You're not the only one. I personally thought it was really cool. I can see how it would be annoying if you're not as good at puzzle-solving and end up having o do things over and over before getting them right, but for me, it was JUST challenging enough that I was able to make it through every stage the first or second try. I got through things just before they became a pain.
As for the need to return to the dungeon throughout the game, i thought it was really coo, because you got to see a little more each time and there were shortcuts to get you further so you din't always have to start from the beginning. I liked it.

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