But after some quick mathitude, I'd say it took me around 18-20 hours. (All Hearts and Maiamai.) I pretty much only stopped playing to sleep after I got it yesterday.
And yes it is! I was also digging the little Flute Boy's rendition of it. ^_^
I don't think I've EVER beat a new Zelda game that quickly before. I was prolly just really in the groove of things.
You should be able to start buying them for keeps after you save What's-is-face-the-Sage-that-thought-he-was-hot-stuff-and-got-Yuga'd-in-the-Eastern-Palace. (Don't remember his name, but that should be close enough.) How long that takes depends entirely on which dungeons you do first though.
And there you go. I couldn't remember if it was immediately after entering Lorule or after you get his Sand Rod back. Looks like it was the former. ^.^
and ye say there's a hero mode? The same old "no more hearts and double damage" routine? Seems like this will be a Zelda I'll be enjoying for the next few months, if not years.
Weird enough, there ARE hearts to pick up. Kinda freaked me out when I saw one float out of a piece of grass.
But the enemies deal quadruple damage instead of double, so I'm not complaining. So far I'd say it's a good deal tougher than WW HD's, if that helps you get a feel for it. (Never played SS's Hero Mode.)