Having gifted players with over 20 years of Zelda games, there was little doubt that Nintendos latest Hyrule outing would be another five-star experience.
But while Links new quest features all the stunning set-pieces youd expect from the series, by using the DS unique interface to rework the traditional action it isnt so much //what// happens in Phantom Hourglass that makes it a revelation, more //how// you play it.
Gone are the days of using the clunky D-pad to steer the action, and now Link is controlled using the DS stylus and touch-screen, making for a more natural and intuitive approach to the action. Using weapons and items also feels more instinctive; the boomerang follows lines sketched on the screen, maps can be annotated with notes, and 360-degree spin attacks are unleashed by scribbling a circle.
The DS microphone is also put to brilliant use, with players puffing on the mic to blow the dust off ancient books.
With two-player dungeon crawls thrown into the mix, Phantom Hourglass is one of the Nintendos greatest achievements and a contender for the best handheld adventure in console history.