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. ANAKISS
    Sep 1, 2023
    9
    This game is full of lore and I liked it a lot. It's really enjoyable with Tricky and funny Dungeons, even if the movement System it's not that good. At least the things to do outside the main story aren't that much and they're also pretty useless, like obtaining the gems to power up spirits, even if their abilities are pretty hard to use well. A Bad thing is the Temple of the Ocean King,This game is full of lore and I liked it a lot. It's really enjoyable with Tricky and funny Dungeons, even if the movement System it's not that good. At least the things to do outside the main story aren't that much and they're also pretty useless, like obtaining the gems to power up spirits, even if their abilities are pretty hard to use well. A Bad thing is the Temple of the Ocean King, that requests to be redone everytime you walk inside (5/6 times).
    At least is a good game to have fun and spend some good time.    … Expand
  2. Cer2xrafa
    Aug 7, 2023
    9
    Un juego que se siente como una verdadera aventura, gran final, diseño de mazmorras, la mecánica del barco esta perfectamente puesta. Su mayor error es el templo del rey del mar, pero no está tan mal como se dice
  3. FiMaster
    Jul 14, 2023
    9
    É um ótimo jogo, um bom exemplo da fórmula Wind Wake e tão divertido quanto, talvez um dia ele também ganhe um remake.
  4. Quintijn
    Jun 9, 2023
    9
    My introduction into the zelda series. A very solid game that I still play regularly on my old DS.
  5. yoda55777
    May 27, 2023
    10
    Jogo bacana muito divertido história e muito legal e incrível a trilha sonora
  6. YokoHugo
    Jul 29, 2022
    8
    Innininninininiinninininnininininininininijinininininininiininninkknknkniinininininininininnininiinininininnin
  7. ylnylmn
    Jul 28, 2022
    9
    Doing something on the touch screen, communicating with the microphone. Drawing various motifs on the tablets. Marking your destinations on the map and taking notes. Enjoyable fighting mechanics. If I compare it to Wind Waker. I think there was better world design. But the dungeons were a bit weak, could be better. It's the same with puzzles. Overall I had a lot of fun, the story andDoing something on the touch screen, communicating with the microphone. Drawing various motifs on the tablets. Marking your destinations on the map and taking notes. Enjoyable fighting mechanics. If I compare it to Wind Waker. I think there was better world design. But the dungeons were a bit weak, could be better. It's the same with puzzles. Overall I had a lot of fun, the story and characters were also good. It was a game where I had a very good time.… Expand
  8. joadson
    Jul 1, 2022
    10
    A good zelda but with a very difficult mechanics other than that the game is very good
  9. Ale2P
    Feb 28, 2022
    8
    Empezaré por lo malo:
    La música, ya que en casi todo el juego se repiten los mismos 3 tracks: el de las cuevas, el de los templos y el de "isla despoblada" por así decirlo. 3 tracks muy repetitivos y desinspirados, aunque el juego sí que tiene algún tema chulo, como el de Linebeck.
    Los gráficos: no han envejecido muy bien, me parece que si lo hubiesen hecho en 2D sería mucho más    Empezaré por lo malo:
    La música, ya que en casi todo el juego se repiten los mismos 3 tracks: el de las cuevas, el de los templos y el de "isla despoblada" por así decirlo. 3 tracks muy repetitivos y desinspirados, aunque el juego sí que tiene algún tema chulo, como el de Linebeck.
    Los gráficos: no han envejecido muy bien, me parece que si lo hubiesen hecho en 2D sería mucho más agradable a la vista, aunque no me parece del todo mala decisión hacerlos en 3D, ya que el 2D podría dar lugar a confusiones con la profundidad, cosa que he notado recientemente jugando a The Minish Cap y Mario y Luigi: Compañeros en el tiempo, y en 3D se puede seguir más fielmente el estilo artístico de Wind Waker, juego del que este es secuela.
    Mapas del tesoro y piezas del barco: Por el juego hay repartidos varios mapas del tesoro ocultos que te marcan sitios en el mar donde hay tesoros. Esos tesoros suelen ser piezas de barco. El problema es que el contenido del cofre es aleatorio, y te pueden salir piezas repetidas, por lo que se hace muy complicado conseguirlas todas. Creo que había otras formas de conseguir piezas pero también eran aleatorias. Otro problema que tengo con los tesoros es que los minijuegos de la grúa se repiten con mucha frecuencia.
    Texto: En las cajas de texto no se indica qué personaje está hablando. Normalmente la cámara apunta al personaje que habla, pero no siempre es así, lo que hace difícil saber quién dice lo que pone en el texto.
    Ahora diré las cosas buenas:
    Uso de la pantalla táctil: La pantalla táctil se usa para todo en este juego, cosa que a algunas personas no les gusta, pero no es mi caso. Se usa para moverse, atacar, usar objetos, y, lo que más me gusta, dibujar en el mapa. Es una función que se usa en muchos puzles a lo largo del juego y me parece genial. Después de jugar a este juego lo echaba en falta en el resto de juegos, y me decepcionó el poco uso que se hizo de esta función en la secuela, Spirit Tracks.
    Barco: El mar, si bien pequeño, tiene unos cuantos secretos escondidos: islas con minijuegos, barcos en los que encontraremos otros personajes, y, como ya he mencionado, tesoros. Me gusta ese sentimiento de libertad que te da poder ir por donde quieras con el barco, cosa que la secuela no logro conseguir. La única pega que le veo es que tengas que marcar el camino del barco en la pantalla táctil, lo que hace el combate contra enemigos un sufrimiento. Es el único uso de la pantalla táctil en este juego que no me gusta.
    Minijuegos: son entretenidos, divertidos y complicados, y tienen buenas recompensas.

    Es un juego que disfruté mucho, y, aunque esté visto como uno de los peores The Legend of Zelda, es uno de mis favoritos.    … Expand
  10. OliRock92
    Jan 11, 2022
    9
    Phantom Hourglass is the best exemple of what the DS can do. Graphically, it's just what you'd expect The Wind Waker would have looked like if it came out one generation prior to the GameCube. The controls are perfect, and I mean, PERFECT. Everything responds with such precision to your own movements that if you fail at doing something, it's always your fault, not the game's. The story isPhantom Hourglass is the best exemple of what the DS can do. Graphically, it's just what you'd expect The Wind Waker would have looked like if it came out one generation prior to the GameCube. The controls are perfect, and I mean, PERFECT. Everything responds with such precision to your own movements that if you fail at doing something, it's always your fault, not the game's. The story is captivating and the characters lovable. The soundtrack is also stellar, alway pumps me up for whatever task is required of me. This is easily my favourite Nintendo DS game, although it can be a bit easy at times. People usually complain about that one dungeon you need to go back to several times, but each time you go there, you can clear it's floors much faster than the previous time, granted you use your brain and items effectively. Which reminds me, the items, the selection is also pretty good this time around. Now, navigating the sea. I think it's a little better than in TWW since it's smaller and more ennemies appear, keeping you busier. Since your boat this time has an engine too, you don't need to change the wind's direction all the time. There are several unique ilsands to explore, many optional. You can focus on the story and beat the game relatively quickly but exploration is so much fun in this game and rewarding. Anyone who loves Zelda and/OR the DS should at least give this game a try, it's truly a work of art.… Expand
  11. foxneo
    Oct 17, 2021
    8
    If you remove the repetitive end-game dungeon that jolts you and the awfully long final boss, the game will be 10/10
  12. giannis2001
    Jul 15, 2021
    8
    Phantom Hourglass is not the best entry in Zelda series but,in general, it still remains a Zelda and it's an enjoyable one. The story is ok,the dungeons aren't very difficult but the gameplay with stylus is a fun way to play by my opinion. The game has incredible soundtrack though. It's definetely one of the best DS games though. Highly recommend it.
  13. fcbass
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    เกมส์โคตรสนุก การใช้ปากกาในการควมคุม มันส้รางสรรค์มากๆ วิธีหาทางไปต่อ Puzzle ต่างๆ ไอเดียบรรเจิดมากๆ
  14. hocineDZ
    Jan 21, 2021
    10
    The sea atmosphere is just incredibly beautiful and i liked sailing on the boat to other islands and the use of stylus in this game is total fun once you get used to it and it is very useful to use it on the map to mark a location or to draw a path or use it to solve puzzles ect. This is a very remarkable title on the DS
  15. Calandria
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have to say that this game has got catch me, i know that many people feel some dissapointed, because you have to repeat, some puzzles to advance the story (The Sea Temple), and i understand the complaints, but in my case not broken my game experience.

    I put 10, because i discorver a fantastic adventure, that i felt as own, plus the characters very charismatic (Linebeck is the best mate in all saga, Ciela is great, Tetra is good (Although Zelda in Spirit Tracks is better), and the secundaries work), plus playability, with Pokémon Ranger i think that it is the best games in using tactic control)

    The plot is very good, and you read the manga of this game, it gets thril you in some moments.

    I love this game and i recommed whatever playing.    … Expand
  16. Speedie
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    At the end of 2018, I sat in my college dorm room wanting to relax after studying. The weekend was coming and I had some time to myself. I picked up the DS that I'd brought with me, but hadn't used yet since arriving at college. Upon looking through my game collection I came past Phantom Hourglass. This was a game I had gotten tripped up on as a kid, being that I was probably too young forAt the end of 2018, I sat in my college dorm room wanting to relax after studying. The weekend was coming and I had some time to myself. I picked up the DS that I'd brought with me, but hadn't used yet since arriving at college. Upon looking through my game collection I came past Phantom Hourglass. This was a game I had gotten tripped up on as a kid, being that I was probably too young for an adventure/puzzle game. I decided to give it a shot and see if my favorite franchise was as consistent on the DS as it always had been for home consoles, and boy was it ever.

    Before I continue, I will follow up on my past remarks. The Legend of Zelda is my favorite video game franchise, and thus I may have enjoyed the game more for the similarities and differences from its predecessors as well as follow up titles.

    The art style of the game is so childish and cute, yet right at the beginning of the game you are presented with a dark backstory. The dungeons in the game have ominous music and lighting, which makes everything so much more exciting. You begin to feel like a helpless kid, just as the main character is initially portrayed as. Then, it happens. You finish your first puzzles. You beat your first dungeon. All of a sudden, you aren't such a helpless kid anymore, you're an adventurer! You lose yourself within the game, which is constantly moving you along to new islands and throwing speed bumps in your adventure. The innocent art style and mood of the world always sticks around, and you begin to feel like it's your job to protect it. I've never become so engaged in the fun concepts of a DS game as I did with Phantom Hourglass.

    If you're finding yourself wanting to pick up a classic DS game for fun, Phantom Hourglass is a great pick, and may just pull you back to the handheld console for a bit.    … Expand
  17. Ray520010
    Jul 15, 2018
    8
    This is the first Zelda game on DS platform. I have a mix feeling about this game. I like the new ways to play game, such as shouting to the console, drawing the line, and using the touch screen. Nintendo show us how to play a game without the controller, but I do not like it. This is an easy game among Zelda franchise by using the controller. However, Nintendo intends to show the playersThis is the first Zelda game on DS platform. I have a mix feeling about this game. I like the new ways to play game, such as shouting to the console, drawing the line, and using the touch screen. Nintendo show us how to play a game without the controller, but I do not like it. This is an easy game among Zelda franchise by using the controller. However, Nintendo intends to show the players how to play a game with two screens, so players need to use the lower screen all the time.
    This game takes the fully advantages of the console's technology.
    This game is accessible for newcomers, such as me. I think Zelda games are really hard, but this one is an easier one.
    The up screen can show you a full map of the current dungeon, which just like cheating. This is really convenient for me to locate where i am.    … Expand
  18. AKthaBeast
    Mar 25, 2018
    8
    Not the best Zelda game however it does live up to the standard that you expect from this franchise, just in a different way. In the beginning I was not a huge fan of using the stylus but the more I played it the simpler the controls became. Story is ok and comedic at times. This game is also one of the easier Zelda games I have played
  19. darkzaga
    Mar 31, 2017
    10
    muy interesante propuesta de nintendo. la continuación de un importante juego de game cube adaptado a portátil y explotando todas las características de la doble pantalla. Muy conforme con este titulo.
  20. dibdom
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    Graphics - 10
    Music - 8
    Story - 8
    Gameplay - 9
    Content - 9
    Personal Fun - 10
    Difficulty - 7 .
  21. Akauro
    Nov 27, 2016
    9
    Так, саундтрек 8.5/10.Геймплей 10/10 . Cюжет простой но он не главное для игры этого жанра. Очень крутая игра, всем советую. Очень крутые головоломки. прекрасно 9/10
  22. metacensorship
    Nov 13, 2016
    8
    Apparently this one takes place after Wind Waker, so I'd expect them to correct their mistake of not having the underwater area 51, but nope, they're still **** around. But they put the Sands of Time from Prince of Persia in it for some reason to make up for it and that's pretty alright. The illuminati has the Sands of Time confirmed, now if we can confirm that they have the real DeLorean,Apparently this one takes place after Wind Waker, so I'd expect them to correct their mistake of not having the underwater area 51, but nope, they're still **** around. But they put the Sands of Time from Prince of Persia in it for some reason to make up for it and that's pretty alright. The illuminati has the Sands of Time confirmed, now if we can confirm that they have the real DeLorean, we'll be set.… Expand
  23. GamecubeLover
    Jul 27, 2016
    10
    Phantom Hourglass may not be the most memorable or popular but the game is actually very amazing. The story, gameplay, controls, dungeons, and everything else is perfect!
  24. RSD4G
    Jun 22, 2016
    10
    Nearly finished the game myself, but as for now, I can say it is so great, and even though I am playing it for the first time 9 years later, it feels so good.
    The new stylus based gameplay is very good, it's different, but it's great. The only con is that my wrist gets a little bit tired after some time playing it.
    The characters, the whole ghost-ship story and controls are amazing.    Nearly finished the game myself, but as for now, I can say it is so great, and even though I am playing it for the first time 9 years later, it feels so good.
    The new stylus based gameplay is very good, it's different, but it's great. The only con is that my wrist gets a little bit tired after some time playing it.
    The characters, the whole ghost-ship story and controls are amazing. Would totally love to see a remaster of this game.    … Expand
  25. SharkWaffles
    Jun 10, 2016
    10
    A wonderful experience from start to finish. The temple of the Ocean King may have been repetitive, but brought new challenges every visit. It is built perfectly around the touch controls and is truly one of the greatest games you can grab for your DS.
  26. Vataro
    Mar 16, 2015
    9
    Allein Lineback bereitete mir schon Spaß genug , aber auch die Ideen der Dungeons haben mir gefallen . Nur die schwammige Steuerung und Grafik bereiteten mir manchmal Sorgen , trotzdem ist es gut , aber Spirit Tracks ist besser ;)
  27. blitzkreiig
    Nov 23, 2014
    10
    Awesome game.... My first Zelda game. What a way to get introduced to the series. Controls for the ds are superb. Easy to get into for ask first timers.
  28. assasinatorking
    Jun 16, 2014
    10
    wen i in da field of africa and i travel 2 da america i wish i can se dah zeldo. wen i travel 2 da america i ask for da zeldo and dey giv me dis. now i vary hapy an i bring dis gam bac 2 africa. it was best gam of mah life oder than rhino hunting. but soon giraffe eat it now i sad
  29. Plasmaneedle
    May 29, 2014
    9
    The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass makes excellent use of the DS touch screen. The gameplay is more or less what you would expect from the series which is definitely a good thing. Some complain about the Temple of the Ocean King getting repetitive but I thought it added something new to the gameplay.
  30. Fancypenguin
    Apr 13, 2014
    8
    Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass is another great entry into the Zelda franchise, if disappointing given its pedigree. Phantom Hourglass continues the Wind Waker storyline, and that along with the characters that this storyline introduces like Tetra and Linebeck make it one of my favorite storylines in the the franchise. Phantom Hourglass draws heavily on Wind Waker as an influence,Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass is another great entry into the Zelda franchise, if disappointing given its pedigree. Phantom Hourglass continues the Wind Waker storyline, and that along with the characters that this storyline introduces like Tetra and Linebeck make it one of my favorite storylines in the the franchise. Phantom Hourglass draws heavily on Wind Waker as an influence, almost to a fault (Much like Twilight Princess did with OOT) The sailing mechanic is back, as well as the art style from wind waker, which looks really good on the DS graphic wise. The sailing is fun and adventurous just like in Wind Waker, but unfortunately the game itself is linear (meaning that you have to do dungeons in a set order, as opposed to WW where you could explore and complete each dungeon in whatever order you wanted.) This is unfortunate because it lessens the sense of exploration brought on by the sailing. The touch controls are also very innovative. While the novelty for touch only controls wears off very quickly and they don't always work 100% correctly for movement, drawing on the map is very fun and helpful. Being able to draw your route on the map while sailing is very cool and helpful because you can just set it and focus on fighting enemies, maybe having to make subtle adjustments once in a while. A lot of the puzzles revolve around marking things on the map and then finding them, which is a cool feature. Using the stylus to draw a path to throw the boomerang is also a cool, and feels more natural than just tapping a button and having it go in one direction. The game also cleverly uses the DS mic to do things like blow dust off of map charts. Upgrading your ship is addictive and a very cool game mechanic, as is dredging for chests on the ocean floor in places marked on your map by finding treasure charts. The combat and dungeons as always in Zelda games are great. The touch controls lend themselves well to combat and the dungeons are well designed, though a bit easy per series standards. This game however has one glaring flaw that may turn a lot of people off. That is the Temple of the Ocean King. For some reason, they found the need to make you return to the same uninteresting, not particularly well designed dungeon after every real dungeon. This is not only incredibly lazy, but also really interrupts the flow of the game. I always tell people that if they can survive this dungeon, you can enjoy the rest of the game. Furthermore, the soundtrack is relatively weak by Zelda standards, though Linebeck's theme is one of my favorites of the series. Unfortunately, while this game is very kid/Zelda starter friendly, the more seasoned Zelda fans may find the dungeons and bosses too easy. Overall, Phantom hourglass is a great addition to the Zelda franchise and, despite its flaws, is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and i recommend it to any fan of the franchise (unless you're one of those poser/whiny Zelda fans that always compares every new Zelda to their personal favorite, not being able to enjoy every game on their own merit, or just trashes them because its different.) if you're this type of fan, just ignore it, it doesn't deserve your attention anyway. While this game is far from the best the series has seen, it is still a great game in its own right and worthy of a play through.… Expand
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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]
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »