At the 2006 Game Developer’s Conference, fans saw the very first glimpse of what
would become Link’s first quest on the Nintendo DS, Phantom Hourglass. The
trailer showed off a game that completely utilized the Nintendo DS touch screen,
rather than the more standard use of the d-pad and the control buttons.
A year later when the game was released, fans were able to get their hands on a
Zelda title unlike any one they have played before.
The entire game could be controlled using just the Nintendo DS stylus, using it
to tap or swipe on the screen to strike with Link's sword or use the six unique
items found throughout the game. The land is once again flooded in this title,
meaning Link travels through the use of a steamboat equipped with a cannon to
fend off foes, plotting courses across the waters using the stylus on the map,
which you could also write notes on to solve puzzles or mark areas for clues or
later secrets. Additionally, the game also utilized the Nintendo DS Microphone,
which players could blow into or shout at in order to solve puzzles
Also unique to this game is a timed dungeon that you slowly work your way
through, unlocking more floors to it as you progress through the game,
collecting items within it that you need in order to enter the next dungeon in
the outside world. Eventually, the goal is to complete the timed dungeon and
rescue Tetra.
Phantom Hourglass is a direct sequel of the Wind Waker, and carries over many
aspects from the game, including the cel-shaded graphics, several of the
characters, the game taking place on a series of islands that Link would
sail to.
Game Details
Nintendo DS : Jun 23, 2007 Oct 1, 2007 Oct 11, 2007 Oct 19, 2007
Developer Info Produced/Directed by :
Eiji Aonuma and Daiki Iwamoto Developer/Publisher :
Nintendo