REVIEW

Nintendo DS Review: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Written by Brian Szabelski
Published October 30, 2007
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In the graphics and sound departments, Phantom Hourglass excels. Utilizing the same unfairly-criticized "Celda" art style that Wind Waker had, Phantom Hourglass is graphically stunning. The game's animations and cut scenes are among the most vivid and beautiful as you'll find on the DS. The soundtrack, too, is extremely well-done and among the best the DS has to offer.

Like any Zelda game, there is a ton to explore and discover in Phantom Hourglass. But what adds replay to this game is the built-in Battle Mode, in which two players try and collect the most Force Gems, while the rest play as Phantoms and try to keep them from getting Force Gems. Friend Codes are in full effect here, too, so getting online with friends still requires you to get a hold of their codes first.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a fine addition to the series, and in my opinion, it's actually better in most areas than Twilight Princess. Nintendo has gone to great lengths to make the stylus and touch screen work well with this franchise, and it's paid off. If you're looking for a 20+ hour title, then maybe this isn't what you're looking for, as it runs somewhere between 15-18 hours. But for those 15-18 hours, you'll be getting an enjoyable experience on the DS. Pick it up if you haven't already.

Pros: Best and most original Zelda game since Wind Waker, incorporating both new things and references to the past in a way that doesn't make it feel like re-hash. Controls are simple to use. Game is well-constructed, with puzzles that are actually kind of difficult sometimes.

Cons: Commands sometimes won't register, but that's not necessarily a major issue. Also, if you hated sailing in Wind Waker... boat travel is baaaaaack...

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB for Mild Violence.


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Brian Szabelski is the Assistant Gaming Editor at Blogcritics.org as well as Associate Editor at Tomopop. He also maintains his own blog on IGN, "The Minus World".
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Nintendo DS Review: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Published: October 30, 2007
Type: Review
Section: Gaming
Filed Under: Gaming: Nintendo DS
Writer: Brian Szabelski
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