Zelda's a great series, but it is definitely getting long in tooth. I thought that Ocarina of Time was going to be pure crap based on previews at the time, but it ended up surprising me in a positive way. I would say my favorite Zelda is also one of the most overlooked, Link's Awakening. I loved the charm, the side scrolling sections, the tight and cleverly designed overworld, and the castaway theme.
I never played the Oracle games or Mimish cap unfortunately. Here's hoping thye get rereleased somehow, somewhere.