The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Developer(s)	EAD (Nintendo)
Publisher(s)	Nintendo
Producer
Director(s)
Release date	DS(JP): TBA DS(US): 2006 DS(EUR): TBA
Genre	Action Adventure
Mode(s)	Single player, two using DS wireless
Rating(s)
Platform(s)	Nintendo DS

Overview

Shown at the Game Developers Conference 2006 in San Jose, California on March 23, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass features Wind Waker-like graphics, with game maps on the top screen and gameplay on the bottom, using the stylus for actions such as guiding a fairy companion (who in turn guides Link).

Storyline

Many months after Wind Waker, Link explores new lands alongside Tetra and her pirates.

When the group comes across an area of ocean covered with a thick fog, the discover an abandoned ship. While exploring the ship by herself, danger befalls Tetra, and Link is lost to the ocean while attempting to rescue her.

Link awakens on an island to the sound of a fairy's voice. With the fairy as his guide, Link sets off to find Tetra.

Game Controls

Phantom Hourglass uses the stylus for game control. Moving the stylus controls Link's fairy companion, and Link follows. Sweeping the stylus across an enemy causes Link to slash his sword at the foe, and the stylus may also be used to throw the boomerang along complex paths.

While maps appear on the upper screen of the Nintendo DS handheld, they may be lowered to the bottom screen to write notes and markings upon, as well as for plotting sailing paths. During sailing along this path, players control the ship's cannon.

Two-Player Mode

Although Phantom Hourglass is a one-player game, a second player may join wirelessly for a two-player mode. In this mode, the second player controls enemies in pursuit of Link, while Link hurries to collect Force Gems, and even the Triforce.