What do you Love about Spirit Tracks?

Hello Zelda fans. This week I’m returning to the Nintendo DS. Phantom Hourglass was covered months ago, and it’s high time we discussed its sequel, which I personally see as superior. It’s not secret that that I generally dislike the touchscreen titles (at least compared to other Zelda games), but I found this title much more engaging than its predecessor. There’s no time limit in the central dungeon, Link wields new, original items, and the music is leaps and bounds better. Of course this all a matter of opinion, and you are all encouraged to leave your fond memories of Spirit Tracks below in the comments section. Like I proposed in the Oracle games’ reviews, I also encourage readers to comment which of the two DS titles they prefer, as they are so similar. Hit the jump to join the discussion!

Improved Everything

I can’t think of a single thing that Phantom Hourglass did better than its sequel. In all fairness, a sequel should be better because the developers are already accustomed to how the game works and can focus more on improving it, so it’s not like I’m suggesting that Phantom Hourglass was terrible by comparison. I also don’t mean to spend the entirety of this article comparing the two titles, but the point of this category is that almost everything I included in my Phantom Hourglass article can be applied here: intriguing dual screen puzzles, item control, and easy travel. What was great about Phantom Hourglass is also great about Spirit Tracks. While Phantom Hourglass was the first game of its kind (and I applaud it for that), Spirit Tracks takes what was great about it and knocks everything up a notch.

Transportation

To be honest, I was extremely skeptical about the idea of trains in a Zelda game. It felt a little too futuristic and out-of-place for the medieval time period Zelda seems to be set in. But when you think about all the futuristic and outlandish things that have happened in Zelda, you have to understand that such a thought is easily dismissed and the door is wide open when it comes to fantasy games. Anyway, my apprehension was relieved once I picked up the game for the first time. Sure, travel was limited to tracks, offering less exploratory freedom to players, but the travel portions were action packed and your surroundings were more visually appealing than a wide-open ocean. Not to mention the music that plays while riding is one of the best tracks in the series (read on). Whether it’s bombing enemies off the tracks, blowing up boulders, catching rabbits, or simply pulling the horn, train travel was exhilarating. This is saying a lot considering the game is for a handheld system, which, to me, offers a less exciting experience than a home console on a large screen. I’ve listened to the travel music on large, amped up speakers and trust me, this would be a fun game to play on a big screen TV with surround sound. Perhaps Spirit Tracks will be released on the Wii U eShop someday. It’d be worth purchasing just for that killer music.

Zelda as Your Partner

It’s nice to see the title character of a video game franchise play an active role now and then. Spirit Tracks allows Zelda to play her biggest role yet, as she joins you for the entirety of your adventure. Frankly, I say “About time!” Ever since Navi and the companion standard was introduced to the series, I’ve felt that Zelda has to tag along eventually. I’m pleased that the game creators chose to go with a more timid, spoiled princess type for this Zelda, as opposed to the mature, ready-for-danger type we’ve seen in titles such as Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker. By making Zelda more afraid and stereotypically “girly,” the character was given more of a humorous and dynamic touch, which played out well for the story. At first, Zelda is unsure about joining Link on his perilous quest, even though she was a ghost who could not be harmed. Her instincts to run away from danger and label enemies as gross made her come off as a useless yet hilarious partner. But she proved herself invaluable when it came to exploring the Tower of Spirits, inhabiting the bodies of Phantoms to help you climb higher up the structure. Her high-pitched battle cries in such an imposing and terrifying figure added to the comic relief she plays. And during the climatic final battle, she reclaims her body and helps you finish off Malladus, even though she is no longer invincible. Dynamic and comical, Spirit Tracks Zelda is one of my favorite forms of the character.

Phantom Zelda Puzzles

If you thought the sequel to Phantom Hourglass would be easier since there would be no Temple of the Ocean King, well, you were overly optimistic. Granted, the absence of a time limit certainly makes things less stressful, but the Tower of Spirits is no cake walk. I would not argue if you wanted to say this dungeon was actually more challenging than the Temple of the Ocean King. But having Zelda help you navigate makes things easier: and more fun. The areas of the dungeon that require Phantom Zelda/Link interaction are plentiful and occasionally brain boggling. But I love me some brain teasers, so no complaints here! They also remind me of the Earth and Wind Temples from The Wind Waker, where you rely on direct assistance from another character to reach your goal. I’ve always felt that such a scenario made for great and intriguing puzzles, and it’s back with a fresh touch in Spirit Tracks.

Music

Concluding this article is the thing I love most about Spirit Tracks: the music. As mentioned, the overworld music is memorable, upbeat and catchy. But it doesn’t stop there. Aboda Village, the Demon Train Battle, the Fraaz boss battle, the Tower of Spirits, the list goes on. I can’t think of a single track I don’t like. There’s really not much else to say. The music in Spirit Tracks is simply superb. Just listen below.

What do you all love about Spirit Tracks? Do you agree or disagree with the points above? Which game would you like to discuss next? Comment below, and let’s talk about it!

Games already discussed:

The Legend of Zelda
The Adventure of Link
A Link to the Past
Link’s Awakening
Oracle of Ages
Oracle of Seasons
The Wind Waker
Four Swords
Four Swords Adventures
Twilight Princess
Phantom Hourglass
Skyward Sword