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. 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
  2. FOJAKV
    Oct 2, 2007
    10
    Great, Great Great!! An old franchise with a new air and tons of control innovations, really a 9.5 score. One of the best adventure / rpg of al times stil captivating and going a step farther..good job Nintendo. Buy It !!
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Crazyqazqaz
    Oct 27, 2008
    10
    Zelda games are famous for having incredibly long story lines, mind boggling puzzles, scores of mini-quests and the notorious Water Temples that consume hours of your life and have even been made into a slang (if a bit underused) term for something incredibly difficult. This, though, is a breath of fresh air. The game is lovingly crafted using bright, welcoming colours and a story line Zelda games are famous for having incredibly long story lines, mind boggling puzzles, scores of mini-quests and the notorious Water Temples that consume hours of your life and have even been made into a slang (if a bit underused) term for something incredibly difficult. This, though, is a breath of fresh air. The game is lovingly crafted using bright, welcoming colours and a story line that manages to be genuinely funny while being brilliantly unpredicable. The control scheme is fabulous, I really can't see what people have been complaining about. It isn't overly difficult but not a total breeze either. It will stump you at times, but that is nothing that a little creative thought and a small amount of thinking outside the box won't solve. A brilliant little game, can't praise it enough!… Expand
  6. JohnnyK.
    Oct 5, 2007
    10
    Awesome zelda game, sweet graphics and control. Defenitely a must-buy
  7. 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.
  8. RoyD.
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    The best game on the DS. The use of sylus and mic are refresing. Sometimes frustrating. (Ocean's King Temple) Very innovative.
  9. 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
  10. Brevitythat'sright
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    2 hours in, twice I've though the game was broken - but it was just me not thinking laterally enough. I love it. Good, solid adventure. Will keep you entertained throughout.
  11. MattyM.
    Oct 4, 2007
    9
    This game truly shows off the potential of the DS as a platform, and does the Zelda series the justice it deserves at the same time. The touch-screen is used in so many clever ways that it makes you realize just how much the DS has to offer developers and consumers, and how much room there is left for innovation. If you have a DS, you pretty much need this game.
  12. steveTodoroki
    Sep 3, 2007
    9
    I just cleared the game (Japanese import) and it kept me mostly entertained through the 20 odd hours of gameplay. The touch controls work brilliantly and there are some very inventive uses of the DS for puzzles which perplexed and amazed me.;One puzzle actually requires you to close shut the DS and open it again to merge an image on the bottom screen with the top. My only criticism isI just cleared the game (Japanese import) and it kept me mostly entertained through the 20 odd hours of gameplay. The touch controls work brilliantly and there are some very inventive uses of the DS for puzzles which perplexed and amazed me.;One puzzle actually requires you to close shut the DS and open it again to merge an image on the bottom screen with the top. My only criticism is there is a main dungeon which you have to play through repeatedly and it gets a little bit boring the fifth time you do it. However, it`s easily one of the best portable games I`ve ever played and definitely the best game released on the DS so far.… Expand
  13. KaleK
    Jan 6, 2010
    8
    You see the difference between a nintendo fan and a ps3 or xbox360 fan, is that the true nintendo fan is able to look past great graphics quality. The other fans of different consoles get focused on them. Some people say graphics dont make a game and some do. But what really makes a game is good game play, controls and a challenge. And I say this is what phantom hour-glass provides. You see the difference between a nintendo fan and a ps3 or xbox360 fan, is that the true nintendo fan is able to look past great graphics quality. The other fans of different consoles get focused on them. Some people say graphics dont make a game and some do. But what really makes a game is good game play, controls and a challenge. And I say this is what phantom hour-glass provides. However it could be better if it had a journal or something to remember what you last did.… Expand
  14. HenryL.
    Nov 8, 2007
    10
    Very well implemented use of the touch controls, the timed sections are a minor flaw, but not enough to damper my enjoyment with this fantastic game.
  15. S.K.
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    The 10 is for this game's innovation. I can't believe Nintendo underhyped yet another instant classic (the other being Metroid Prime 3). JC A.: stop being such a Zelda hater. Obviously, you have never played a Zelda game in your life, because the character you control is called Link, not Zelda. Worship whatever game you like, but don't be unfair. Jared C.: I have seen quite The 10 is for this game's innovation. I can't believe Nintendo underhyped yet another instant classic (the other being Metroid Prime 3). JC A.: stop being such a Zelda hater. Obviously, you have never played a Zelda game in your life, because the character you control is called Link, not Zelda. Worship whatever game you like, but don't be unfair. Jared C.: I have seen quite a few of your comments, and you are simply being a Nintendo hater; don't be.… Expand
  16. Ashogo
    Oct 5, 2007
    9
    A brilliant Zelda game which takes full advantage of everything the ds has to offer. It's really amazing to see how the developers have implemented so many new ideas into the game to make all the old stuff feel fresh again. And the graphics are beautiful, so your eyes won't be bleeding as you play through the adventure(unlike some other ds games...)Controls feel tight and A brilliant Zelda game which takes full advantage of everything the ds has to offer. It's really amazing to see how the developers have implemented so many new ideas into the game to make all the old stuff feel fresh again. And the graphics are beautiful, so your eyes won't be bleeding as you play through the adventure(unlike some other ds games...)Controls feel tight and responsive. The story is also surprisingly interesting and driving, and to cap it all off Phantom Hourglass features a simple but extremely addictive battle mode which can be played competitively against a friend or anyone worldwide through wi-fi. My biggest complaint is that the game is over too quickly, but you can't have it all I guess.… Expand
  17. RobertP.
    Oct 5, 2007
    10
    One of the best handhelds Zelda games ever. The Stylus controls feel like a breeze and the graphics and sound are superb.
  18. PeterH.
    Oct 7, 2007
    9
    I thought this was a great game, the lack of difficulty is probably a sign of the times, and to be honest suits my concentration span.
  19. KeithR.
    Oct 8, 2007
    10
    Awesome game, had to play till end. One of the first games played for DS that I couldn't put down.
  20. uwepoll
    Aug 15, 2007
    10
    [Rating based on Japanese import] Phantom Hourglass is not only the best handheld Zelda ever, it's the best Zelda game, full stop. It controls perfectly with the stylus and oozes the same undeniable charm and character as The Wind Waker, and it delivers the same wonderful sensation that anything could happen when you set off on your ship to a new island. Fortunately, sailing is[Rating based on Japanese import] Phantom Hourglass is not only the best handheld Zelda ever, it's the best Zelda game, full stop. It controls perfectly with the stylus and oozes the same undeniable charm and character as The Wind Waker, and it delivers the same wonderful sensation that anything could happen when you set off on your ship to a new island. Fortunately, sailing is automatic after plotting your course and the sea is never as endless and empty as was the case in the Wind Waker. The game also feels much better paced than any of its predecessors with barely any dull, longwinded tasks or pointless collectibles. It feels like they pitched everything right and delivered, for once, a fairly short, but nearly perfectly formed Zelda game. Phantom Hourglass is bound to enthrall all with its myriad of imaginative puzzles and battles that utilize the DS better than any game on the system before it.… Expand
  21. ChristopherP.
    Jan 5, 2008
    10
    I really loved this game... Link comes back once again in a brand new adventure which mixes mechanics of old with a revolutionary new combat system, and entertaining new characters! Easily accessible, it could very much be your first game in the series and you'd love it just as much.
  22. RT
    Jan 8, 2008
    8
    Fun and innovative, this is one of the best games I've ever played on my DS. Link is cute as a button, but also a multi-talented warrior due to the numerous tools he is given, most of which you will recognize from the earlier games. The game designers thought deeply about every detail of the game from the use of the stylus, to the character actions (Link tapping the earth down with Fun and innovative, this is one of the best games I've ever played on my DS. Link is cute as a button, but also a multi-talented warrior due to the numerous tools he is given, most of which you will recognize from the earlier games. The game designers thought deeply about every detail of the game from the use of the stylus, to the character actions (Link tapping the earth down with his foot after filling a hole is perfect!), to just thinking of something new. I agree with others that the Temple of the Ocean King is a real thorn in the side, and one of the weakest parts of the game. I don't mind returning there over and over again. I do mind spending time WAITING. If this were a console game, it wouldn't be so bad, but with a portable game, you want small segments you can complete "in between." That is, on the train to work, on your lunch break, etc. Perhaps the shortcuts they offered could have been more aggressive, allowing you to pass through an entire floor you had previously passed through by opening a new passageway with a recently acquired tool, or a special token from someone you helped since the last time you'd been there. This trouble aside, the rest of the play can be addictive. The Battle Mode is fun without requiring too much explanation for someone who has never played before. I recommend this game wholeheartedly, even with some of the drawbacks. It will become a favorite!… Expand
  23. Skidmarks
    Mar 20, 2008
    10
    Great game. First Zelda I've bothered to finish in a while. Loved the controls. Perhaps a little easy, but fun through-out and I got many hours out of it.
  24. KE
    May 11, 2008
    9
    This is the only Zelda game I have ever played and it was epic. At first try it can be a bit hard though, but overall it's just wonderful.
  25. GiancarloG.
    Aug 24, 2008
    9
    its a great game with very fun puzzles often unexplained though. the fighting the monsters is not the best part of the game. but struggling through the puzzles. I've read some reviews and i agree they should put a save feature in the dungeons and having to back track is annoying. the same dungeon does get a little bit boring. but the funny storyline is entertaining. great game and its a great game with very fun puzzles often unexplained though. the fighting the monsters is not the best part of the game. but struggling through the puzzles. I've read some reviews and i agree they should put a save feature in the dungeons and having to back track is annoying. the same dungeon does get a little bit boring. but the funny storyline is entertaining. great game and I'm looking forward to finishing it. oh yea the salvage arm gets wrecked a lot and we always have to go back and forth to mercay. build on every island for pete's sake!! good job guys we need another zelda DS game.… Expand
  26. JoshC
    Sep 30, 2008
    9
    This Zelda was a lot of fun. They did a good job with utilizing the dual screens and using the stylus. The dungeon that you have to revisit multiple times got old and sailing everywhere got really annoying.
  27. JesseR
    Jan 18, 2010
    9
    When Phantom Hourglass broke onto the scene I was a bit skeptic of how great another ocean-roaming Zelda could be, but after playing through it I really enjoyed it. While it can be a bit simple at times and the array of items isn
  28. ChandlerG.
    Nov 10, 2007
    9
    Amazingly addictive and one of the most interactive games ever. No button usage may be strange at first, but then it all starts come into view what Nintendo is succeeding at doing, this is the next generation in gaming. If I had the option of using buttons, my eyes wouldn't be open to Nintendo's vision. And its a damn fine vision at that.
  29. AndrewM.
    Nov 8, 2007
    10
    Reverting back to hand held from the PC with this game is the best thing I've done. Refreshing, quirky, addictive fun...
  30. Proggy
    Oct 2, 2007
    10
    Don´t bother to read de cheap reviews of new gamers (Jc, Jared, Markus / maybe PSP fans ), it´s fun, great and with innovations for the franchise. Buy it and enjoy it. The Best Handheld game to date and of course for the DS...Good Job Nintendo !!!
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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

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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]
See all critic reviews »