It is known as the Zelda cycle. Each new entry to the Zelda series is the worst installment until the next Zelda game comes, becomes the most despise, and the previous hated Zelda game is looked upon more positively and praised for its strengths.
MM is a fan favorite now, but I remember how fans called it OOT rehash with a 3-day gimmick and too dark of storyline. WW, the infamous Celda fallout, need I say more. TP was hammered for being too much like OOT despite improving on a lot of OOT's flaws, was called not as imaginative as MM (the one which was originally called the OOT rehash) and, was called dull and not pretty like WW (which was despised for its cartoon look). And then SS came and people complained about why it was not realistic like TP. There was also the motion controls, which opened another big can of worms. That is not even getting into the DS and Capcom games.
Granted, these are not the same people, but the only Zelda games you can like without getting pitchforks sought on you are Zelda 1, ALTTP, and OOT. The most universally disliked Zelda game is Zelda II. Everything else breaks the fan base into pieces. Part of it being that people have different ideas about what makes a good Zelda game and what should be the primary focus; dungeons, combat, exploration, story, or art style.
I am waiting to see with this new Smash if we are going to get a Smash cycle.
