From the moment I began to play The Legend of Zelda: Adventure of Link for the original NES, the armchair adventurer in me emerged. For in that game you, the video gamer helped the hero, Link find useful objects, converse with other characters you met along the way, defeated monsters and bosses, all in an attempt at rescuing Princess Zelda from her plight.
As video game systems became more high tech, so did the games. I have since played most of the Legend of Zelda games including: A Link to the past (SNES) Link's Awakening (Gameboy) Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask (N64) and I am in the process of playing the latest one in the series: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hour Glass for the portable Nintendo DS. What I have discovered here is truly an amazing addition to the series. Although it's a follow up to the Nintendo Gamecube's Wind Waker game, the game lives up to the true Zelda fun factor, addictive gameplay and for this handheld system, the graphics are smooth, and cartoon like with clear sound effects to match.
In addition, you, the video gamer, control and move Link around with the use of the Nintendo DS stylus or touch pen. A feature I had to adjust to, but once I did, I found the game to be rather fun and entertaining.
Also, because of the touch screen feature, you can now write clues you find along the way on the games's or dungeon's map you are currently using. And remember in the previous Zelda titles how Link could not lift objects unless he had beaten some monster to gain the Power Glove or Power Bracelet?
With Nintendo DS the Phantom Hour Glass, all you do here is touch the object you want Link to lift and select a place where you want him to place such object and voila! Link's lifting and carrying ability just became became a little easier.
The Nintendo DS/DS Lite system also has a built in microphone which you use during certain parts of the game. For example, when you find the Northwestern map in the Temple of the Ocean, you literally have to blow into the Nintendo DS' microphone to get the dust off the map.
Another interesting factor? Link has a ship he uses to traverse the sea where he encounters new and interesting places or islands. A ship you can upgrade as you find ship parts along the way to enhance your mode of travel. Sometimes you even have to buy certain upgradeable ship parts.
Another aspect of the game I truly like is that Link can hold and carry as many Rupees (the game's currency) as he wants without having to necessarily find or buy bigger wallets
Filled with challenging puzzles and exciting game play, The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hour Glass is a must for any fan of the series. So place the game cartridge in your Nintendo DS/DS Lite slot, and pick up the touch pen or stylus and go Zelda on Zelda The Phantom Hour Glass. The video gamer/adventurer within you will enjoy it.
