The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

 DS
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 57 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 555 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Metacritic's 2007 DS Game of the Year] Many months have passed since the events of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Link, Tetra and Tetra’s band of pirates have set sail in search of new lands. They come across a patch of ocean covered in a dense fog, in which they discover an[Metacritic's 2007 DS Game of the Year] Many months have passed since the events of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Link, Tetra and Tetra’s band of pirates have set sail in search of new lands. They come across a patch of ocean covered in a dense fog, in which they discover an abandoned ship. Tetra falls into danger when she explores the ship alone, and Link falls into the ocean when he attempts to rescue her. When he washes up unconscious on the shores of a mysterious island, he is awakened by the sound of a fairy’s voice. With the aid of this fairy, he sets off to find Tetra – and his way back to the seas he once knew. The stylus makes controlling Link easier than ever. Tap on the screen to make Link move, or sweep the stylus around him to swing the sword. Players can even draw a path for his boomerang and send it flying into hard-to-reach targets. Players can stash the map on the top screen for quick reference or drop it to the touch screen to make notes, study enemies, or chart a path for their boat to follow while they man the cannons. Compete with a friend over a local wireless connection: Guide Link through special dungeons to capture the Triforce or command the forces that oppose him. [Nintendo]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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]
  2. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    95
    The best and most complete portable adventure ever. Even if you’re not a fan of the series, you should feel compelled to play it and recognize it as a masterpiece. [Nov 2007]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Nintendo Gamer
    95
    20 of the finest gaming hours of the year. [Dec 2007, p.42]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. AceGamez
    90
    Arguably the DS' greatest title so far.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. IGN
    90
    While it may be more casual than we'd like, it's captivating, entertaining, and a true adventure worthy of the Zelda name. It's different, but it's still the real deal.
  6. AtomicGamer
    89
    Overall, Phantom Hourglass is a pretty good game. While the controls do prove to be an issue, it succeeds in other areas, and does so with flair.
  7. Modojo
    60
    But Zelda: Phantom Hourglass goes the opposite extreme, and turns sailing into a boring and utterly joyless exercise in line drawing. Basically, instead of controlling the ship directly, you'll merely draw your route on the touchscreen and watch your ship travel to that destination.

See all 57 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 132
  3. Negative: 16 out of 132
  1. MikeD.
    Oct 3, 2007
    10
    A great game, innovative in so many ways, and worth of the Zelda name.
  2. DillanR.
    May 5, 2008
    10
    The innovation of this game, with its unique stylus dependant controls makes it completely new, and possibly one of the best games on the DS The innovation of this game, with its unique stylus dependant controls makes it completely new, and possibly one of the best games on the DS platform right now.… Expand
  4. 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 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
  5. 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 theThis 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
  6. Tyrant719
    Feb 26, 2020
    7
    Really critics? A 9?? How much does Nintendo pay for good reviews? Between this and Mario, I have never seen more blatant bias in any otherReally critics? A 9?? How much does Nintendo pay for good reviews? Between this and Mario, I have never seen more blatant bias in any other franchises. This is the first Zelda game that I have played, but I’m really not clamoring to play any others. This is the mighty franchise that’s better than Final Fantasy? Get this kids’ version of Legolas out of here. This is mediocrity defined and the people that play it just don’t have the patience for real RPGs. It’s like this game is made for people who are glued to walkthroughs and just want to say they beat a game. I’m not a fan.… Expand
  7. JenniferM.
    Oct 5, 2007
    7
    It is a good Zelda game, but is dog down by imprecise and forced stylus control. The puzzles are too easy and the dungeon design a bit bland It is a good Zelda game, but is dog down by imprecise and forced stylus control. The puzzles are too easy and the dungeon design a bit bland when compared to other Zelda games, even Minish Cap.Graphics are nice but no match to 2D sprites. Hardcore Zelda fans will find the easy dungeons to be a massive disappointment, where as Nintendo fanboys will probably just lap it up.… Expand
  8. JaredC.
    Oct 2, 2007
    0
    Zelda when she is a baby, and weak, and pethetic, this game is just like that. It misses out on the main story and cliches the slackness of Zelda when she is a baby, and weak, and pethetic, this game is just like that. It misses out on the main story and cliches the slackness of undarkening material. it just doesn't work with all the others.… Expand

See all 132 User Reviews

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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