuity is there in WW? Nothing jumps to mind, especially when the previous game (Majora's Mask) was essentially a direct sequel to OOT in comparison.
At one point you visit Hyrule Castle and there are allusions to Ocarina of Time. I don't really remember the details but it is made clear in-game that player Link is one in a series of Links.
Some of this is from memory, but it takes place on a timeline where Ganondorf was sealed. Then Hyrule was flooded to prevent him from ever being unsealed.
The main character is dressed as Link because children dress as the great hero once a year.
