For me it wasn't just Skyward Sword's lack of an overworld, but lack of characters as well. Skyloft was basically the only place with a believable population. I mean, how many Kikwi were there? Like, 5? I really don't like how small and uninhabited the many locations were. Also, I feel the game had such a beautiful design, yet such little to experience. There was a lot of back-tracking where I thought a whole new area could've been visited instead.
I personally didn't mind Fi, but her attitude was a bit too cold for me (except for a second there at the end). I really like Midna/King of Red Lions type of sidekicks, with actual personalities, great back stories, and funny comments. Fi actually sort of freaked me out in the sense that she was so serious . . . it was the first time in a Zelda game I felt like everything would blow up if I didn't do something quick enough (other sidekicks usually seem more laid back and give you a greater sense to go explore). Fi was all "I suggest you go look for this, I recommend you do this" I didn't like it.
The characters were not very memorable, the Sky was too empty, the Surface was much much much too closed in. Not even a Hyrule Field sort of area to just goof around in. I felt sometimes the basic overworld was a little annoying to traverse as well, especially the Eldin Volcano region. I understand it's fun to have little obstacles and enemies here and there, but this was a bit extreme. I sometimes didn't even feel like playing because I knew I'd have to go back and go through a certain annoying area again.
There's sooo much I could say but I really don't have the time right now. Somehow, though, even with all of these weak spots, I did enjoy the game. I felt it was nothing like a Zelda game, however.
