The Legend of Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma previously took the blame for The Wind Waker feeling unfinished on the leadup to Twilight Princess' release.
If you ask people what is the best The Legend of Zelda game, you tend to get a lot of Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild, but before Tears of the Kingdom, The Wind Waker would be a strong contender to take that third place spot.