The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

 DS
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 626 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 446 out of 626
  2. Mixed: 129 out of 626
  3. Negative: 51 out of 626
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  1. Tokyochuchu
    Apr 10, 2012
    5
    Although initially charming, fun and easy to play, Phantom Hourglass soon degenerates into frustration. This is due to the unintuitive control method. In heated battles, it is very difficult to select a weapon (such as a boomerang) and then draw an attack course with the stylus. By the time you have done so, the target has already moved out of the way. It's a control scheme so annoyingAlthough initially charming, fun and easy to play, Phantom Hourglass soon degenerates into frustration. This is due to the unintuitive control method. In heated battles, it is very difficult to select a weapon (such as a boomerang) and then draw an attack course with the stylus. By the time you have done so, the target has already moved out of the way. It's a control scheme so annoying that it out-right kills the game for me, and I just can't continue past a certain point. That is a real shame because when it isn't murdering it's own combat system, Phantom Hourglass is good fun.… Expand
  2. KittyCat13
    Nov 30, 2011
    6
    This game has a neat story, great characters, and makes creative use of the DS system, but I didn't find it enjoyable and it was not what I have come to expect from the Zelda name. The controls were very annoying, and the dungeons were boring. The sailing in this game doesn't feel like exploration and you're constantly bombarded by pointless enemies. While I can see why people love thisThis game has a neat story, great characters, and makes creative use of the DS system, but I didn't find it enjoyable and it was not what I have come to expect from the Zelda name. The controls were very annoying, and the dungeons were boring. The sailing in this game doesn't feel like exploration and you're constantly bombarded by pointless enemies. While I can see why people love this game, I just couldn't get into it.… Expand
  3. JuanLuisGG14
    Nov 17, 2015
    6
    Definitely, one of the Zelda games i liked the least. Story is decent, although not so relevant.
    Gameplay is in my opinion the worst part, the most casual Zelda in this terms, and the use of items could be better. Graphics are fine,too.
    Another thing I did not like were dungeons. They were meant to be for casual gamers too, so they feel way too easy. Bosses are really awful. Only    Definitely, one of the Zelda games i liked the least. Story is decent, although not so relevant.
    Gameplay is in my opinion the worst part, the most casual Zelda in this terms, and the use of items could be better. Graphics are fine,too.
    Another thing I did not like were dungeons. They were meant to be for casual gamers too, so they feel way too easy. Bosses are really awful.
    Only dungeon I really enjoyed was Temple of The Ocean King (i know, rare choice here), probably because it was the most challenging part of the game.

    6/10    … Expand
  4. propjoe
    Oct 27, 2010
    5
    This game is almost excellent. It maintains the classic Zelda style and feel, and while most of the dungeons are simplistic, it always feels like a Zelda game. The controls are some of the most intuitive I've ever seen - there was never a question of how anything works, and for the first time in a Zelda game I didn't find myself wasting bombs or arrows because of the imprecise aim.

    That    This game is almost excellent. It maintains the classic Zelda style and feel, and while most of the dungeons are simplistic, it always feels like a Zelda game. The controls are some of the most intuitive I've ever seen - there was never a question of how anything works, and for the first time in a Zelda game I didn't find myself wasting bombs or arrows because of the imprecise aim.

    That said, the Temple of the Ocean King is the worst dungeon I have ever played. If I only had to do it once it might be fine, but the game forces players through the same dungeon levels about 10 times through the course of the game. As a point of game design, it is simply awful.    … Expand
  5. SnivySomnia
    Oct 21, 2012
    6
    The only member of the franchise I can't stand. The gameplay itself works fine, being controlled entirely on the touch screen except when using items. Everything else annoys me, though. The over world is the worst in the franchise, the puzzles were pathetically easy, the music sucks, the Temple of the Ocean King got annoying really fast, and the plot felt like an excuse to play the game.The only member of the franchise I can't stand. The gameplay itself works fine, being controlled entirely on the touch screen except when using items. Everything else annoys me, though. The over world is the worst in the franchise, the puzzles were pathetically easy, the music sucks, the Temple of the Ocean King got annoying really fast, and the plot felt like an excuse to play the game. Probably what annoys me the most, though, is how, while it has good replay value, I have no real incentive to play it. Other Zelda games that I've already experienced gave me a feeling of adventure when I replay them like Majora's Mask or Wind Waker. This one just bores me. In conclusion, it's a functional game, but falls flat just about everywhere else.… Expand
  6. spageopriya
    Dec 11, 2014
    5
    Set some time after The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass opens with Tetra and her pirate crew along with Link chasing down a ghost ship claimed to have taken sailors and residents of the local islands. The crew discovers the ship, but when Tetra goes aboard to explore, she disappears. Link attempts to follow her but ends up adrift in the ocean.
  7. grandpajoe6191
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    When I look at "The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass", im sad of how they could have done better with it. It had great originality, but failed in the lacking quality of gameplay and controls. Enjoyable overall...for the moment.
  8. ChrisC.
    Oct 7, 2007
    6
    The best handheald Zelda game so far, but also the easiest. Great graphics and storyline is what gave the game a 6. No friendly Zoras was a major surprise, and the Gorons seemed to have deproved from LOZTP. The Goron dungeon was the only I enjoyed, as you were able to play as another character during one room and the boss fight. The gossip stones and tablets basicly gave away how to do The best handheald Zelda game so far, but also the easiest. Great graphics and storyline is what gave the game a 6. No friendly Zoras was a major surprise, and the Gorons seemed to have deproved from LOZTP. The Goron dungeon was the only I enjoyed, as you were able to play as another character during one room and the boss fight. The gossip stones and tablets basicly gave away how to do all puzzles, and redoing the Ocean King Temple 5 times was annoying. If your planning on buying a DS but can't decide on a game choose this, as it introduces all features for the DS.… Expand
  9. LouisB.
    Nov 11, 2007
    6
    There are some good moments with the game, such as the same old zelda formula. But the shaved down world, rehash of the same damn Ocean King Temple, and the half ass controls really disappoint. Playing through the game now, and I have to say the controls are lacking. While you can move great, your hand covers the damn screen. Secondly the movement and swinging the sword with any precision There are some good moments with the game, such as the same old zelda formula. But the shaved down world, rehash of the same damn Ocean King Temple, and the half ass controls really disappoint. Playing through the game now, and I have to say the controls are lacking. While you can move great, your hand covers the damn screen. Secondly the movement and swinging the sword with any precision are simply painful. I cannot mention enough there should be options to use the controls or the stylus. Or at the least the ability to use the D-pad for hot swap option. Dumb. The fact that you cannot move and strike independently is simply stupid. The other problems include the damn timed dungeon that you have to backtrack several times throughout the game. Part of the quest is to find more sand for an hourglass so you can go further in the timed dungeon. Who the hell thought that was fun? Also, I do not like screeming into a handheld device unless I am on the phone with customer support - definitely not while playing a game. All in all, if this were not a Zelda game, I would have given it a lower score. The nolstagia of playing that tried and true formula does count for something. However, the gameplay is lacking.… Expand
  10. BabyJ.
    Dec 12, 2007
    6
    The games is one of the worst Zelda games I have ever played. The awkward touch controls have made it the first hand held game that I have yelled and screamed at. It has also made me thrown my DS at the floor in frustration for the first time. I thought it would have just been the beginning of the game I was having trouble with, and that the rest of the game would pick up. No it The games is one of the worst Zelda games I have ever played. The awkward touch controls have made it the first hand held game that I have yelled and screamed at. It has also made me thrown my DS at the floor in frustration for the first time. I thought it would have just been the beginning of the game I was having trouble with, and that the rest of the game would pick up. No it didn't. The timed parts of the same dungeon that you have to keep going back to and do the same thing got repetative the first time I had to do it, not knowing that I was going to have to almost repeat it infinitely. This game also has boring characters that I either I hate or don't care about at all. The sailing is the opposite of fun. The multiplayer uses the worst part of the game and it was something I will never play again.… Expand
  11. CyberRobotnix
    Jan 10, 2018
    6
    This game was disgustingly disappointing in every way. Which is even more true when you think that this could have been an excellent sequel to Wind Waker.

    The controls are janky. You need to use the touch screen/stylus to move, use your boat, shoot with your cannons and it doesn't help that certain movements (attack movements particularly) are not responsive making it even more    This game was disgustingly disappointing in every way. Which is even more true when you think that this could have been an excellent sequel to Wind Waker.

    The controls are janky. You need to use the touch screen/stylus to move, use your boat, shoot with your cannons and it doesn't help that certain movements (attack movements particularly) are not responsive making it even more horrendous. People may complain about the **** wiimote that is used by Zelda Skyward Sword, but they have clearly never played Phantom Hourglass (Or spirit Track).

    What I loved about Wind Waker which is not present on this game was the fact the ocean was calm which encourages exploration, but in Phantom Hourglass, you can't do jack **** without being bothered by enemies, I just want to stay on an island to gather money in those circumstances no kidding.

    But the worst must be the puzzles, in the main temple which has a health draining curse, there are puzzles everywhere and the temple even forces you to be quick (this is some strong timer wanking) and everytime you advance a little, you need to backtrack, HOW FRUSTRATING! This temple alone has the worst single puzzle in the ENTIRE franchise, at some point you will reach a room that you cannot leave with some sort of map and then you need to take your DS go to that thing and close it to complete the puzzle, not only it is NOT natural (it is a fourth wall breaking), but it is also said NOWHERE in the game that you should do that, not even a hint (maybe the fairy gave a hint, but it was so unhelpful) which forced me to watch a walkthrough and I swear that it NEVER happened to me before.

    It is the worst dungeon/temple in any Zelda game ever, even the water temple from OOT is better than that.

    Aesthetically, the game is good and the ost is as great as ever, but the gameplay sucks to the core.

    This is also because of this game that I never bought Spirit Tracks.    … Expand
  12. Tyrant719
    Feb 26, 2020
    7
    Really critics? A 9?? How much does Nintendo pay for good reviews? Between this and Mario, I have never seen more blatant bias in any other franchises. This is the first Zelda game that I have played, but I’m really not clamoring to play any others. This is the mighty franchise that’s better than Final Fantasy? Get this kids’ version of Legolas out of here. This is mediocrity defined andReally critics? A 9?? How much does Nintendo pay for good reviews? Between this and Mario, I have never seen more blatant bias in any other franchises. This is the first Zelda game that I have played, but I’m really not clamoring to play any others. This is the mighty franchise that’s better than Final Fantasy? Get this kids’ version of Legolas out of here. This is mediocrity defined and the people that play it just don’t have the patience for real RPGs. It’s like this game is made for people who are glued to walkthroughs and just want to say they beat a game. I’m not a fan.… Expand
  13. LionelE.
    Oct 16, 2007
    7
    Phantom Hourglass has some very strong aspects. It makes full use of the DS controls in innovative ways (especially the bosses), it manages to create startlingly good graphics with little system power, and it packs a decent amount of game onto a small cartridge. However, it's also quite easy, lacks the typical Zelda side-quest depth and the stylus controls can be a pain for simple Phantom Hourglass has some very strong aspects. It makes full use of the DS controls in innovative ways (especially the bosses), it manages to create startlingly good graphics with little system power, and it packs a decent amount of game onto a small cartridge. However, it's also quite easy, lacks the typical Zelda side-quest depth and the stylus controls can be a pain for simple things like moving or changing items. It also makes the bewildering decision of having users fight through the same dungeon many, many times in the game, slowing it down quite a bit. It's fun and gimmicky, but not as deep as many people suggest.… Expand
  14. JenniferM.
    Oct 5, 2007
    7
    It is a good Zelda game, but is dog down by imprecise and forced stylus control. The puzzles are too easy and the dungeon design a bit bland when compared to other Zelda games, even Minish Cap.Graphics are nice but no match to 2D sprites. Hardcore Zelda fans will find the easy dungeons to be a massive disappointment, where as Nintendo fanboys will probably just lap it up.
  15. iTrike
    Oct 5, 2007
    7
    I've enjoyed the Zelda franchise for years and, like many, thought it was a perfect fit for the DS. Coupled with pre-release hyperbole, I was expecting to have the definitive DS experience with this game. Nope. It's a good game, but its simplicity, been-there-done-that familiarity, and the fact that seasoned DS gamers are no longer wowed by stylus-driven gameplay, makes it less I've enjoyed the Zelda franchise for years and, like many, thought it was a perfect fit for the DS. Coupled with pre-release hyperbole, I was expecting to have the definitive DS experience with this game. Nope. It's a good game, but its simplicity, been-there-done-that familiarity, and the fact that seasoned DS gamers are no longer wowed by stylus-driven gameplay, makes it less than stellar. Ultimately, PH is an enjoyable game that doesn… Expand
  16. KevinC.
    Nov 4, 2007
    7
    One of the best games for the DS. However, it's a bit too short, easy, and repetitive. The ocean king's temple (the only temple you have to revisit) takes only 15 or so minutes on each run, so it isn't too bad. The sailing was fun for awhile, but got boring after a couple of trips. But hey, it was like that in wind waker, too, and there are tons of cyclones in PH, unlike One of the best games for the DS. However, it's a bit too short, easy, and repetitive. The ocean king's temple (the only temple you have to revisit) takes only 15 or so minutes on each run, so it isn't too bad. The sailing was fun for awhile, but got boring after a couple of trips. But hey, it was like that in wind waker, too, and there are tons of cyclones in PH, unlike wind waker, which greatly shortens the traveling time. Plus, the refreshing new usage of the DS screen takes, at most, a couple of minutes to get used to, and is quite fun to use. However, I would hope to see a better story (PH's story sucked... really bad), longer dungeons (The average dungeon was about... 20 minutes long, first time through), and a LARGE increase in difficulty (Stone tablets and Ciela, your fairy, give you all the information you need for... everything?). I did like the minigames, though, but there weren't enough prizes to keep you entertained (There's only... 16 hearts? And... they don't come in pieces? Only heart containers?) All in all, Phantom Hourglass is a pretty fun and decent game, if you don't mind a couple of minutes of repetition.… Expand
  17. Pushkin
    Jan 7, 2008
    7
    Wind Waker is the only Zelda game I have missed out on (skipped out that generation of console), so any references to the storyline or characters from that game are lost on me. However, I still found the storyline weak (being turned to stone = Minish Cap). This was my main complaint with the game. Zelda has always been attractive to me for its characters and plot; this game seemed to lack Wind Waker is the only Zelda game I have missed out on (skipped out that generation of console), so any references to the storyline or characters from that game are lost on me. However, I still found the storyline weak (being turned to stone = Minish Cap). This was my main complaint with the game. Zelda has always been attractive to me for its characters and plot; this game seemed to lack poorly in both. It took me almost an hour to get fully used to the stylus controls (had trouble pulling switches, getting Link to run enough to jump platforms) and I still have trouble remembering to put my selected item away before trying to swipe the sword, but apart from that the controls make good use of the DS's capabilites and is easilly the best game I have that allows me to really USE the DS. I'd still recommend it for buying, but wait until it's on offer, or trade in once you've completed it as there is little else to do once you've completed the main quest.… Expand
  18. RickyT.
    Apr 21, 2008
    7
    Best game I have played on the DS so far - manages fairly decent gameplay AND makes use of the touch screen ot great effect, is hard to find a game that manages both. Reading other people's comments make me laugh - some people are complaining that the dungeons are too short whilst others are complaining you can't save halfway through! The DS is a handheld system not a full Best game I have played on the DS so far - manages fairly decent gameplay AND makes use of the touch screen ot great effect, is hard to find a game that manages both. Reading other people's comments make me laugh - some people are complaining that the dungeons are too short whilst others are complaining you can't save halfway through! The DS is a handheld system not a full console - you're not meant to sit and play for hours on end solid, its meant to be something to pick up and play whilst on the train or bus for a short time hence short levels and relatively short game. I'm not a fan of cell shading so for me that is a detraction on the graphics, but for others its a plus. Would have liked more puzzles thrown in rather than 'fetch the clue and we'll tell you the exact answer', I really liked the puzzle in the Ocean Temple to ge the Seel, a few more curve balls like this would have made the game even better… Expand
  19. TomC
    Jun 26, 2009
    7
    My main problem with this game is the temple of the ocean king, this very boring dungeon was clearly mad so that it made the game seem longer without having to make any more proper dungeons. So yeah The rest was quite enjoyable, so yeah not a bad game but definitely not as amazing as some people make out.
  20. DrMissile
    Nov 23, 2007
    5
    I certainly can appreciate the appeal of this game. By and large, it is very well crafted both functionally and aesthetically and there are some very fun moments. However, the repetitive design of the Ocean King's Temple is, in my opinion a deal breaker. It is a cynical and egregious ploy to draw out play time, Far far more offensive than the old "change a monster's color and I certainly can appreciate the appeal of this game. By and large, it is very well crafted both functionally and aesthetically and there are some very fun moments. However, the repetitive design of the Ocean King's Temple is, in my opinion a deal breaker. It is a cynical and egregious ploy to draw out play time, Far far more offensive than the old "change a monster's color and name" trick to save on production cost. From the very first time entering the temple until the very end of the game, the core game play is boring drudgery. Painful, dreaded, awful. it's a chore. I would prefer having to watch a 20 minute status bar with a new piece sea chart at the end. That the enemies are invincible and your character is utterly neutered by this fact is bad enough, but having to replay the same levels over and over and over and over and over is, from a game design perspective, utterly pathetic. So, to the team of developers that let this happen. Shame on you. You know its crap, everyone knows it's crap. Go be accountants.… Expand
  21. JohnS.
    Dec 25, 2007
    5
    This is easily the worst Zelda game I've ever played. I don't mind the stylus controls, my biggest complaint is the fact that your hand covers most of the screen which is especially annoying while fighting some bosses. The first thing that annoyed me was the bad graphics with ugly character models and drab olive green/brown environments everywhere. The shockingly simplistic This is easily the worst Zelda game I've ever played. I don't mind the stylus controls, my biggest complaint is the fact that your hand covers most of the screen which is especially annoying while fighting some bosses. The first thing that annoyed me was the bad graphics with ugly character models and drab olive green/brown environments everywhere. The shockingly simplistic dungeons and overworld sections and the dreadful timed stealth sections which must be repeated umpteen times eventually made me stop playing. There are some decent parts to the game but for every one I ran into another annoyance such as a certain enemy which turns sailing into a chore later on; even Minish Cap destroys this game in my opinion. I advise everyone to try this game before buying, they might just be as disappointed as I am.… Expand
  22. AnneC.
    Nov 24, 2007
    5
    I was really excited about getting this game due to the universally great reviews it got but when I finally bought it and played it, it was a let down. There were several things that annoyed me and even though it had some good things they weren't enough for me.
  23. Luigibarqs
    Jan 4, 2011
    7
    Although Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is great as a whole there are some minor issues that I had with the game that really hurt the experience. I was not pleased with being forced to use the stylus for movement and actions as it makes some situations like boss battles and enemy swarms a real pain to deal with, was it that much of a chore to make an alternate d-Pad and buttons controlAlthough Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is great as a whole there are some minor issues that I had with the game that really hurt the experience. I was not pleased with being forced to use the stylus for movement and actions as it makes some situations like boss battles and enemy swarms a real pain to deal with, was it that much of a chore to make an alternate d-Pad and buttons control scheme? Another thing that annoyed me was the abuse of the Hourglass Temple and Sailing gimmicks which take up most of the game. The story, music, and overall game mechanics are great in my opinion but the map design can be kind of awkward in some places. The dungeons are more or less absurdly easy to navigate and bosses are simple to take down usually by a key item you found in the dungeon it was in. There are a bunch of goodies and powers to hunt for and even a Wifi capture the flag minigame that can be played both wirelessly and over Wifi. It is a good game but has flaws in some areas.… Expand
  24. Watermelon789
    Mar 12, 2012
    7
    Does Phantom Hourglass could be the best Zelda game made ? Nope , not at all . Nintendo at least, managed to capture the essence of the console versions but fails a little to make it ideal. The puzzles are one of the best made yet . But I'm not falling for that because it isn't that great the touch screen ( in this game ) is not responsive and the world doesn't feel compelling. I'm sureDoes Phantom Hourglass could be the best Zelda game made ? Nope , not at all . Nintendo at least, managed to capture the essence of the console versions but fails a little to make it ideal. The puzzles are one of the best made yet . But I'm not falling for that because it isn't that great the touch screen ( in this game ) is not responsive and the world doesn't feel compelling. I'm sure the other Portable Zelda games are much better and more appealing . Still, the story is passable and neat for DS owners.… Expand
  25. rubin
    Apr 5, 2012
    7
    Not too bad, but far from impressive. Whoever thought that visiting Temple of the Ocean King not once, not twice, but five freaking times was a good idea, needs to be slapped in the face.
  26. sLm
    Jul 4, 2012
    7
    Awesome game. Very original in the use of stylus, good graphics, and many laughs at characters. The worst part was the last temple, which you have to repeat several times to give meaning to the "Hourglass" thing. When I was at half the floors of the temple, my Hourglass timer was already to 0:00, and my hearts became my new timer from then to the end of the game, using the respawningAwesome game. Very original in the use of stylus, good graphics, and many laughs at characters. The worst part was the last temple, which you have to repeat several times to give meaning to the "Hourglass" thing. When I was at half the floors of the temple, my Hourglass timer was already to 0:00, and my hearts became my new timer from then to the end of the game, using the respawning vessels to fulfill my health bar and go on through the temple while I got hurt. But as a whole, it's a fantastic game, showing the power of DS at its highest point. Buy it if you have one.… Expand
  27. ninja_dolphin
    Feb 8, 2013
    7
    An amazing game in many respects, but there is one design decision which just ruins the game for me. The game controls great, is lengthy, the world has an amazing wind waker feel and makes use of all the DS's abilities. The dungeons are also all great EXCEPT the temple of the ocean king. This dungeon ruins the game for me and not in the way that many people hate the water temple in OOT,An amazing game in many respects, but there is one design decision which just ruins the game for me. The game controls great, is lengthy, the world has an amazing wind waker feel and makes use of all the DS's abilities. The dungeons are also all great EXCEPT the temple of the ocean king. This dungeon ruins the game for me and not in the way that many people hate the water temple in OOT, the reason I hate this dungeon is that you have to visit it multiple times doing the same floors each time with a few extra at the end. This made me give up near the end as the time limit and frustrating gameplay made me pull my hair out. It's frustrating as other than this the game is perfect… Expand
  28. horcrux2007
    Sep 25, 2014
    7
    While it's not as great as other Zelda games, "Phantom Hourglass" is still a pretty fun and well-made game. The story was great; I especially liked the characters. They all seemed to have likable personalities. The dungeons were rather interesting as well as how the items were used and manipulated with the touch screen. The biggest problem, however, was the boat. The boat segments feltWhile it's not as great as other Zelda games, "Phantom Hourglass" is still a pretty fun and well-made game. The story was great; I especially liked the characters. They all seemed to have likable personalities. The dungeons were rather interesting as well as how the items were used and manipulated with the touch screen. The biggest problem, however, was the boat. The boat segments felt very linear unlike "Wind Waker"'s free-roaming boat.… Expand
  29. ryanisageek
    Nov 23, 2014
    7
    Phantom Hourglass is all in all a good game. Some of the dungeons are great, but the sailing is boring. As you've probably heard, the Temple Of the ocean king is awful. However, it is a good game to play.
  30. TharosTheDragon
    Aug 17, 2015
    7
    It goes without saying that Zelda fans will probably like this game, but I do know someone who hated it because she gets stressed about timed segments in games and there is a recurring dungeon in this game that has a bit of a time limit to complete each time, hence the titular "hourglass." It didn't bother me that much because it is usually plenty of time and even if you run out you don'tIt goes without saying that Zelda fans will probably like this game, but I do know someone who hated it because she gets stressed about timed segments in games and there is a recurring dungeon in this game that has a bit of a time limit to complete each time, hence the titular "hourglass." It didn't bother me that much because it is usually plenty of time and even if you run out you don't die immediately. You just start losing health like you ran out of air underwater, so you might still be able to scrape by until the end of the dungeon, grabbing hearts along the way. I should also point out that people are calling that recurring dungeon tedious and repetitive, but it's actually kind of cool to return to the dungeon with new abilities each time so that you can find new secrets and get a better score like in an arcade game.

    I think my main complaint is that a lot of time is spent waiting for your ship to get to your destination, since you can't control your ship directly. You just draw a path for your ship and then let it go, and to make it even more annoying the game pauses while you're drawing, just like guiding partners in Okamiden. It would be better if you could alter your path in real time. Luckily, you do get a nifty warp ability that's a lot like in Wind Waker, but there are only six spots you can warp to in the whole world.

    Another major complaint is that completionists will hate not being able to find all the ship parts. For the rare ship parts, you have to rely on random chance, hoping they'll show up in the shops. You'll have to cheat your DS system by altering the date so that it thinks it's tomorrow, and you'll have to grind for rupees to afford the parts. That's not good game design.

    I like the game because Zelda is always fresh with new characters and puzzles and items and abilities and levels to explore. Since it's a Toon Link game on a handheld console, it comes across as a game for kids. But it still provides a somewhat adequate challenge for adults.

    Reasons to skip this game:
    - If you don't like Toon Link or Zelda in general
    - If time limits stress you out
    - If you're a compulsive completionist and can't stand to have missing items
    - The overworld is slow and boring to traverse
    - There's not a lot that's different about this installment in the series

    Key differences between this and Spirit Tracks:
    - Because of the titular tracks, Spirit Tracks gives you even less control in the overworld navigation
    - Spirit Tracks is more detached from the Wind Waker storyline
    - Spirit Tracks gives you a cool instrument to play like in other Zelda games
    - The recurring dungeon in Spirit Tracks has no time limit, and doesn't require you to redo sections    … Expand
  31. TheStudioBoy
    Apr 4, 2016
    7
    This game is fun but there are many problems with it. First of all I love the characters as you can see them change over time and you can see that what you are doing is affecting them. The story is OK but I feel like it doesn't know who or what the enemy is and the developers changed their minds part way through and didn't change the rest. The dungeons are alright as they have their ownThis game is fun but there are many problems with it. First of all I love the characters as you can see them change over time and you can see that what you are doing is affecting them. The story is OK but I feel like it doesn't know who or what the enemy is and the developers changed their minds part way through and didn't change the rest. The dungeons are alright as they have their own themes but they are very easy and quite short but this game is more aimed towards children. The world feels empty as you will go to an island and never need it afterwards. One of the big problems I have with the game is the Temple of the ocean king. It takes up about a quarter of your play time but you have to go through the same spots every single time. I love the customization with the ship as there is a lot to collect and when you have a full set the ship looks cool and you have lots of health. It is a good game but it can be boring but the following game Spirit Tracks makes up for the mistakes.

    Thanks for reading.    … Expand
  32. B-Bog
    Oct 8, 2022
    6
    I think most Zelda fans would agree that this is the weakest entry in the mainline series. The forced touch controls are unnecessary, cumbersome, slow, and uncomfortable, which makes them especially badly-suited for heated combat situations, precise platforming, and long play-sessions (all of this could have simply been avoided with an optional button control scheme). The sailing/overworldI think most Zelda fans would agree that this is the weakest entry in the mainline series. The forced touch controls are unnecessary, cumbersome, slow, and uncomfortable, which makes them especially badly-suited for heated combat situations, precise platforming, and long play-sessions (all of this could have simply been avoided with an optional button control scheme). The sailing/overworld part hasn't really been improved a whole lot from Wind Waker; it's still boring, slow, and there is still very little to actually do for you on the ocean besides waiting to arrive at your next destination (especially since you're not even directly controlling your ship anymore, instead just drawing a route on your map that the boat automatically follows because WE GOT TO HAVE TOUCH CONTROLS EVERYWHERE). The story isn't exactly going to knock you off your feet either and neither is its presentation, which almost entirely consists of characters just standing around and talking to each other, there is very little actually happening.

    The worst thing (apart from the control scheme), though, is the godd*mn Temple of the Ocean King, which may just be the worst set of ideas ever implemented in a Zelda title and by itself takes the game down 1 additional point for me.

    The redeeming factors are all the usual Zelda stuff, you know, a sense of adventure, cool puzzles, a satsfying and addictive sense of progression etc. Although one area where Zelda usually shines is also somewhat lacking, and that is THE MUSIC. The "standard island" loop (calling it a song would be vastly overstating it) is very, very lackluster and short and being forced to hear it all the time when exploring an island honestly just makes me want to turn the sound off.    … Expand
  33. DJKrimson
    Mar 2, 2021
    6
    This game has decent parts but overall it's kind of a disappointment. It's way too easy and the sailing is still lame, I prefer my Zelda games on land. There's a gimmick with the "main temple" that makes you redo the dungeon a 100 times throughout the game, while it gets deeper everytime. That's just annoying.
  34. Some_Random_Guy
    Aug 8, 2019
    5
    I like it! The dungeons are cool, good bossfights and the graphics are on top. But there are few things bothering me! The sailing is over the time quit boring since you just draw your route and watch your ship travel. And after the 4th time the Sea King Tempel isnt much fun any more. It was so bad that I stopped after 4th time and didnt play to the end. Good aspects but you could cut outI like it! The dungeons are cool, good bossfights and the graphics are on top. But there are few things bothering me! The sailing is over the time quit boring since you just draw your route and watch your ship travel. And after the 4th time the Sea King Tempel isnt much fun any more. It was so bad that I stopped after 4th time and didnt play to the end. Good aspects but you could cut out Se Kings Teample a little. 2 times are enough for one tempel!… Expand
  35. tom974
    Oct 1, 2021
    5
    It really upsets me to put such a review on a Zelda opus, but everything is so unbalanced here and the (most of the time) clever stylus controls can't compensate that on its own. Even given the hardware age, the game is not pretty, stylus controls are well thought except that it weighs you down in intense fights which can become frustrating. Intense fights by the way are rare and so theIt really upsets me to put such a review on a Zelda opus, but everything is so unbalanced here and the (most of the time) clever stylus controls can't compensate that on its own. Even given the hardware age, the game is not pretty, stylus controls are well thought except that it weighs you down in intense fights which can become frustrating. Intense fights by the way are rare and so the overall game is too easy. A feeling of easiness which is heavily contrasted by this awful central dungeon setup which you need to start all over again and again : excessively frustrating. And finally, the whole story/ universe feel so bland.. Some good ideas but without the usual neatness level of development/ finishing of the saga. I wait more from a Zelda opus, and moreover from the Windwaker "sequel".… Expand
  36. VwV_Jay
    Oct 17, 2019
    5
    This game is pretty average. Below average for a game series as amazing as The Legend of Zelda. All of the gameplay is played with the stylus, microphone and at one point even closing the DS or putting it on sleep mode if you have a 2DS. This makes the combat quite boring as you just tap the enemy you want Link to hit and it got quite old quite fast for me. The story is pretty average tooThis game is pretty average. Below average for a game series as amazing as The Legend of Zelda. All of the gameplay is played with the stylus, microphone and at one point even closing the DS or putting it on sleep mode if you have a 2DS. This makes the combat quite boring as you just tap the enemy you want Link to hit and it got quite old quite fast for me. The story is pretty average too and the characters aren’t too engaging really. Linebeck is very annoying and even the spirits in this game are bland. The temple of the ocean king is visited way too many times and is recycled after every one or two dungeons, making the actual dungeons seem amazing when there kind of average too. The boomerang and bombchus are quite fun to use and the bosses can be interesting but that’s about it. I really wanted to like this game and I do but it’s definitely not Zelda standard. If you really want to play all Zelda games then fine go ahead and get it but otherwise I don’t think I’d really recommend this game in the Zelda series above others such as Majora’s Mask, Skyward Sword, Twilight Princess or even Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.… Expand
  37. spencerplewe
    Feb 4, 2022
    7
    A totally competent Zelda sequel that certainly fits the handheld mold for better and worse, having lower stakes than its home-console predecessor "The Wind Waker" but also some moments that are worthy of its series title.
  38. patrickmurphy09
    Sep 6, 2020
    7
    Indeed, as a Zelda game, it is rare that one say that a game is "bad" by most standards--and this holds true for that matter. Continuing the story of the Hero of Winds immediately following the incredible work that is Windwaker, Phantom Hourglass certainly continues to tell the legend we all love. And I did have a hard time putting the game down while playing admittedly. However, thisIndeed, as a Zelda game, it is rare that one say that a game is "bad" by most standards--and this holds true for that matter. Continuing the story of the Hero of Winds immediately following the incredible work that is Windwaker, Phantom Hourglass certainly continues to tell the legend we all love. And I did have a hard time putting the game down while playing admittedly. However, this Zelda game, standng amonst the other giants in the Zelda series, has a hard time living up to legend in some regards. While I truly and genuinely applaud Nintendo for doing something so bold with its touchscreen controls, I would retrospectively prefer to have the old school controls of most games in the genre. Truth be told, I did appreciate the approach for its uniqueness and still do, but sometimes playing this game was just a bit tedious and uncomfortable for me. With my arm contorted strangely trying to use my tiny stylus, meh. Also, as I'm sure its been said elsewhere in these reviews: Temple of the Ocean King. My goodness, Temple of the Ocean King. If there were any times in which I would have wanted to stop playing, its whenever I knew I had to return to the Temple of the Ocean King. I'm not sure if the developers did this as a way to demonstrate improved skill to the player, or to artifically increase play time, or to underscore something thematically. However, it was not needed. This was a chore time and time again and added to my annoyances of playing the game. Phantom Hourglass is ultimately a game I'm glad I've played and did enjoy the experience, but doubt I'll find any value in ever returning for a second playthrough.… Expand
  39. hector_bcn98
    Nov 7, 2022
    7
    A quien se le ocurrió la idea de hacer la mazmorra del rey del mar una y otra vez en modo cronómetro debió ser despedido de la empresa.
  40. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 4, 2023
    7
    Zelda comes to the DS in the traditional RPG/arcade adventure hybrid format, complete with cel-shaded graphics and Saturday morning cartoon sensibilities. It does make good use of the stylus, although I for one prefer to be given the choice to use buttons as well...something that is not provided here. Clearly aimed more at younger players but older retro gamers are sure to get a kick outZelda comes to the DS in the traditional RPG/arcade adventure hybrid format, complete with cel-shaded graphics and Saturday morning cartoon sensibilities. It does make good use of the stylus, although I for one prefer to be given the choice to use buttons as well...something that is not provided here. Clearly aimed more at younger players but older retro gamers are sure to get a kick out of it too.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best DS Game of 2007
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Computer and Video Games
    100
    There are many excellent games on the DS but few masterpieces. This one, though, is a masterpiece. And worth every penny you'll pay for it. [JPN Import]
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  2. Nintendo Gamer
    95
    20 of the finest gaming hours of the year. [Dec 2007, p.42]
  3. Games Master UK
    94
    It's a game that should be seen from start to finish, if only to witness some of the finest level and puzzle concoctions ever to grace a Zelda game and, without question, the finest single-player experience to grace the DS. [JPN Import; Sept 2007, p.68] Hourglass drips quality and innovation, no DS owner should be without it. [Dec 2007, p.62]
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