Let's get this out of the way, the game loos amazing. Isn't it ironic that the most criticized aspect of the game at launch would turn out to be the best thing about the game ? Because it 100% is the best thing about this game, it looks fantastic. Every part of the world, every single patch of grass has so much character, so much care and effort put into it. This contributes to a larger major asset for the game: the ambiance. the music is heavenly. The islands are full of charm. The characters are memorable.
As for gameplay, it's Zelda, so it's great. The combat is a bit too basic, Twilight Princess did it way better than this game, but it's fine and the occasional "press A" prompt helps the combat feel a bit less stale. The puzzles are where it's at though, and these, as always in Zelda games, deliver.
As for the "open world", it's great. 100% completing this game was a joy, even though it seems daunting at first, with all the quadrants on the map having an island in them. The islands vary in size, and I really like them. The smaller ones feel like mini-puzzles, comparable to what a shrine in Breath of the Wild would be. If you enjoy this game, you should 100% it, it really is worth it and fun (except for the trade quest).
The story is also really good, especially the ending which is one of the best if not the best in the Zelda franchise.
My only real piece of criticism are the dungeons, which feel lacking. Dragon Roost cavern and Forbidden Woods are cool, but from there on out they nosedive in qualitiy. Tower of the Gods is pretty whatever and the Earth and Wind temples suck because of the annoying gimmicks that come with them that make you lose plenty of time.