Still the First, Still the Best
User Rating: 9.5 | Zelda no Densetsu: Mugen no Sunadokei DS
Let's begin with the fact that this is a Zelda game and has a certain pedigree to live up to in comparison to its older console brothers and Game Boy grandfathers. Just in case you have no faith 9/10 scores, let me just say that this Zelda incarnation is a worthy successor to 2003's the Wind Waker and a superb example of how a handheld adventure games are meant to be. Admirerers of the stylized cel-shaded art direction in the Wind Waker will appriciate the work that went into this game to make it 3-D for the new breed of fun that is the Nintendo DS. The free roaming camera is gone, and the classic 3/4 topdown perspective makes a comeback, and the map stays on the top screen so you never get lost ,then, when the bosses come out to play, you'll fight across both screens in the most epic use of the DS technology yet seen. " But is it fun?" , you say - yes anyone can pick up this game and have a blast - ANYONE , I really mean it. The D-pad is so last gen , and the innovative minds at Nintendo made Phantom Hourglass entirely touch controlled - and they made a winner! The touch screen works really well, very smooth in response - drag to move - tap to jab - swipe to slice - it works really well and only makes the game more fun than it already is. Good story , control , graphics , etc. All that aside, the only lacking areas for true fans are difficulty and length - or lack therof. P.H. is made for anyone 6 & up with simple puzzles and " only " 15 - 20 hours long, depending on how much of a completionist you are. While not the best Zelda ever made , games that are fun and functional are far and few , especialy in the action-fantasy-adventure department.
The bottom line here is that if you own a DS and even remotely like the genre, there is no good reason why The Phantom Hourglass should'nt be in your library. So go , get it , and have fun. Yes YOU go NOW. 
