Well, the first (and major reason) is that the time-traveling mechanic sucks. I don't understand how anyone could consider it one of the better Zelda games. A weak story hurts the game even more.
What? The intricate scripting and backstories give MM an excellent and unique storytelling style the leverages the time travel mechanic very well.
EDIT: I also strongly support dividing the handheld space into GB/GBC and GBA/DS (or maybe even GBA and DS separately). GB + GBC is already an eleven-year timespan for game selections, which dwarfs all the other platforms we've using for RetroActive, except maybe NES.
For the GB/GBC, it feel like we should be selecting heavy hitters. My recommendations:
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [DX], or perhaps one of the Oracle games
- Wario Land 3
- Metroid 2
- Mario Golf <<<< Sue me, I still think it was the best-executed Camelot Mario sports game
- Bionic Commando
- Pokemon Red/Green or Pokemon Gold/Silver <<< Then again, these were remade recently
For the GBA I recommend:
- Sonic Advance or Sonic Advance 3
- Castlevania: Circle of the Moon <<<< Worth revisiting with better screen technology and after so many follow-ons!
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
- Golden Sun 2 <<<< Whcih I know Jonny will veto
- Drill Dozer (again)