The legend of Zelda - Phantom Hourglass Review

Having only a limited experience of Zelda games (consisting of Majora's Mask and Hyrule Warriors) I wasn't really too sure of what to expect from Phantom Hourglass. I've always preferred the cartoon cell-shaded style of Link, so I have no problem with the look of this charming adventure-on-the-high-seas. I'm going to say right now that so far I've enjoyed nearly everything in this game, that aside there are a few foul hits. I'll get that out the way now by pointing out Link's in-game face. Going from no emotion to full on exaggerated expressions took it's toll on Link, who's face really suffers from the DS graphics. Up close he's horrendously pixelated, not to mention that his trademark blonde fringe is literally just a part of his forehead colored-in yellow. The other characters aren't as affected by this, but that's probably because we have no reference point for them, but we're used to seeing Link looking up to scratch.

However Phantom Hourglass is a prime example of how a game doesn't need top notch graphics to be a good game. Here's what Phantom Hourglass did well; Everything. The characters are compelling, humorous and believable. The movement and combat is comfortable, easy to learn and really adds to the puzzles (for example shooting with the bow and throwing the boomerang). The sailing itself is really innovative, allowing ship customization, epic sea battles with huge monsters and a fun (if really difficult sometimes) mini salvage game in which you direct a claw to the sea floor to look for treasure and more ship parts. The boats in Zelda get a fair bit of hate, but theres a special sense of adventure you get from sailing around to discover new islands, aided by the gorgeous sea music. Seriously you can't get that tune out of your head. 

As I've only got about halfway though the game I can't really say anything about the ending (or the much-anticipated final boss), and I don't want to put out any plot spoilers for those who haven't played it. I will say the the story is charming and witty, with some nice twists, a few you can see coming and a few that make you do a huge double-take at the screen. I mentioned that the characters are great, and they really help move the story along. Linebeck, the ship's captain, is so ridiculous he's borderline realistic, they really got the boastful coward feel perfectly. The banter between him and Celia (Link's current fairy) is pretty damm funny, which is a nice breather/reward for finishing a temple, which can really be tough sometimes. The puzzles are tricky, but not so tricky that they seem impossible. It's a perfect balance, if you get stuck you feel compelled to try again and again, instead of dampened and de-motivated. The Phantom Hourglass acts as a timer for the ocean king's temple, and after defeating new bosses you gain more sand for it that lets you progress further into the depths to find items that aid story progression. I am not good at working under pressure or to a timer (for example freaking out at the ending level of Halo 3 or the opening to Metroid Prime) so the Hourglass' puzzles really add an edge to an otherwise lighthearted game.


Spoiler warning

As in every Zelda there is something creepy and out of place that really messes you up. Take Majora's moon, who the hell said they was an ok thing to put in a game that's aimed for kids!? Phantom Hourglass steps up to the mark with the Cubus sisters. Finally catching up to the Ghost ship, you start searching for Tetra but instead find four stranded sisters below decks, all asking to be reunited with their siblings. They're already pretty creepy, directing you towards traps and trying to make sure you can't kill the Reaplings, but it gets really freaky once they're all together. They begin cackling about killing you, then transform into floating terrifying ghost monsters. They've got those huge staring eyes, likened to Majora's mask, not to mention huge blocky teeth. Freaky stuff, wasn't I just playing with chickens on a grassy island only a few minuets ago!? They lead you to a innovative little boss battle in which you have to knock back the energy balls they shoot at you, while avoiding the lazer beams that the other sisters are throwing out. It's a great challenging fight, which gets consistently more difficult as it progresses. 

So in conclusion, is Phantom Hourglass a good game? I would say yes. It's got a tingling atmosphere of adventure, it really makes you feel like a hero saving and helping people. As someone who loves customization options, I'm compelled to search for more ship parts by talking to every NPC (non playable character) in hope that they'll give me treasure map hints, which in turn gets me more involved in the world. I look forward to completing the game, as I can honestly see myself playing through the whole thing. However I can't really say where it measures up to the other Zelda games, but for a relatively new player it's a great place to start the adventure.