Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass Official Thread

C3s Offiical Zelda PH Battle Mode Wi-Fi Hub-

http://www.cubed3.com/wifi/phantom_hourglass.php

C3s Official Review by Adam Riley-

http://www.cubed3.com/review/527/

Gamerankings Review Breakdown-

http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/932377.asp

CVG have reviewed the game, I will add more reviews as they become available.

[NO SPOILERS]

Review: Most of you reading this live on an island - one of the persistently rainy British Isles, probably. And your correspondent lives on the Japanese island of Honshu. So we at least have that much in common with Link in Phantom Hourglass. Of course, part of the fun of living on an island is the opportunity to leave and visit another one. On a boat. And that's something else Link gets his kicks from in this magical DS debut, which has just been released here in Japan. All aboard, then, for another classic Zelda adventure!

Don't worry people, we're not giving away any major plot spoilers in this review.

Controlling Link with the stylus is like riding a bike without holding the handlebars: you know it can be done, but at first you might worry that it's just a stupid thing to do. It's not. Stylus control of Link is a very cool thing. Say sayonara to the d-pad, then, and embrace the technology that makes Phantom Hourglass the most enjoyable Zelda game since Ocarina of Time.

As in that '98 classic, Link is accompanied by a fairy (and later on in Phantom Hourglass, fairies) on his quest. There's no better cursor than a cute little ball of spirit dust, so quite understandably Nintendo has opted to appoint Sierra, Link's whiter-than-white fairy companion, as the conduit through which you control Link's basic actions: drag Sierra around the screen and Link will follow, walking/running/rolling in sync with the accentuations of your stylus movements. Trust us - within 30 minutes it becomes so natural that you'll wonder how you ever completed Link's Awakening and Link to the Past, with their quaint d-pad control systems.

All the traditional Zelda elements are here - from Link's trusty sword and shield to his boomerang, cartoon bombs and bow-and-arrow - but thanks to the DS' touch screen interface, everything feels fresh and new again. The boomerang, in particular, is more useful than ever. Switches are often out of sight but, thanks to the boomerang, not out of reach: just draw a line from Link to your desired boomerang target (even if that means sending it down the corridor and round the corner) and it'll come zipping back, having flicked a switch or collected a key. Think laterally and Phantom Hourglass will pat you on the back, say "Well done!" and let you through to the next area. Perfect satisfaction: a job well done.

Sword control is also perfectly engineered. Tap enemies on their bonces and Link will rush towards them, landing a sword strike if at all possible. Surrounded by a gang of baddies? Just swirl the stylus around Link and he'll instantly unleash a 360-degree sword swipe. Nifty. Or, should multiple enemies charge at you from the same direction, scratch the stylus like fury and Link will perform a quick burst of hack-slash wizardry. Easier done than said.

Other aspects of the game use the DS technology in interesting ways, as well. Link receives sea charts, piecing together an atlas of possible destinations. One such map is caked in dust, because it's been stowed away for such a long time. Link's comical sidekick, Captain Lineback, says it's no good. It's not legible. What to do? Blow the dust away, of course - by blowing into the DS' microphone - and keep on blowing until you can see the chart beneath the dirt. Elsewhere the mic is used to signal your presence to a fortune-teller (by shouting "Oi!", no less) whose appointment you're late for, and who is waiting for Link in a secret room, so that she doesn't leave without seeing you. And, in a practical puzzle setting, you'll also need to exhale in order to extinguish flames inside dungeons and reveal entrances.

The stylus, too, has manifold uses. You'll need to make notes on the various maps that Link receives - jotting down useful information on the whereabouts of hidden treasures, penning special routes on the advice of talking statues and, when at sea, planning a course across the ocean. Although Link travels from island to island on a steamboat, you don't have direct control of the vessel; instead, after drawing a line from where you are to where you want to be, the main objective is to get there safely.
Whenever the boat comes under attack from them thar pirates and other enemies, it pays to launch bombs in their direction. In line with Phantom Hourglass' determination to keep everything smooth, you can just tap on enemies as they appear on the waves; that'll be enough to lob something explosive yonder.

The game is constantly moving, regardless of where you are. Link always has something to do - whether it's an errand to run, a boss fight to win, a treasure hunt, a dungeon to explore, or a journey to the next island. And there is no downtime between objectives in Phantom Hourglass. You can sense at all times, and in everything you see and do, that Nintendo has rigorously tested the game to ensure that the high just keeps on rolling.

The only comedown is when, to attend to silly real world matters, you reluctantly turn off the DS. But even then, this is the kind of joyous gaming experience that you'll think about while you're away from it.

Not only is Phantom Hourglass testament to the d-pad/analogue-trumping capacity of touch screen control - it's also proof that Nintendo still has what it takes to create real gamers' games.

The success of Phantom Hourglass is attributable to the hundreds of little things here that make you think, "Ha, nice!" It's in the dungeons, which are multi-leveled and labyrinthine, carefully leading you ever deeper into their web through puzzles (both of the stated variety, where clues are provided, and of the DIY type where only your own musing and experimentation can succeed). It's in the option to upgrade your boat with new parts, enabling you to create a mean sailing machine. It's in the two-player Wi-Fi mode, which offers competitive dungeon challenges for Zelda players the world over. It's in the facial expressions of the bit-part characters, which are based on the soulful Wind Waker style. It's in the music, which we would happily listen to for ever. It is everywhere, because Phantom Hourglass is complete.

There are many excellent games on the DS but few masterpieces. This one, though, is a masterpiece. And worth every penny you'll pay for it. Hopefully it'll be released in Europe before Christmas.

CVG Staff

Verdict: [10.0]- Straight to the top of the DS class!

The single greatest reason to own a DS, Phantom Hourglass is everything we've come to love about Zelda games wrapped up in a shiny new package. Genius and brilliant fun from start to finish.

Uppers
Innovative and enjoyable controls
Looks and sounds gorgeous on DS
30 hours' worth of consistently absorbing adventure
Challenging puzzles and dungeons
Terrific atmosphere

Downers
When it's over, it's over (but even then, there's multiplayer...)

Title sequence with Link having a "Titanic" moment

[LS]

I think it's safe to say we have a great Zelda game coming our way very soon

( Edited on 19.10.2007 06:11 by Linkyshinks [LS] )

Portable Zelda has just gone from strength to strength. The obligatory SNES remakes turned out great, Four swords was good, Minish Cap had superb puzzles, stories, everything!

and now another winner in Phantom Hourglass (it seems). It's a gerat example of a series used for the company and for the fans. Done well over and over

I can't wait.

I'll probably end up importing when it comes out in America. I'm sure Europe will be tortured with a release date centuries away...

You are good I better create a mixed juice topic
BTW I call these types of topics mixed juice cause it has everything in it

Minish Cap was released in Europe before the US so hopefully there isn't a big release gap with ZH.

Soundworks said:
I cant wait. Ill probably end up importing when it comes out in America. Im sure Europe will be tortured with a release date centuries away...

I would be furious if they did, which is why I will be importing it also, to hell with waiting, I dont mind paying that extra tenner to spare me having to listen to my japanese and U.S fellow Zeldites babbling on. [and sending me spoilerific emails, tha bastards!] [LS]

I've been playing the Japanese version a little bit. It is so awesome. I love the stylus movement. The stylus isn't as annoying as some might imagine. It really gives a fresh new approach to up-and-down menu scrolling, which is constant.

I already pre-ordered this on Best Buy, the day that the official release date for North America came out. I really can' wait for this game to come out. I agree with the reviewer, this is a reason why you must have DS

Linkyshinks said:
Downers;
When its over, its over (but even then, theres multiplayer...)

I like the sound of that.

Sounds fantastic! I do not own a DS but I do plan to soon buy one, amazingly enough (Thanks to my friend my pihC doM showing me the wonders).

I do hope it is a great game as I miss the zelda adventures of old, TP just didnt do it for me.

A 10 though? No review should ever be a 10, nothing is "perfect". 9.7, 9.8, 9.9 maybe... but 10? Re-review!

Good post LS ^_^

Linkyshinks said:
Downers
When it's over, it's over (but even then, there's multiplayer...)

EDIT: Also after watching that video I thought 'Why the hell do they never make the gap between the top and bottom screens the right size?' Surely it's not that difficult. The tiny gap they put in might as well not be there

( Edited on 05.07.2007 22:55 by Megadanxzero )

The game is NOW! available to pre-order via Amazon."com".

A wise thing to do, I imagine there will be a rush for copies by small importers. If you live in the U.S you should register your game on MyNintendo as quick as you can and you will get a free "Quill" stylus [feather pen which is a item in the game], but you will have to be very quick as those will vanish within a day or so.

Just a little tit bit of a video giving some import impressions, and showing us some of the quirky humour the game has-

Love the ship customization and the online multiplayer sounds excellent despite it's simplicity.

I like the music, can easily see myself whistling to it soon.

If you spot a new review please post it here. Also if anyone has seen a english translation of the only other review available at present from Famitsu Weekly[39/40], please do post that .

( Edited on 22.07.2007 21:49 by Linkyshinks )

I think it should have a couple of points knocked off for being one of the most delayed games ever!

(I don't feel sour about these things do I?)

I'm sure it is very good though.

This game might be one of the few capable of living up to its hype. I so can't wait.

Woo! I can't wait until October 1st!

Linkyshinks said:
The game is NOW! available to pre-order via Amazon.com. A wise thing to do, I imagine there will be a rush for copies by small importers. If you live in the U.S you should register your game on MyNintendo as quick as you can and you will get a free Quill stylus [feather pen which is a item in the game], but you will have to be very quick as those will vanish within a day or so. Just a little tit bit of a video giving some import impressions, and showing us some of the quirky humour the game has-[LS]Love the ship customization and the online multiplayer sounds excellent despite its simplicity. I like the music, can easily see myself whistling to it soon.If you spot a new review please post it here. Also if anyone has seen a english translation of the only other review available at present from Famitsu Weekly[39/40], please do post that .( Edited on 22.07.2007 17:36 by Linkyshinks )

I was going to pre-order and then register the copy right away to get that quill. I wonder what it looks like...

( Edited on 22.07.2007 19:07 by NintendoArielle )

Do

NintendoArielle said:
Woo! I cant wait until October 1st!

Linkyshinks said:The game is NOW! available to pre-order via Amazon.com. A wise thing to do, I imagine there will be a rush for copies by small importers. If you live in the U.S you should register your game on MyNintendo as quick as you can and you will get a free Quill stylus [feather pen which is a item in the game], but you will have to be very quick as those will vanish within a day or so. Just a little tit bit of a video giving some import impressions, and showing us some of the quirky humour the game has-[LS]Love the ship customization and the online multiplayer sounds excellent despite its simplicity. I like the music, can easily see myself whistling to it soon.If you spot a new review please post it here. Also if anyone has seen a english translation of the only other review available at present from Famitsu Weekly[39/40], please do post that .( Edited on 22.07.2007 17:36 by Linkyshinks )

I was going to pre-order and then register the copy right away to get that quill. I wonder what it looks like... ( Edited on 22.07.2007 19:07 by NintendoArielle )

Do you think you might be able to get one for me, I could give you my registration code. I guess in order to do that you will need two My Nintendo accounts though . No matter either way I shall obtain one either way, possibly on E-bay if I have to. {LS]

( Edited on 22.07.2007 19:22 by Linkyshinks )

Linkyshinks said:
Do

NintendoArielle said:Woo! I cant wait until October 1st!

Linkyshinks said:The game is NOW! available to pre-order via Amazon.com. A wise thing to do, I imagine there will be a rush for copies by small importers. If you live in the U.S you should register your game on MyNintendo as quick as you can and you will get a free Quill stylus [feather pen which is a item in the game], but you will have to be very quick as those will vanish within a day or so. Just a little tit bit of a video giving some import impressions, and showing us some of the quirky humour the game has-[LS]Love the ship customization and the online multiplayer sounds excellent despite its simplicity. I like the music, can easily see myself whistling to it soon.If you spot a new review please post it here. Also if anyone has seen a english translation of the only other review available at present from Famitsu Weekly[39/40], please do post that .( Edited on 22.07.2007 17:36 by Linkyshinks )

I was going to pre-order and then register the copy right away to get that quill. I wonder what it looks like... ( Edited on 22.07.2007 19:07 by NintendoArielle )

Do you think you might be able to get one for me, I could give you my registration code. I guess in order to do that you will need two My Nintendo accounts though . No matter either way I shall obtain one either way, possibly on E-bay if I have to. {LS]( Edited on 22.07.2007 19:22 by Linkyshinks )

Yeah, I'd need two MyNintendo accounts, but you'd have to use a U.S. address. The problem is that if you used mine they might only send me one, since it's probably limited to one per household. I don't think it'd work.

Ah well, I'll tell you what it's like when I get one. I remember being excited about the Palkia stylus and then finding out it was fairly useless. It's basically just a collector's item. It's cool, but in general, just a novelty.

Cool nevermind, I think you may be right about the the whole one per household thing. I will just hope that it comes here also, and if not as a dedicated Zelda Deku Nut I will find a way .{LS]

Hey if is is crap feel free to send it my way

Eiji Aonuma Interview:

New Videos:

Phantom Hourglass Battle Mode Hands On:

In this two player competition mode, one player controls Link while the other controls three armored guards. Players who assume Link's control do so via the established touch-screen mechanics introduced in the E3 demo -- Link moves in the direction of where the screen's being touched in relation to him, so he'll move faster if the screen's touched further away from his centralized position. Players who take control of the guard have the map on the touch screen and guide them via drawn paths. The task: collect Triforces scattered around an enclosed dungeon and bring them back to your colored area while avoiding the guards that wander the playing field. If a guard captures Link, their turn's over and control swaps between the players.

There's a surprising amount of strategy involved in this mode. For example, the "Guard" player can always see Link on the map, but Link cannot see the guards on the map until he picks up a Triforce. The downside to carrying a Triforce is that it weighs Link down, and moreso as the Triforce pick-ups increase in size. Some Triforces are tiny and worth fewer points, but only slow down Link's movements a little bit. Huge Triforce pickups are worth more points but slow Link down to a crawl.

Almost as if the designers took a cue from Pac-Man, Link can hit escape tunnels at the top and bottom of the map, which are also surrounded by a "safe zone." While in these zones, Link cannot be touched by guards since the guards can't wander into them. Link also disappears from the guard player's map while in these zones...but if Link's carrying a Triforce, the Guard player can still see that Triforce move...giving away Link's location.

On top of all this, there will be power-ups scattered throughout the dungeon. Red power-ups can only be used by the red player, blue pick-ups by the blue player. Red players can run over blue power-ups to destroy them and take them out of play. Power ups include giving Link or the guards an extra boost in speed, or allowing Link to take a hit from the guard. Guards can activate power-ups that turn blowers on within the dungeon that will block Link's path with enormous gusts of wind.

At the end of three Link and three Guard turns for each of the competitors, the game calculates how many Triforce points each player earned within the battle and decides the winner.

GAMEBRINK REVIEW:

Review [97]/100

Gameplay 9.75
Graphics 9.75
Sound 9.75
Overall 9.75

First announced back in early 2006,

Certainly good news! I really wanted another zelda with WW's style, and this does and seems to be very good by what I've heard.

Linkyshinks said:
Hey if is is crap feel free to send it my way ( Edited on 24.07.2007 15:57 by Linkyshinks )

Hey, that's my crap, buddy!

i like the zelda games

NintendoArielle said:

Linkyshinks said:Hey if is is crap feel free to send it my way ( Edited on 24.07.2007 15:57 by Linkyshinks )

Hey, thats my crap, buddy!

I'll give you all the stars you've ever wanted for it

I want more japanese club nintendo points...90 more and i have enough for some hanafuda...

The portable Zeldas have always been good, seems like it is going to continue.

Can't wait for my copy.

10th October Moojc, get that U.S import in, unless you are from the U.S.

Import Preview and gameplay footage-
[no spoilers]

Eiji Aonuma Interview-

( Edited on 14.08.2007 11:38 by Linkyshinks )

Just read a review in my local gaming magazine with a score of 97. Brilliant stuff. Definite import for me.

mOojc said:
Just read a review in my local gaming magazine with a score of 97. Brilliant stuff. Definite import for me.

What magazine?, 92% is expected to be the average score. I will post all reviews as they become available but they are still late in the coming, next week should have a few though.{LS]

( Edited on 26.09.2007 18:46 by Linkyshinks [LS] )