A Great New Game for the DS

And I thought the Minish Cap looked good.

With little hype, Nintendo has launched a remarkable new game that takes makes use of what seems like every advantage the DS offers. Building off of Windwaker’s simple yet high quality graphics, The Phantom Hourglass showcases graphics that are truly remarkable for a handheld system- although ti does seem to have some of the pixilation problems the DS experiences for larger objects. Not only are the graphics incredibly rich, but, in some situations, you have the ability to change the direction in which you are looking in a 3D environment- something no Zelda game has ever accomplished on a handheld. The game is cleverly designed to take care of complications that arise from having such a small screen; in many situations, the player can use their stylus to trace paths on a map so that bombchus can crawl and your ship may sail across the ocean into areas that cannot be seen on screen. The result of all this clever engineering is a game that comes close to looking and playing like it’s a console game.

On top of all this, the game makes excellent use of the dual screen. Not only can you draw clues and routes on the main maps, but many bosses use the dual screen system to create a more engrossing fight. In one boss fight, you can even see the through the enemy’s eyes on the top screen. Outside of the dungeons, the game makes use of both screens to add detail and make game more enjoyable. Instead of cramping everything into the lower screen, for example, the main arrow-shooting game is split across two screens, with your character on the bottom and the targets on the top, adding an extra dimension of challenge and giving the minigame a realistic feel.

Another amazing feature of this game is the plot’s formula. Ever since the first Zelda games were released onto the Game Boy, a clear split has been visible between handheld games and console games. Handheld games typically feature the main character running around the world collecting eight items from dungeons to open a central area to fight the main boss ( With the exception for the Minish Cap, which has fewer items to collect). Console games feature the main character collecting three preliminary items, then obtaining a critical item or piece of information, and then moving on to collect another set of items from dungeons and attack the boss. The latter tiered system typically makes for a more interesting game and a more developed plot, as well as a more interesting world that is often full of side quests and minigames. For the first time, a handheld Zelda game has bridged the gap to the tiered quest system., which really does wonders for the Phantom Hourglass’ level of engagement.

Finally, for all you seasoned gamers out there, comes one of the most appreciated aspects of the game. While many recent games, have thrown clues in your face and featured very obvious dungeons, the Phantom Hourglass is actually challenging, but without the type of puzzle that requires you to run back three floors to fetch a ball to knock down a pillar four floors ahead of you. The puzzles are engaging and often require some thought, and if you get stuck, you can read tablets scattered across dungeons and the world for hints. Not only that, but the game often uses the DS’ capabilities to thrown a new kind of puzzle at you that even long-time fans of the Zelda series may be unfamiliar with. This set-up creates an environment that really makes the game accessible and engaging to players of all levels of experience. All in all, the Phantom Hourglass is one of the best handheld Zelda games I’ve ever played. It’s an excellent buy that really brings out the best in the DS.