[Rev.](Games) The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Developer: Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo

Year: 2007

With Spirit Tracks just around the corner, it makes sense just to have a brief look back at Phantom Hourglass, the game that was seen as the next logical step for the Zelda series. I would say that it was, but it wasn’t the best Zelda experience.

Setting the problems aside for the moment, let’s look at what makes Phantom Hourglass great. 

First is the controls. When I picked up the game I did doubt that the controls would actually work; but my doubts were unfounded: the controls work like a dream. Sliding the stylus about the screen to move Link feels fresh and intuitive, and there is never a point where it feels intrusive. Enemies can be attacked by just touching them, with Link performing simple slashes, which is all well and good on simple enemies, but on harder ones you want something better. And here is where the controls work perfectly; draw a circle to initiate the classic spin attack. The forward roll also returns, but is slightly tricky to master.

Using the touch screen for items feels really natural, especially for items like the boomerang and grappling hook, where all you need to do is draw a line on the screen. It’s also nice to see the return of a particular item that was sadly missing from the GameCube prequel.

The touch screen also comes into its own with the new note function built into the map screen, handy for solving puzzles and noting where items are in the dungeons; of which there are eight and  some see you exploring places not really seen in a Zelda title before. And they all connect with the story really well, which is an absolute corker.

Picking up directly from Wind Waker’s spectacular ending, it sees Link sailing the high seas once more , and although I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t played the game, I will say that it is a great setup with a brand new series villain. Like any other Zelda game, the story sucks you in with danger, charm, and gallantry, and never lets up. The characters are funny and charming, while the boss battles really build in the DS hardware, using both screens; and I couldn’t imagine not using the touch screen for some of them. There’s also plenty of side-quests to divert you from the main adventure, including treasure hunting at sea, fishing, and the useful spirit jewel side-quest. 

Puzzles also require more thinking, which is designed to work hand in hand with the note function. From remembering symbols to hitting switches in the right order, there’s quite a bit to work out.

And let’s not forget those visuals. With the same graphical style to Wind Waker, they are perfectly suited to Nintendo’s handheld. Sure it doesn’t look as smooth, but the lack of extra polygons really has no effect on the quality of the game, and it’s not until you’ve seen the vastness of the Great Sea can you truly revere the game’s beauty.

And through all this beauty I have only two problems; it’s too short, and its too easy. Phantom Hourglass is one of the shortest Zelda games, and will not have you on for forty to fifty hours collecting everything like in Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess. There are the ship parts and treasures to collect, but do you really want to be salvaging in the sea for hours on end? Also cutting down the length is the exclusion of heart pieces, with you being rewarded with full heart containers after completing certain in-depth side-quests. But all except one, these aren’t challenging enough; and neither are the bosses and dungeons. Usually it would take me a couple of tries to beat the final boss, but in Phantom Hourglass I done it first time, and in a quick time for a Zelda game too.

My only other gripe with the game is that first dungeon, which you visit multiple times throughout the story. This wouldn’t be too bad if you started where you left, but you have to go though the entire thing again and again. After the second visit it becomes a chore, and it takes a lot of effort to get to that final boss at the bottom.

Indeed, Phantom Hourglass seems aimed at newcomers to the series,  which is a shame, as it sets a dampener on a hugely enjoyable Zelda adventure. If only it was harder, longer, and didn’t have the repetitive dungeon, we would have a perfect game.

+ Excellent use of the DS controls

+ Graphical style works really well

+ Great storyline

- Seems aimed at newcomers – too easy and too short

- That repetitive dungeon

8/10

[Rev.][Games] Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City (Wii)

Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City

Developer: Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo

Year: 2008

Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City  is the latest update to the Animal Crossing series, and I say update, as this is roughly 90% the same game as it’s two prequels. I guess this would be Nintendo’s equivalent of releasing an expansion pack, for that is all this seems to be.

For the newcomer to the Animal Crossing series, this is the best version out of the three, using its basic principles introduced in the GameCube and combining them with the features of DS’ Wild World.

You begin the game as a small human character moving out to your own town, with a promise of new life, new friends, and new scenery. After been greeted on the bus by Rover, the friendly cat who sets up your name, town and settings, you’ll find yourself in your new town. You are then tasked to choose a house from those dotted around the town. Once you’re set up, prepare to get down to business, for there’s a price to pay and it doesn’t come cheap. Fortunately, as in previous versions of the game, you find a job with Tom Nook, the local racoon entrepreneur. Working in Tom Nook’s shop acts as the game’s tutorial and introduces you to all the major aspects of the game, such as gardening, giving gifts, sending letters, and chatting to the game’s animal characters.

This is the part of the game where Animal Crossing veterans will feel bored and eager to get on with the game, but thankfully the tutorial does not last long. It would have easier if there had been an option to skip this section, but you are forced to go through it.

After the tutorial you are then free to explore the Animal Crossing world, and there’s certainly a lot to do. With fishing, bug catching, fossil digging; there isn’t enough time for everything. Thankfully then, the game has no set endpoint and can theoretically continue for years. And newcomers to the series should definitely experience a whole year to see all the different events in the game.

Here it’s nice to see some of the events from the original included in this version after they were missed out of Wild World, plus some new ones. For example, the Christmas event is back with Jingle the Reindeer, as well as a an Easter event with Zipper T. Bunny.

The core gameplay is still the same, collect things, sell them to earn money which you use to pay your mortgage and upgrade your house. This time round however, there is a greater focus on donating to the town fund, which will upgrade your town by adding another bridge, a fountain, and either a windmill or a lighthouse.

The only big difference with this game and its prequels is the addition of the titular city. Well, it isn’t really a city, but more of a plaza where different services are placed for easy access. Almost all of these come from the previous games, but unlike its predecessors, Wild World has them available every day, instead of just at certain days. Crazy Redd, Gracie and Katrina all gain their own permanent shops, while Shampoodle moves out of Tom Nook’s and into the city. Shampoodle now offers haircuts from the offset, but with a twist, as you can use purchase a makeover to use your Mii’s face in the game, which adds a nice personal touch. Also available is an auction house, where players can auction items and bid for new ones, and a theater which houses Dr. Shrunk, the comedian from Wild World who will give you emotions to use in the game.

The city is a welcome addition as it makes many of the game's services easier to access, and in my opinion is the best addition in the game.

The Wi-Fi features are also enhanced from Wild World, and use the Wii’s online capabilities well. Post can be sent directly to Wii message boards, and screenshots can be taken and saved onto an SD card using the camera function. Wii Speak, the wide range microphone that is bundled with the Wii Speak versions of the game, can be used to great effect online, and now there is no need to type out those frustrating on screen messages. I don’t have Wii Speak myself, so I don’t know how good the microphone is, but I’m sure if you are going to use the online features often it will be a great asset. The friend code system is still in place like in every other Nintendo Wi-Fi enable game, which keeps your town secure from strangers, but limits the people you can interact with.

Nintendo are also giving out downloadable content for the game, which has seen many different items through its first eleven months. They often tie the DLC in with certain releases, such as the Pikmin hat and the DSi chair. This downloadable content keeps the item collection element of the game fresh, and you’ll often find yourself eagerly awaiting the next piece of content.

For those who have Wild World, you can also import your DS character onto your Wii version along with most of your catalogue items, saving you a lot of time and enabling you to jump straight in to the game. Your collections aren’t imported however, and you’ll have to catch all those old fish and bugs again, along with some new additions.

Essentially, Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City is the same game that was on the GameCube, only with a fresher look, and with better organised and implemented features and Wi-Fi. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this has lead to many Animal Crossing veterans to leave the game after a few months.

If you are a newcomer to the series, this is an essential purchase that will take up many hours of your time as you manage your town, upgrade your house and complete your collections. However if you own either or both of the previous games you will find little to hold your attention past the fifth or sixth month.

+ The city is a great new feature

+ Combines the best bits from the previous two games

+ You’ll be playing for months on end

+ Downloadable content keeps you coming back

- Not enough to hold old fans

Score: 7/10