I think you're onto something.
Either that or severe cankles, XD
You see, I feel just the opposite on the items and train. I think the train is really, really boring. Feels like an on-rails shooter with nothing to shoot at. And the items I didn't like. I didn't think the whip was very fun, I hate the musical instrument, and I hate anything that requires me to blow into the mic.
Isn't that pretty much what the boat is except you draw your path? While I hate blowing into the mic, I actually enjoyed playing the flute. Took me back to band in high school. I spent a few hours just playing that actually, lol.
Phantom Hourglass did have the best puzzle though. The map one... You know the one
