Played it and finished it a while back, it nudges out LttP as my all time favorite Zelda game, despite the fact that I died at least a dozen times before getting off of the first plateau
I had more fun going through most of the shrines than I have playing most other games.
LOL, yeah i died a lot also in the beginning. You really have to upgrade your armor or a couple of bad whacks from enemies and you are dead. Lol.
I also like the characters like the Zora dude, and Goron dude. Although the Rito guy is kinda stuck up.
Have not even gone to the desert yet.
It's cool that you have to carefully manage your weapons and shields. Makes it more challenging, but I wanted to get the Master Sword early, and even that runs out.
I also agree about the shrines, they are fun to play though, especially the ones that you have to do something to open them or get to them.