A great new entry into the Legend of Zelda Series that makes excellent use of the DS touch screen.
Next, you will notice the exclusive use of the touch screen to control your character. At first it may seem a bit awkward but, after about five minutes you get used to it and you realize how well the touch screen works. Sometimes it may take a few tries to swing your sword but, those occasions are rare and after some practice it is no trouble at all. Also, the ability to write notes to yourself on your map is very helpful and in some occasions necessary for you to figure out puzzles.
The story for PH is very entertaining and actually quite immersive even if it is on the short side. The plot is much like other Zelda games where you are charged with rescuing Princess Zelda for her imminent doom. So, you travel around the world entering dungeons, solving puzzles, getting new gadgets, all while trying to gain the necessary tools to complete your task.
As a whole, PH is an excellent game. It is fun, the puzzles are clever (however, they are quite easy), and the story is entertaining. There also added minigames of fishing, salvaging, and old favorites like archery and cannon games. Plus, the allure of collecting all of the parts for your ships can add an extra element for those who are into collecting every thing in the game. The only complaint I have is that the game is far too easy. I have never played a Zelda game all of the way through without ever dying, that is until I played Phantom Hourglass. Also, if you get confused on a puzzle the game makes it much too easy to solve. You can hit a nearby statue that will tell you what to do. Or hit a pot close by and it will drop the tool you need to solve a puzzle. For example, if you need to blow up a wall hit a pot and the pot will drop three bombs.
I would recommend Phantom Hourglass for any fan of the Zelda series and any person who owns a DS for its excellent use of the touch screen.