Would have given the first game a 4 stars; this is a huge improvement from the original. Graphics are low-key but solid. Puzzles are challenging but fair, progression feels like a major achievement. Personally had a lot of self fist pumps and cheering when I solved any puzzle that had me scratching my head. The chime when discovering secrets immensely satisfying, like that chime when you solve a puzzle in LoZ. Only gripe is the same as most folks have had; combat is the weakest part of the game by far. One thing I do like about RPGs, particularly when playing as a mage which is my preferred class in most games, is that while you start out puny you eventually become a monster slaying AOE badass. That never really happens in either of these games; same combat tactics you use at the beginning of the game are what are going to work at the end. I'm sure the lack of modern amenities (keyboard shortcuts, quick item slots, etc.) are intentional to preserve the old-school feel, but back in the day those mechanics annoyed me too, I was just less patient and never completed those games.
