The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Hands-On) (Nintendo DS) Preview

The game's E3 demo is split into three distinct parts, respectively demonstrating dungeon gameplay, a boss encounter, and the new train mechanic. The former should feel familiar to anyone who played Phantom Hourglass; everything is controlled using only the stylus. Link is manoeuvred by simply tapping the screen, sword slashing is achieved with quick swipes of the stylus, and items can be used by selecting the appropriate on-screen icon. A new item called the 'Whirlwind' was used to demonstrate as much. Upon selecting a direction via the touch screen and blowing into the microphone, the Whirlwind unleashes a gust of wind that can stun enemies, flip switches, etc..

The most prominent addition to dungeon gameplay, however, is the introduction of a controllable Phantom. Unlike the map-based system featured in Phantom Hourglass's multiplayer mode, Phantoms in Spirit Tracks can be controlled from the standard in-game perspective. After tapping an on-screen icon, the Phantom will follow any path drawn on the screen. While it's doing so, Link is able to continue moving freely. Invulnerable as it is, the Phantom can be used to navigate by otherwise impassable obstructions such as fire. For example, Link can jump atop the Phantom and "ride" him through lava pits while niftily fending off any foes with his sword and items.

Before Link can reach the boss segment of the demo he must first use the Whirlwind to clear a path through a cloud of poisonous purple gas. Upon entering the battle arena, a large insect-like creature descends from the sky (crossing both screens as it does so) and lands just ahead. In true Zelda fashion, the creature can only be bested by using a recently acquired item, namely the Whirlwind. A few well aimed blows at the creature's rather prominent weak-spot and it ascends to the ceiling in order to rain down spiky explosives. These can then be activated with a sword swing and flung at the boss using the Whirlwind, a surprisingly satisfying endeavour.

The final part of the demo introduces a steam powered train to the Zelda universe. The train's direction can only be altered at set intervals, leaving the focus on using the onboard cannon to destroy obstacles and fend off wild animals. An on-screen lever can be used to adjust speed, but even the highest setting results in little more than a leisurely pace. Just when things verge on becoming dull, however, the train enters a cave and Link is attacked by a large one-eyed rock creature that can only be dispatched with a volley of carefully aimed cannonballs. Hopefully the final game will balance the slower-paced riding sequences with plenty of these action-oriented sequences.