The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Hardcore Zelda fans will find this to be an easier experience than previous handheld efforts, but when looking at the total package it's easy to see that amidst the "classic vs. touch" arguments and "hardcore vs. casual" debates that will undoubtedly arise, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is truly an amazing product worthy of praise. The music is impressive, visual style unrivaled on DS at this point, item design truly innovative, and boss work nothing short of genius. The game will run hardcore gamers just over 15 hours, with side quests adding an additional five or so on top of it, but more than the sheer length of the game is the fact that Nintendo managed to take the entire world inspired by Wind Waker, shrink it down, and deliver the same living-world experience in a pocket adventure, and it's simply fun to sail, interact in the world, and seek out all the little things that round off the experience.

"Nintendo adventures, and Zelda games in particular, are always very precise tangles, designed to be navigated in a certain way. It's that precision more than anything that excites our gaming senses. When it all comes together, and the jingle plays, it's hard not to smile to yourself. If Phantom Hourglass is the cleverest yet, and I think it probably is, it's because it does so much to convince you it's gone beyond that, even though it's basically the same old idea."

"Nintendo makes amazing video games, but there isn't a franchise they handle more carefully than Legend of Zelda. Sure, Capcom made some great titles like Oracle of Ages/Seasons, Minish Cap, and Link to the Past: Four Swords, but none of those games really pushed the Zelda franchise any further than it was in the SNES days. Nintendo took the ropes back for Phantom Hourglass, Link's DS debut and arguably best 2D adventure since Link to the Past."

"“Zelda no Densetsu: Mugen no Sunadokei” is simply an amazing game bursting with variety unhindered by the mainly touch screen only controls. There’s just so much to do in the game such as scribbling away on the map to work out a puzzle, working out how to defeat a new enemy, exploring the seas for unmarked islands and treasure hunting. With full use of the DS’ every feature, you’ll never find yourself bored at doing the same old thing because there’s always something new or a fun little surprise coming up! A must own ARPG whether you’re a Zelda fan or not."

Phantom Hourglass wraps the standard Zelda formula in an innovative and fun control scheme that gives new life to several of the series' age-old concepts.