Legend of Zelda - The Phantom Hourglass

[gtmtnbiker]

I just started playing "The Phantom Hourglass" recently and am really enjoying the game. The graphics are gorgeous. Other than trying to do a somersault, the controls aren't too bad. I like the ability to tap on a monster and have Link immediately attack it. All in all, I thought they did a pretty good job with the stylus controls as long as you're not trying to do a somersault (I couldn't consistently do one).

The game is definitely easier than other Zeldas. I enjoyed the sailing routine where you can shoot at monsters or pirate ships. I thought it was cool and gave one a sense of adventure & exploration.

Other things that I liked about the game:

1. The ability to precisely control the boomerang. This gave a new look to the old Zelda standby and make it fun to use.

2. People have commented on the Temple of Ocean King and how tedious it is for them. I liked the idea of having to sneak around to get by the Phantoms. It made me feel as I was in a spy thriller.

3. Writing notes on a map is cool. It's a bit hard to write crisp/clear notes but still, it's very handy to have.

4. The graphics are gorgeous.

5. Having the map on the second screen is a great idea. The game is easier because you have the dungeon map from the get-go unlike other Zelda games where you have to find a map.

Anyway, I'm having a blast with the game. I got one of my daughters to also play the game. I never seem to tire of the action-adventure formula. I tried Golden Sun but stopped playing because the long random battles are tiresome. I'm looking forward to playing Spirit Tracks next before moving onto the console Zeldas starting with Ocarina of Time.

[AwesomeMonstar]

Just going to through this out there... I hate the stamp puzzle.

Clever bastards.

[baschlives]

Both are great, but I prefer Spirit Tracks

[MrPopo]

I agree that the roll is pretty difficult to pull off but it's also pretty unnecessary in this game, as compared to the console Zeldas. Etrian Odyssey already showed us that being able to write your own map notes is a godsend and I think more DS games should give you the option.

[ZeroAX]

yeah I loved the phantom hourglass. I haven't played the spirit tracks yet. I should really buy that.

[Incognito D]

...

2. People have commented on the Temple of Ocean King and how tedious it is for them. I liked the idea of having to sneak around to get by the Phantoms. It made me feel as I was in a spy thriller...

For me it wasn't the nature of the sneaking that was tedious - just the fact that you had to repeat the same locations over and over at least 4 times before the end of the game. That was annoying. Good game though.

[JordanPlayer]

I just recently beat this game... been playing it off and on for about a year and finally pushed through the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the game; was compelled enough to keep changing the DS timer to get all the golden ship parts as well I don't play portable games too much but it is definitely a worthy Zelda title. I also bought Spirit Tracks not too long ago so looks like I need to start workin on that game now

[gtmtnbiker]

There was one part in the game that I had to consult a walkthrough. I was in the Temple of the Ocean King and had to put the "Sun" crest on my map. I pressed various buttons, rubbed the stylus, etc but couldn't get the crest to show up.

Exasperated, I consulted the guide which instructed me to to close the DS and then open it again. Ahh, got it. It wasn't intuitive to me.

I got a salvage arm for my ship and I find it a blast to go hunting for treasure. I need to work on my technique since I inevitably get it dinged once or twice causing me to go back to base to get it repaired at some point.

Now I'm in the dungeon (3rd?) on Milodo island. This one is more difficult than the others so far. I did have some trouble with the rabbit like monster with a big ear. I kept throwing bombs thinking the noise would affect it but it didn't. I had to yell in the microphone. The same goes for when I bought the salvage arm. I can understand not wanting to do this in public!!

[Pabstblueribbon]

Is this game left handed friendly at all? or would it make a difference which hand you used the stylus with?

[gtmtnbiker]

Is this game left handed friendly at all? or would it make a difference which hand you used the stylus with?

I think so. You pretty much use the stylus for everything. The shoulder buttons (either one) can be used to activate an item. B is used to bring up the map. Start is for pausing/restarting.

There's no use of the d-pad for anything in the game.

So I have to say that it is left hander friendly.