Aside from playing a bit of the original NES Zelda, Wind Waker was my first time at a Zelda game, and I must say that I actually prefer the cell-shaded Link to the other incarnations. The previous Zeldas had kind of a anime feel to them, while the WW Zelda was more like an American cartoon. I think it's pretty cute, and while others may find it too 'kiddie', the graphics have a lighthearted feel that I like.

That said, there was way too much sailing about in WW. I have friends that liked the game, but refuse to play it again because of the sailing. It looks like the next Zelda won't have that, so maybe it'll be better.

Another pet peeve - I wish videogames would let you play back cutscenes you've already seen. It's not like I'm going to play it all in one sitting, so I'd like to be able to review the plot and stuff.

Random stuff, I know. But I'm hoping the next Zelda will be even better than the last one.

I'd like to see a dialogue heavy Zelda with a much more epic story line...

Sorry, but it doesn't actually seem like you're looking for a new Zelda title, but a new title with Zelda characters. A dialogue heavy Zelda has never really existed, and could be the reason why the series has done well.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it?

I didn't mind the graphics of the world (which looked very good in most places), but I didn't care for some of the character designs.

I didn't identify well with the main character. He was too young, he didn't handle a sword well, and his head was too spherical. I just couldn't picture him as a hero. I'm accustomed to imagining Link as early-teenage, not as a third grader.

The game world was too sparse. Even with warping, it took too long to get anywhere. The levels were good but there weren't very many of them.

I wouldn't say it was a bad game, just not quite as good as it could have been. I'm looking forward to the new Zelda, hoping it's as good as Ocarina of Time.