The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Review by: Uzar - 8/10
Legend of Trains: Zelda helps this timeIt's been awhile since I reviewed last. But, in the spirit of this game, I was able to track my ability to type a coherent review again! Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks is a pretty fun game. It's a distant sequel to Phantom Hourglass, and at times it shows. There is a lot of re-used models, and controls. But it's not essentially a bad thing. But without further adieu, the review must go on!
Overall: 8/10
So, this is a sequel to a sequel to a game that split the Zelda fanbase WITH TRAINS!!. That sparked my curiosity, so I got it. It was actually pretty good! As I mentioned before, there is a bit of re-used stuff from Phantom Hourglass. Like the design for Gorons, Cuccos, some of the people, [spoiler]Linebeck Jr[/spoiler], signs, sound effects, and the like. But it's not a bad thing. They really did make a lot of things on their own, and it's as creative, and surprisingly good as you would come to expect from Nintendo. :D I really liked the boss fights, arena mode, and the fact Zelda helps you at some points and most of all...I DON'T NEED TO CONSTANTLY GO BACK TO THE STUPID TEMPLE OF THE STUPID OCEAN STUPID KING! Playable Phantoms are a nice addition too.
Graphics: 7/10
The graphics are alright, but they could be better. There are lots of obvious 2D Sprites, and with the DS's 3D graphics...It doesn't look too great at times. But it does manage to pull off some cool visuals. Like the cutout story at the beginning, or the giant Tektite that chases your train, the boss fight against Byrne, and the overworlds. Well, at times traveling through them is boring. The Forest Realm in particular is mostly filled with nothing. But the other ones have a bit more to look at.
Sound: 9/10
The sound is pretty good actually! There are a few tunes I always hum to myself even now. Mainly the chipper little tune that plays when you ride the train from place to place. The only time it changes is when you're being chased by a Phantom Train, and trust me, that one is terrifying!! Anywho, the background music for villages in each region really don't change. Well, each region has it's own song. And then the temples have their own as well. Really, what the game lacks graphically it makes up about ten times more with music! It has some really great pieces; like the Tower of Spirits, Boss Fights, and, well, all of it! Oh, and there's a little cord dangling on top of the touch screen while riding the train, when you pull it down it blows the whistle. That is...a lot more fun than it should be. :LOL:
Addictiveness: 6/10
This game really keeps you coming back during the first playthrough! But, there are a few sidequests I realized I didn't do. And, really, that's the only thing to replay for. Well, that and for old time's sake really.
Story: 9/10
So, in an effort to keep things spoiler free. Here's the story. Link, alongside Tetra's Crew discovered an entire continent shortly after Phantom Hourglass. They called it New Hyrule, and settled there. Fast forward one hundred years to Niko, now an old man, telling this to our new hero in a pretty nice callback to Phantom Hourglass. But today is no ordinary day, its Link's graduation ceremony! He moves from an apprentice, to a full fledged train conductor. And none other than Zelda is going to make it official. But upon arriving at (New) Hyrule Castle, Zelda gives him his certificate, and a note that tells him to meet her in her quarters. When Link arrives, Zelda tells him that the Spirit Tracks are starting to disappear, and she suspects Chancellor Cole has something to do with it. She asks him to take her to the Tower of Spirits to talk with Ajeen, a Locomo. Locomo's are guardians of New Hyrule, and also the Spirit Tracks. On their way there, the tracks Link is riding on disappear from right under them! And what's worse, Chancellor Cole really IS evil! And him and his henchman Byrne quickly incapacitate Alfanso, Link's former teacher and former knight, along with Link. Then he goes one step farther, he casts a spell on Zelda, separating her soul from her body, he then flees with Zelda's body to the top of the Tower of Spirits. Zelda decides to help Link get her body back and stop Cole!
Depth: 6/10
This game has a pretty big scale, and lots of towns, fields, and other locations to stop by. There are a few sidequests that pretty much scale the entire game also. Like catching rabbits, collecting stamps, and taking passengers from place to place. To be honest I actually didn't do all of them, and I had no idea until I basically finished the game, and found a strategy guide for it. So I may replay it sometime soon.
Difficulty: 7/10
It isn't TOO hard, but, it has that Zelda style of progressive difficulty, mazes, puzzles, an items needed to solve them. There are some tricky parts, even for seasoned moblin slayers. It won't leave you feeling like that temple, or boss, was a bit TOO easy. ;) ...Except for probably the first ones. Although probably the most trouble I had was playing the Spirit Flute, a set of panpipes who's function is similar to the Ocarina of Time's. To play it you blow into the microphone, and use the stylus to move it around. I think it may have been having a weird microphone or something, but I always had a little more trouble with that then I should have had.
Things not covered:
Pro: Return of Bulbins.
Con: There is a very featureless area you will always be coming back to, and you may get bored.
Pro: Creative use of the microphone.
Pro: Even though, similar to Phantom Hourglass, you will return to a dungeon after beating a temple, it's MUCH more easily navigated, and you don't need to endlessly repeat areas you already completed.
Pro: Zelda also helps you through previously mentioned dungeon. It's crawling with Phantoms, just like in Phantom Hourglass. And for those who haven't played it, they are fast, invincible, and kill you in one hit. But, if you can hit one in the back, Zelda will possess it, giving you a very strong ally. She can carry you, walk through lava and spikes, and distract other Phantoms. And it's a lot of fun doing that area because of it! :)
Graphics
7 Sound
9 Addictive
6 Depth
6 Story
9 Difficulty
7
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