Post by: NWR_Karlie on October 03, 2007, 03:06:47 PM
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressionsArt.cfm?artid=14517
Phantom Hourglass looks like Wind Waker, it sounds like Wind Waker, but it certainly feels different. The touch screen reinvents the gameplay to such an extent that past experience with the Zelda series does not count for very much. This is thanks to the direct interaction with the environment that the touch screen offers. Everything is stylus-driven, and having only one input means that many of Link's signature moves have changed.
The simple addition of being able to make notes on the maps changes the nature of the puzzles and allows for clues to be found from many different locations and then combined to give the answer. Drawing on the map can be required to solve a puzzle. Maps cover small areas so they never become overcrowded with too many scribbles. Link's avatar is present on the map at all times, so it is easy to mark your current location and remember that something significant is there. Dungeon exploration is tougher, since nothing differentiates visited rooms from unvisited until you realise you can just add this information yourself. Annotating the map is useful, enjoyable, and often essential.
Combat controls become easier most of the time, as you are just tapping wherever you want to aim. Link will automatically walk up to the right place to begin striking with the sword. However, the single input of the touch screen does mean that it is no longer possible to use some of the items while moving. For example, you cannot walk and throw the boomerang at the same time, which results in difficulty sometimes in avoiding the line of fire.
The overall presentation is stunning. The seas are blue, Link's eyeballs are huge, and everything looks perfectly crafted. From the very beginning, you are drawn into the story with delightfully crafted characters. Link's lack of dialogue in cut-scenes does stand out a bit, but now we know that three shakes of the fist means “Ghost Ship" in his version of sign language.
There's a certain area of the game that is enough to add mixed feelings in this initial play. It's a temple. A horrible, horrible temple. This rather uncharacteristic dungeon is quite the polar opposite of an adventure. Time limits and stealth are what the Phantom Hourglass represents, and this discourages exploration, which is what adventure games are all about. Not to mention having to start all over again if you die, run out of time, or just give up. Fortunately, the torment does end, and you are free to resume the rest of the game as if it never happened. These parts of the game should in theory only last for minutes and happen only infrequently, so perhaps some semblance of enjoyment could be extracted. Personally, due to my gaming preferences, I find these sections intolerable.
Phantom Hourglass is quite unlike the other games in the series. It is definitely a fresh experience even for those who have played a lot of the other games. The same rules do not necessarily apply, so watch out and keep taking notes.
Post by: Shecky on October 03, 2007, 03:48:03 PM
That was my exact reaction, and they *REALLY* rub it in
Post by: LuigiHann on October 03, 2007, 03:52:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Shecky
'Did I just hear “Hey, listen!"?'
Nope, just "hey."
Post by: Shecky on October 03, 2007, 04:06:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: LuigiHannQuote
Originally posted by: Shecky
'Did I just hear “Hey, listen!"?'
Nope, just "hey."
Yeah same difference, still they rub it in intentionally if you ask me
Post by: LuigiHann on October 04, 2007, 06:02:26 AM
Also, I don't mind the "timed" parts as much as I thought I would. All it really does is forces you to plan your moves ahead of time, making the dungeon more of a series of puzzles.
Post by: Maverick on October 04, 2007, 06:59:53 AM
The only thing I'm having trouble with is the "rolling". It says you have to make little circles at the edges of the screen to get Link to do it, but I find myself having to try at least four times before ever actually getting him to roll. And then, it's usually only rolling to the left of rolling down, but I guess that has more to do with how I hold the stylus than the game itself... maybe.
Post by: Halbred on October 04, 2007, 07:10:53 AM
Post by: NWR_Karlie on October 04, 2007, 08:12:16 AM
I played an hour of Majora's Mask. I really don't like that kind of system in adventure games and I really don't like having to repeat the exact same actions over again. That said, now that I'm used to *the* temple it's not so bad. I really felt terrible playing it the first time as I thought the whole game would be like that. It is, after all, called Phantom Hourglass. And it's not like they don't give you way more time than you need. Still pretty stressful trying to avoid Phantoms though!
Post by: AzureNightmare on October 04, 2007, 12:55:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Halbred
I swear to GOD, folks, I've written the review, and it's being edited by the...editors. However, even if it's ready RIGHT NOW, I can't post it because I'm at work. I'll do it at lunch! Promise!
Your review fails Zach, prepare for a rebuttal!
Post by: Halbred on October 04, 2007, 12:58:26 PM
The Legend of Zelda: We (heart) Casual Gamers!
Post by: AzureNightmare on October 04, 2007, 05:52:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Halbred
Bah! Nintendo should've called it:
The Legend of Zelda: We Created an Awesome Game Everyone but Zach Will Love!
fixed for correctness and appropriateness
Post by: that Baby guy on October 04, 2007, 06:01:47 PM
Post by: Maverick on October 04, 2007, 06:35:44 PM
Post by: Bill Aurion on October 04, 2007, 08:22:44 PM
Post by: that Baby guy on October 04, 2007, 08:25:39 PM
But GP says no, so right now, it's 2-1...
Post by: LuigiHann on October 04, 2007, 08:27:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
Hmm, a friend actually did buy several copies.
But GP says no, so right now, it's 2-1...
GP is a player-hater. Buy the game. You won't regret it.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 04, 2007, 08:56:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: LuigiHannQuote
Originally posted by: thatguy
Hmm, a friend actually did buy several copies.
But GP says no, so right now, it's 2-1...
GP is a player-hater. Buy the game. You won't regret it.
Considering Wind Waker and TP are my favorite Zeldas I don't think I'm a player hater.
Post by: that Baby guy on October 05, 2007, 08:20:51 AM
Post by: LuigiHann on October 05, 2007, 08:33:03 AM
My serious recommendation, Thatguy, is to try it before you buy it. If you hate the controls, don't buy it. If you think it plays fine, buy it. Perhaps your friend will lend you one of his extra copies?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 05, 2007, 08:39:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: LuigiHann
GP, I was joking. "Player hater" is a completely meaningless phrase to me.
My serious recommendation, Thatguy, is to try it before you buy it. If you hate the controls, don't buy it. If you think it plays fine, buy it. Perhaps your friend will lend you one of his extra copies?
Where can you try DS games out? And why did your friend buy more than one copy? LOL
Post by: Bill Aurion on October 05, 2007, 08:45:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
Actually, GP gave some very good reasons for someone like me not to buy it. Right now, I'm leaning towards no.
So ignore the biggest Zelda fan on the forums? That makes no sense, thatguy...No sense at all... >=|
Post by: that Baby guy on October 05, 2007, 08:51:57 AM
As far as the game goes, one of two things will happen. My friend who bought two for the promo goodies, will either sell me one of his, or when he becomes a roommate next year, I'll just borrow it from him then. He might be selling the second one before I get a chance to g back to my hometown, and I'm in no hurry, because, as I've said before, the only truly appetizing Zelda games I've played are the Four Swords portions of the games.
That's why I care more that Namco Museum for the DS has Pac-Man Vs! I'm gonna try it out this weekend!
Post by: Bill Aurion on October 05, 2007, 08:57:50 AM
GP's main complaint appears to be that the touchscreen "takes you out of the world," which I personally find quite silly...The controls work so well that I hope all future handheld Zeldas control similarly...As someone who doesn't appear to be a big Zelda fan, you may not be so whiny about the lack of traditional controls, so you may even like them even more than I do! (unlikely, but still...)
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on October 05, 2007, 09:05:34 AM
Post by: that Baby guy on October 05, 2007, 09:25:54 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
<------------ Me...I've beaten Zelda games more times than most people here have of all their games period...
GP's main complaint appears to be that the touchscreen "takes you out of the world," which I personally find quite silly...The controls work so well that I hope all future handheld Zeldas control similarly...As someone who doesn't appear to be a big Zelda fan, you may not be so whiny about the lack of traditional controls, so you may even like them even more than I do! (unlikely, but still...)
I like the idea of the new controls, which is why I still plan to play the game, but I think LuigiHann said it best: I should try before I buy in this case.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 05, 2007, 09:32:36 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Bill AurionQuote
Originally posted by: thatguy
Actually, GP gave some very good reasons for someone like me not to buy it. Right now, I'm leaning towards no.
So ignore the biggest Zelda fan on the forums? That makes no sense, thatguy...No sense at all... >=|
I consider myself a pretty big Zelda fan especially considering my second favorite game of all time is Link to the Past, and games like OOT, Wind Waker, LoZ1, TP, and yes even Awakening are in my top 10 games. Really though is that something to brag about? That is like expecting a fair review of Halo 3 from the biggest Halo fan.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 05, 2007, 09:36:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
<------------ Me...I've beaten Zelda games more times than most people here have of all their games period...
GP's main complaint appears to be that the touchscreen "takes you out of the world," which I personally find quite silly...The controls work so well that I hope all future handheld Zeldas control similarly...As someone who doesn't appear to be a big Zelda fan, you may not be so whiny about the lack of traditional controls, so you may even like them even more than I do! (unlikely, but still...)
Actually that is one of my complaints, my others, more importantly is that the MGS dungeon sucks, the game world is bland and basic, squiggling lines to move your ship is lame, not mention a cop out, the dungeon designs haven't been very impressive, and it feels like Zelda Wind Waker without any of the depth.
Post by: LuigiHann on October 05, 2007, 10:12:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
That's why I care more that Namco Museum for the DS has Pac-Man Vs! I'm gonna try it out this weekend!
Off topic, but I was disappointed that I couldn't try Pac-Man Vs in single-player mode. I know it defeats the purpose, but I just wanted to check it out.
