The Legend of Zelda is classic Miyamoto. It has evolved tremendously since its original debut in the third quarter of 1987 on the original Nintendo Entertainment System(NES). Its fan base has grown extensively over the last 23 years, as so has the franchise's appeal.
The series has adapted well to all Nintendo systems over the years, making full use of the consoles resources.
The series has adapted well to all Nintendo systems over the years, making full use of the consoles resources.
Zelda's DS iterations are no exception. They prove to be one of the portable systems most graphic intensive titles. The stylus control system has been implemented wonderfully, allowing the player to take full control of the game merely with a touch of the bottom screen. This is a rarity among DS titles, as touch-screen controls for the majority of DS games are absent, sloppy, or gimmicky at best. Spirit Tracks also makes interesting use of the NDS's microphone. This is all the detail that can be provided without spoilers, but rest assured... you'll find yourself smiling when you get to this point.
Another great feat of the two DS Zelda titles is their adherence to game mechanics that are classic of the series. The controls come naturally to any Zelda fan, and the flow of the game is just as traditional.
That being said, the comparison of the two Zelda DS titles, The Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, provides the most accurate review. These differences are predominately the same as those between Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, the two Zelda titles found on Nintendo 64.
Ocarina of Time, the first Zelda title on N64, was highly definitive. It brought Zelda a new stunning look while adhering closely to traditional Zelda elements. The second of the series to arrive on N64, Majora's Mask, made use of the same aesthetics and basic mechanics, but brought in original elements, such as the ability to change into different characters and control time. Its focus seemed to lie on the incorporation of new mini-games, new environments, and other innovative elements.
The same can be said for Spirit Tracks. Obviously, Phantom Hourglass defined the series on the DS with its Wind Waker cel-shading and adoption of the stylus control system. Spirit Tracks, however, expands on those basics and takes the gameplay in a new direction.
Instead of a boat, players will now find themselves operating a train across preset tracks all throughout Hyrule. There will be PLENTY of new mini-games to keep you busy and lots of fun new equipment that will impress any Zelda fan. The added ability to control different enemy types via Princess Zelda adds an exciting element and a great deal of difficulty to some of the game's puzzles.
Unfortunately, Spirit Tracks retains the same flaw that was characteristic of Majora’s Mask. At times, the sheer amount of side-quests and mini-games becomes a nuisance as it ‘de-rails’ from the plot. Copious and repetitious, these elements begin to feel like a chore. It does pay-off in the long run, but the grinding is difficult.
3.5/5 stars
3.5/5 stars
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