About 4-5 hours in, great game. I think that, much like the Switch itself, BOTW is an evolution of the Zelda game informed by all the best parts of the last...oh, 4 console Zeldas. Improved implementation of Twilight Princess overworld, improved implementation of crafting from Skyward Sword, improved version of combat from Wind Waker. They got rid of the whole "boring town in the beginning" problem that plagued both Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword. Played the first 3 hours in 1 session on the TV, just could not stop myself. Too much fun, and so perfectly paced.
The open world aspect reminds me of all the wonderous parts of Xenoblade Chronicles.
I think, if anything, this proves that the Zelda team has NOT been asleep at the wheel. They've been taking notes.
And btw, one of the best parts of this game, little thing, but still remarkable? Click down once on the left stick to crouch, click again to stand up. I HATE it on other 3rd person action games when you have to HOLD DOWN the left stick to crouch. So dumb. This is much nicer. Can't believe no one has thought of it yet.