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. Teliiii
    Dec 5, 2011
    9
    Great game overall, but one of the worst Zelda games (in a good way). The story is very nice, but the lack of side quests, make it a very short game. Zelda games are known for their gameplay, and this game is no exception. The unique controls really show off what the DS can do.
  2. Zilcell
    Apr 2, 2012
    8
    This game had big shoes to fill because its a sequel to Wind Waker. This game is not as good as wind waker because of the control interface, but it has decent puzzles and story.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Someguy151015
    Aug 23, 2012
    8
    Played this game non-stop until I 100% the game. Only things I did not like was the slow sailing and the time it took to get through the phantoms in the Temple of the Ocean King.
  6. Mmmmph
    Mar 16, 2016
    4
    This game is repetitive, very very very repetitive. Every time you go into a dungeon you have to go back and go through the exact same temple of the ocean king again. It never changes, ever, they don't introduce new or interesting mechanics on levels you've already been to.

    Its just the same thing, over, and over, and over again with forced stealth mechanics and a timer and it    This game is repetitive, very very very repetitive. Every time you go into a dungeon you have to go back and go through the exact same temple of the ocean king again. It never changes, ever, they don't introduce new or interesting mechanics on levels you've already been to.

    Its just the same thing, over, and over, and over again with forced stealth mechanics and a timer and it completely sucks any enjoyment out of the game for me.    … Expand
  7. 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
  8. HeroinePandora
    Sep 28, 2013
    8
    This game was a continuation of a game I had never played, but I did know the lore of. The story was light, but enough to make me want to keep playing. The characterization was lively and i could actually feel the characters grow on me a bit as I watched them grow. I didn't like being forced to only use the touch screen rather than have the option of being able to use the D-pad. The artThis game was a continuation of a game I had never played, but I did know the lore of. The story was light, but enough to make me want to keep playing. The characterization was lively and i could actually feel the characters grow on me a bit as I watched them grow. I didn't like being forced to only use the touch screen rather than have the option of being able to use the D-pad. The art and music is what is at least expected from the Zelda series. Ultimately, I did have fun with it, but I probably wouldn't replay it because of the more annoying parts, like the Sea King's temple, which forces you to repeat past floors each time.
    Music: 8
    Art: 8
    Story: 7
    Gameplay: 7    … Expand
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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 ;)
  16. fcbass
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    เกมส์โคตรสนุก การใช้ปากกาในการควมคุม มันส้รางสรรค์มากๆ วิธีหาทางไปต่อ Puzzle ต่างๆ ไอเดียบรรเจิดมากๆ
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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!
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. Focaccia
    Feb 20, 2017
    3
    This game is the worst Zelda game ever made. The touchscreen controls are terrible and unlike in the Windwaker, sailing is boring as hell. The Phantom Hourglass is one of the most annoying items in the Zelda franchise, and yet the game is named after it. Most of the game is boring backtracking, while I believe backtracking in Skyward Sword was amazing, in Phantom Hourglass it just made me suffer.
  24. dibdom
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    Graphics - 10
    Music - 8
    Story - 8
    Gameplay - 9
    Content - 9
    Personal Fun - 10
    Difficulty - 7 .
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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 »