Game REVIEWS

unWIRED Rating:

Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

System: Ninitendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Category: Adventure
Available Nowl

Link returns in a new adventure, this time he is accompanied by Princess Zelda as she has been turned into a spirit and aids Link; more than just guidance. Link, along with Zelda, must protect Hyrule from the coming evil. “The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks” introduces a new look in the series; going from Windwakers/Phantom Hour Glass’s traveling by boat and exploring the high seas, to enjoying the scenery on a via the spirit tracks on a train.

Link is on his way to Hyrule castle for his ceremony, recognizing him as an engineer to be given to him by Princess Zelda. Once Link has completed his ceremony, Princess Zelda requests for him to take her to the tower of spirits. He receives a warrior’s outfit that makes him look like the Link we all know (previously wearing an engineer’s outfit). On the way to the tower they are ambushed, Link is knocked unconscious, Zelda is attacked. After waking up back in the castle, Link finds himself being the only one who can see Zelda in a spiritual form as she was separated from her body.

The game is very reminiscent of “Zelda: Phantom Hour Glass”, using the same game-play style and graphics. At times it seems like a rehash of Phantom Hour Glass; a lot of the characters are reused, but not given as big a role in this title.

Most of the titles you take control Link as he must restore the spirit tracks to restore Zelda and save the kingdom from the coming evil. Although, at certain points in this game Link is aided by Zelda, who can control a phantom statue to aid Link in passing difficult puzzles, traps and unfavorable environments. Going back and forth between Zelda and Link is the key to the game when you can use both, Zelda has to be given directions to move from place to place, where to attack and it can get quite frustrating depending on the situation even when you have her, you won’t use her.

Everyone, those who have played any one of the may Zelda games that have been released, remembers the arsenal Link use: his sword, boomerang, bow and arrows, bombs, and such. Well there is a new weapon, a whip. The whip helps Link cross areas, like spider man, or to whip enemies. As always, it is an open map, that much has not changed. Although, this time the source of transportation is by train. Be careful though, because your enemies would attempt to kill you by collision. Thus, you would need to change tracks frequently as you get from one destination to another.

The game is very short for a Zelda title, and you will frequent the spirit track many, many times to get pieces of rail to reach the next area. To help you unlock the areas is a flute handed to you by Zelda with the ability to help you with the game. A total of 10 songs are in the game 5 of them you can use at anytime, 5 are only played once to progress through the game (if you pay attention a few of them may sound familiar from previous games).

Overall the game does fit a nice Zelda pattern, but the twist is that Zelda herself is your guide through the game rather than a spirit or navi. The whole game is controlled via the stylus: your movement, weapons, music and Zelda. The puzzles range from easy to very difficult and can be very time consuming but isn’t that what we all play Zelda for? The game is definitely worth it, but at the same time leaving you wanting more.

** Written by Christopher Del Castillo