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. V
    Jan 14, 2008
    9
    wow i just have to say some people ae nerds when it comes to playing zelda ex: Markus. This game overall is innovative and fun to play, and give the graphics some credit its DS for Christ sake, and just for the record all Zelda games are the same if u think about it.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. AdamO.
    Dec 31, 2007
    9
    After a three years of waiting for a Zelda DS game, I'm happy to report that Phantom Hourglass delivers an excellent experience, despite some awkward flaws. To get the bad parts out of the way, the game is somewhat shorter than what you would expect from this series. Also, whenever you beat a temple, you have to return to a temple on your home island and go through each floor of the After a three years of waiting for a Zelda DS game, I'm happy to report that Phantom Hourglass delivers an excellent experience, despite some awkward flaws. To get the bad parts out of the way, the game is somewhat shorter than what you would expect from this series. Also, whenever you beat a temple, you have to return to a temple on your home island and go through each floor of the temple as you progress throughout the game. This temple definitely has some genius puzzles, but why should we have to repeat parts of it 3 or 4 times. Despite those problems, this is a must-have in any DS library, and for many reasons. The game sets the bar for amazing production value in DS games, with silky smooth 3-D animation and cinematics. While the DS' speakers are less than stellar, the classic music and sound effects sound surprisingly clean and pleasant. But the real highlight of the game is the touch-screen only controls, and it works almost perfectly, only a little unresponsive during intense sword fights. Boss fights are also some of the most innovative I've seen on any system. It's may not be the best the series has to offer, but sets a new standard for DS games.… Expand
  6. AnonymousMC
    Dec 29, 2007
    8
    It was a brillliant game, and i thought that the controls were brilliant however, the trade in price was extremely frustrating as it has no replay value. Very disappionted with teh reuse of the temple of the ocean king, what was the point in the making of the whole game if you repeat the same thing all the time.
  7. Andrew
    Dec 25, 2007
    8
    This game is not the game of the century, but it is a fun game. The touch controls take a while to get used to, and can be annoying, but they aren't too bad. You do have to go to one temple many times over the course of the game, and there are invincible enemies, but you eventually get an item that can damage them. Sailing is not as simple as drawing a line to your destination and This game is not the game of the century, but it is a fun game. The touch controls take a while to get used to, and can be annoying, but they aren't too bad. You do have to go to one temple many times over the course of the game, and there are invincible enemies, but you eventually get an item that can damage them. Sailing is not as simple as drawing a line to your destination and waiting. You will be attacked, and can die easily if you don't pay attention. But if you are attentive, you can easily earn rupees from enemies. And after a certain point in the game, you can warp to six different parts of the sea. I'd say more about it, but I'm barely at that point. Most of my info is from guides I read. If you own a DS, you should get this game. It is easily worth $34.99.… Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Xarshale
    Dec 9, 2007
    9
    Great game, and worth every penny, its ONLY flaw is the Temple of the Ocean king which must be repeated. Controls are spot on, the cannon works spot on in the sea, and the sword fighting and item usage is easy, with the screen moving with a ranged weapon. The stuff of win, if you have a DS, GET IT!
  11. Dr.Dog
    Nov 25, 2007
    10
    I CANNOT BELIEVE some of the critiscisms people have of this game namely: 1) The sailing is boring 2) The Ocean King's Temple is repetative. In my mind you have to be quite creatively depressing to bring those things to light. First of all, needless sailing around can be skipped with the golden frog warp which you do quite early on. For me, this kind of aimless wandering is I CANNOT BELIEVE some of the critiscisms people have of this game namely: 1) The sailing is boring 2) The Ocean King's Temple is repetative. In my mind you have to be quite creatively depressing to bring those things to light. First of all, needless sailing around can be skipped with the golden frog warp which you do quite early on. For me, this kind of aimless wandering is indicitive of this whole genre. For example, think how much time you waste just holding down the A button when playing RPG/Final Fantasy games to build up your stats. For me, the comparatively short time you have to spend sailing about is NO PROBLEM! Secondly, I actually liked trying to do the Temple and cut my time down and finding secret treasure chests. Thought it was very clever how someone sat down and designed a single dungeon that can only be slowly opened up as you discover new items. Maybe it's just me??? As far as the control mechanism is concered I loved how they stuck to their guns using only the stylus. There's actually one skeleton in the Temple who makes a reference to all those people who moaned about there being no d-pad controls - nice tongue in cheek swipe at you miserable sods!!! This game was OUTSTANDING from start to finish! Thank you to anyone in the development team at Nintendo!!!… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. IumiV.
    Nov 23, 2007
    9
    The gameplay is so new and different - and still functional. Moving Link at times can be frustrating but Zelda DS really opens so much potential for using touchscreen controls for action games. Plus attacks with the stylus seem so much more lively and interactive than twitches of the thumb. While the plot itself is fairly simple, the game does a good job of character development: Link The gameplay is so new and different - and still functional. Moving Link at times can be frustrating but Zelda DS really opens so much potential for using touchscreen controls for action games. Plus attacks with the stylus seem so much more lively and interactive than twitches of the thumb. While the plot itself is fairly simple, the game does a good job of character development: Link doesn't have a single word of dialogue, yet you have a strong feel for who he is in this game. The tongue-in-cheek Linebeck and the obsessive-for-obsessiveness' sake Jolene are also hilarious characters with depth and humanity. In great literature, plot is rarely the predominant literary technique - character development is most often the clinching factor in great writing. In summary, the advances Phantom Hourglass makes in controls and character development are performed so well that you don't even realize what huge steps and innovations are being made in this quiet, small, yet powerful gaming masterpiece.… Expand
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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...
  18. 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.
  19. KevinR.
    Nov 5, 2007
    9
    Superb visuals, an interesting story, and a brilliant control scheme add up to another great portable entry into the Zelda universe. If only it were a little more difficult.
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. JakeH.
    Oct 17, 2007
    1
    Horrible game. Too repetitive.
  23. 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
  24. [Anonymous]
    Oct 11, 2007
    9
    Far and wide the best Adventure game for the DS. A must have.
  25. JoshG.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Something new and fun, even if I would've liked to be able to move using the D-pad.
  26. MejaR.
    Oct 9, 2007
    2
    It's very repetitive... eg the Ocean King's Temple ... give me a break... fancy graphics, etc do NOT make a good game. RENT IT and save your $$.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. AndrewS.
    Oct 6, 2007
    9
    Great game overflowing with innovative gameplay. From the mic, the puzzles, the variety, and simply the way you control Link, it all flows. While I find the dungeons too short, and the bosses to easy, it's all overshadowed by the greatness of this game. Even the at first seemingly unsubstancial multiplayer grows on you. The only reason this game doesn't get a ten from me is the Great game overflowing with innovative gameplay. From the mic, the puzzles, the variety, and simply the way you control Link, it all flows. While I find the dungeons too short, and the bosses to easy, it's all overshadowed by the greatness of this game. Even the at first seemingly unsubstancial multiplayer grows on you. The only reason this game doesn't get a ten from me is the fact that it's just a tad too casual for my tastes. Other than that this is, without a doubt, the best DS game out at this point. 2 thumbs up!… 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

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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]
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