It's nice to have a series that doesn't change so drastically that it isn't what it once was. Or we could give Link a water pack...
This Link does have a very altered outfit compared to Link of old. Would love the lobster shirt to return in this new game though.
As for weapons, each Zelda has different weapons that set it apart. Look at Minish Cap...a hat that shrinks you, bear claws for digging through walls, a gust jar for shooting and sucking air... Though I must admit most of the games keep a similar set of weapons.