Look, I know this might be a bit of a controversial opinion and I'm aware some will disagree, but I'm just going to say what's on my mind and what I'm sure many others are thinking as well:

They would have been worse games.

I've never particularly felt that the 2D top-down perspective is a good fit for this series. Yes, it began that way, but more out of necessity due to hardware limitations than anything else. I just don't feel that it conveys a sense of adventure very well.

For me a huge part of the essence of the series and the reason I've enjoyed the 3D games so much is that sense of just jumping on horseback (or boatback) and heading out across vast plains or seas to that interesting landmark on the horizon. This sense of wonder and adventure is completely lost on the top-down perspective.

Awesome art though, I don't mean to diminish your efforts. Just giving my thoughts.