Overview

The legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a game that was recently developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. Early October was the release date of Phantom Hourglass in North America. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is the next in the Legend of Zelda Series and is sequel to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

This game has 3-Demensional graphics along with an overhead camera and controls distinct to the Nintendo DS. Some of those controls involve the Touch Screen along with the microphone. It is well known that Nintendo incorporates multi-player mode into many of their games, but Phantom Hourglass is the first Nintendo game to incorporate online opposition using Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Connection.

Gameplay

There are two types of game play. They are Adventure Mode and Battle Mode. The controls for both modes are similar to the Legend of Zelda games from the past. The player controls the main character named Link. Link explores the world in search of items, info, and allies to liberate Tetra and defeat the evil of Bellum. The Phantom Hourglass picks up where The Wind Waker leaves off. Link will be sailing around islands and exploring the islands on foot.

In order to travel the seas, the player is given control of the S.S. Linebeck, a paddle steamer. The player has the option to plot a sea chart and altering it if necessary. While in route the player has the ability to shoot enemy ships with the cannon and can also jump in order to avoid obstacles. Treasure maps can be found throughout the game, which will create a red X on the sea chart to identify the location of the treasure. The player can salvage treasure from the sea floor by using the Salvage arm. The stylus is used to control the speed and movement of the arm, and the underwater view is available on the bottom screen.

The player can find parts to the ship in treasure chests along with mail, and prizes. The ship parts that are salvaged from the treasure chests can be used to customize the S.S. Linebeck. The ship’s health can be strengthened to a maximum of eight hearts by collecting the “Golden Ship” parts.

Both screens are used on the DS. The map is on the top screen and a 3- Dimensional view of Link and his surrounding area is on the lower screen. During the boss levels the battle, both screens are views of the battle. This allows the player to have a wider view. The player can bring the map to the bottom screen and can draw on it to make notes about where items are located. The player controls Link by using the stylus. Old familiar tools like the boomerang, grappling hook, and shovel are available throughout the game. Like the Zelda games from the past, Link’s health is determined by the number of hearts he has collected and if he has been injured by an enemy. However unlike the Zelda games from the past, Link will be rewarded full Heart Containers after beating an enemy. In some areas of the dungeons nearly invincible Phantoms can send Link back to the beginning of the rooms if their swords touch him. There are safe zones in these dungeons that will allow for Link to go undetected. The Temple of the Ocean King is the main dungeon where Link will be vulnerable unless he is in the safe zones or time remains in the Phantom Hourglass. The Phantom Hourglass contains sand that is referred to as the Sand of Hours.” The sand protects Link from the curses of the Temple. When Link is defeated some sand is lost and he must start the level over. When Link dominates a boss some sand is added to the hour glass. Additional sand can be salvaged from the bottom of the ocean. The time in the hour glass can be extended by 25 minutes.

Multi-Player

The one-on-one player battle mode takes place in an arena. One player is Link and one player controls the three Phantom Guardians. Both sides are assisted by items that show up on the playing field. Link’s main goal is to obtain a Force Gem from one of the zones and take it back to his base. Link’s opponent has to capture Link before he scores any points. If Link runs out of time or he is caught, the players switch sides. A game in multiplayer mode is made up of three rounds in which each player takes his turn as Link and as the opponent. Players get the opportunity to win Big Plays when they do certain things in the battle mode of the game. When the Player unlocks four Big Plays they earn a gift in story mode. When a player earns a gift, he will receive a letter and then can pick up their gift on Cannon Island. Multi-player mode is possible through local networks and the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Series The Legend of Zelda
Released October 1, 2007
Genre Action-adventure game
Mode(s) Single player, Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Ratings ESRB: E (Everyone)
Platform(s) Nintendo DS

Trailer

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