The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks!

[WiiMan192]

You all would probably be pumped as much as I am to hear the announcement today of a new Zelda game on DS. A trailer is now available at Ign.com if you're interested. It appears to have the same graphical cel-shaded style of Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, but Nintendo promised it was 'more for the hardcore audience'.

You know what to do! Shout off below with your views and comments.

[digiki]

Names kind of ugh, first details sound ugh, and the trailer didn't work.

[theUndead_feature]

I'll pass on anything "Celda" related.

[Kanti 3000]

Originally Posted by theUndead_feature

I'll pass on anything "Celda" related.

Wow, I never took you for one of those stereotypical Celda haters. The Celda graphical style was pretty amazing, even if sailing was annoying as all hell.
I'm glad they didn't abandon it completely after TP.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Kanti 3000

Wow, I never took you for one of those stereotypical Celda haters. The Celda graphical style was pretty amazing, even if sailing was annoying as all hell.
I'm glad they didn't abandon it completely after TP.

I'm just wondering why Nintendo marketed it to the hardcore gamer. Celda is kewl and all, but I'm pretty sure most Zelda players dislike the graphical style, so...

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Refa

I'm just wondering why Nintendo marketed it to the hardcore gamer.

Gameplay is my guess... somehow.

Originally Posted by Refa

Celda is kewl and all, but I'm pretty sure most Zelda players dislike the graphical style, so...

I dunno. I know there are many who don't like it, but I think most real Zelda fans welcomed the breath of fresh air. A new graphical style was the first good innovation in the series since the move to 3D.

[WiiMan192]

Nintendo hasn't quite Epic-failed with the Zelda series yet, and I'm hoping it stays that way. I loved the graphical style of Wind Waker and I'm willing to give it another shot.

[theUndead_feature]

Originally Posted by Kanti 3000

Wow, I never took you for one of those stereotypical Celda haters. The Celda graphical style was pretty amazing, even if sailing was annoying as all hell.
I'm glad they didn't abandon it completely after TP.

Where were you when we were all playing Brawl? I sung my song of hatred for Toon Link many a post in those threads.

[Kanti 3000]

Originally Posted by theUndead_feature

Where were you when we were all playing Brawl? I sung my song of hatred for Toon Link many a post in those threads.

I don't remember that at all...but I must ask you, why?
Wind Waker had a great graphical style!

[theUndead_feature]

Chibi Link = Fail.

It's personal prefrence is all. I think it looks dumb so I call it as such. You go ahead and be excited. I'm happy for ya. I wish I liked Celda.

[Pegasus]

When I was first reading about the new Zelda game I was hoping it would be for Wii. Frankly, I can't get myself excited about this title.

[SKTTR]

I disliked the "Touchscreen Only Controls" in Phantom Hourglass.
Sometimes a button makes sense! I hope they get it right this time.

[Shadesofgray]

Originally Posted by Kanti 3000

Wow, I never took you for one of those stereotypical Celda haters. The Celda graphical style was pretty amazing, even if sailing was annoying as all hell.
I'm glad they didn't abandon it completely after TP.

I like the Celda graphic, even if it did occasionly look a tad ugly on the DS.
I'm looking forward to this, LOZ:PH was way better than I expected it to be. I was hoping for a Twilight Princess sequel first though. The only thing about this game that I haven't openly embraced about this game is the train. Its seems a little restricted compared to PH's sailing, it also seems a little out of genre (Zelda goes steampunk!) and why the Hell is Link wearing that stupid suit.

[The shoemaker]

Phantom Hourglass was waaay worse than I thought it'd be. This looks better, but only because it looked like it actually offers something different. The only thing that bothers me is when the trailer shows the train, it looks really cheap and un detailed Crap. What's so excited about plain fields?

The fact that it's based for more of the hardcore crowd kind of made me a bit more pumped, but this isn't the first time Nintedno said something like that.

Not to mention Nintendo also said they're making it so all gamers can play it.

Make up your mind Nintendo! I want a challenging Zelda game, not a Zelda game my ELA teacher can play.

[Mr. Cheez]

I don't understand what all the PH hate is about. Sure, I'd probably stick it among my least favorite Zelda games, but it did use the DS in interesting ways, and the touch controls were executed very well. If this one does away with timed dungeons, I'm sold.

Originally Posted by Kanti 3000

Wow, I never took you for one of those stereotypical Celda haters. The Celda graphical style was pretty amazing, even if sailing was annoying as all hell.
I'm glad they didn't abandon it completely after TP.

I used to hate "Celda", but the style is starting to grow on me, probably due to Toon Link being one of my favorite Brawl characters. I plan to get Wind Waker real soon.

Originally Posted by theUndead_feature

Where were you when we were all playing Brawl? I sung my song of hatred for Toon Link many a post in those threads.

Toon Link kicks ass, and don't you forget it!

Originally Posted by SKTTR

I disliked the "Touchscreen Only Controls" in Phantom Hourglass.
Sometimes a button makes sense! I hope they get it right this time.

Like I said, the touch screen controls were done well, but yeah, I agree that having it as an only option was annoying. Please add d-pad support in this one, Nintendo!

[Mickeymac]

I kinda expected it to be like a Kart racer or something. That would've been awesome...in a ****ty kinda way. Instead, it's Phantom Hourglass 2.0. I didn't really like PH, so I'll just see how this goes.

They should let you hold the DS like book, like in Ninja Gaiden DS. That was way more comfortable than trying to balance that thing on one hand.

[The shoemaker]

Originally Posted by Mr. Cheez

I don't understand what all the PH hate is about. Sure, I'd probably stick it among my least favorite Zelda games, but it did use the DS in interesting ways, and the touch controls were executed very well. If this one does away with timed dungeons, I'm sold.

I dislike PH because it was the easiest Zelda I've ever played. Controls were nice, and easy to use. But constantly jabbing at the screen to attack is much easier than press a conbination of buttions/movements. The dungeons were all really bland, and soooo easy because those stupid rock statues told you where everything was! Not to mention the fact that it's not 3D (as in with cameras) the puzzles had to be downgraded to things that are only straight ahead of you. The ability to draw on the map made meorization too easy, and not exciting. The weapons you found weren't used in any way that we havn't seen before, other than the grappling hook, which was basically the main item you needed to find secret items outside of dungeons. Some of the puzzles were creative, and did use the DS well. But the puzzles that didn't, weren't great. The boss battles were easier than oter Zeldas, because it was obvious on how to attack them, they didn't move much, and didn't hit very hard. Not to say some of them weren't cool, and somewhat creative from the other Zeldas, they still sucked.

Sailing was a huge downgrade from Wind Waker. The fact that you couldn't jump/fall out of your boat made it less epic, thus not as col. The battle parts were mucvh easier now with the touch screen, since you didn't have to control where you're moving, and you again, just keep tapping the screen. No challange. Having to move the boat by drawing it's course got annoying after a while, since it's not as acurate or responsive as a annolog stick. The finding trasure part was probably the best part of sailing, since it needed a bit of skill, and actually improved from Wind Waker.

It was depressing to know that there were only what, 15 islands? And only five or so were hidden. Or actually, not even, there's always someone/thing who tells you where they are, thus no need for exploration. The hidden islands were usually just places for mini games really, and places to find power droplets, or whatever those things were. It just, took the point out of exploring. And I might be on my own on this one, but the thing I loved about Wind Waker was having to check off each island on my map. Because you look on your map and you got almost nothing, and by the end of the game (If you explored enough) Your map will be filled with at least forty islands, and it makes you feel like you're a true pirate, a true explorer. I loved those moments when I would be traveling a new part of the map, and "doh" I forgot to get bait! I would have to remember that spot, and come back with bait, it was cool. It's like being a kid and finding out there's a part of the playground you've never been to before, and having to run back to tell your parents, because your're so excited. And uh... yeah, the sea and islands have about nothing to do on them.

Now of course not everything was bad. The mini gaes were lots of fun, well at least a few of them were. They had some good prizes too. Collecting Ship Parts was always good, trying to get a certain series or whatever. The cutsceens looked really good, and were sometimes funny. The first time through it was a fine game. Second time....ugh. But something that was cool, and hard to get, were those spirit droplet things. When equiped, it made you're sword so cool, and added something new. But again, it made it too easy. Those things would be fine and welcomed if the game was hard in the first place.

One last thing I hated, was that the last boss was an guy guy. Do all of the handheld Zeldas really need that Vaati guy, or whatever eye face is called? Make something cool and orignal, just because there's no Gannon, doesn't mean you need a boss with a giant eye.

Phantom Hourglass sucks, with a few exceptions

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The only thing that's making me excited for Spirit Tracks, is that it adds new things, and is apparently based towards the Hardcore crowd. But like I said before, they also said they're making it so everybody can play.

I really wish Nintendo would go for just Hardcore for once. When was the last time Nintendo made something "Hardcore" for the DS? (That wasn't a port/remake)

[SKTTR]

yeah, shoemaker. so right. i got some things to add.

first. dont forget that annoying hourglass temple you had to beat a dozen times.

second. the last boss.
even with that eye, was the best boss in the game.

third. the spirit droplets and the ship parts.
i have all droplets. some of them were quite hard / tricky to get and a few were hidden very well. all in all it was a nice treasure hunt.
but the ship parts on the other hand. i still have not all ship parts. 2 (golden ones) are missing, and i think the only way to get them is to find that secret shopkeeper who only shows his face at a set time. or to beat some specific annoying mini game perfectly over and over again until you randomly get what you want. (or wi-fi trading?!) this quest isn't all that good.

fourth. treasure hunting on the sea.
it was ok in ph since they added the crane-minigame. but exploring a stormy ocean at night, looking out for shimmering circles in the waves of the enormous windwaker-sea, being assaulted by heaps of different monsters was much more adventurous and exciting than looking for red crosses on a map like in ph.

but then again, the DS just has not enough power to compete against one of the technically best gamecube games.

in case of spirit tracks, i lowered my expectations to a degree that it can't disappoint me too much.
i've thrown the idea out of my mind, that they would rework the controls - it seems to be touchscreen-only again.
i like the train and the new set of items, but the dungeon design seems to be as bland and boring as in ph.

spirit tracks seems to be a little underwhelming
and for the first time ever in zelda history (since 1993 when i became a zelda-fan) i don't jump up in awe and count the days until its release.
something went terribly wrong this time.

[theUndead_feature]

Originally Posted by Mr. Cheez

Toon Link kicks ass, and don't you forget it!

Dude, I do kick ass with Toon Link and I hate every second of it.

[The shoemaker]

I'm starting to get pretty excited for this one, it does sound like it will be a lot better than PH. sdome of the side quests seem pretty interesting, and it's gone back to having to find heart peices, not heart containers.

Although the temple everyone hates is back, although this time it's called the Spirt Temple. Although I hear that this time you won't need to go through it every single time. Personally, I liked the Temple of the Ocean King, I don't understand all of the hate towards it.

I was sceptical at first, but I really think this will be a fine title. If anything, it'll be alot better than Phantom Hourglass.

I still wish they would make a true Wind Waker sequel though.

[Angelic Lapras King]

Got the game today. I'm enjoying it very much thus far, even giggling at a few moments, like Zelda's reaction to the demon spirit going around in her body. XD

I disliked the "Touchscreen Only Controls" in Phantom Hourglass.
Sometimes a button makes sense! I hope they get it right this time.

I actually approve of em. Its something different to the series, and I think they were done well in both games.

[Tides of Chaos]

Wait, so do you have to go through a timed dungeon in this game? I'm alright with going through a dungeon multiple times but multiple times AND timed? No, that's not ok. So, if anyone can clarify whether there is an annoying timed dungeon, I'd appreciate it. It's the difference between me buying the game or not. (err....more like the difference between me buying it now or much, much later when it's way cheaper)

[Angelic Lapras King]

No, its not timed this time (Since theres no hourglass in this game. lol. XD)

[pdRydia]

Got it myself just the other day, but before I could get to it, DH started playing. Guess that's how it goes!

[link64]

Bought this a few days ago and it quite good but something’s bothering me I’m in the marine temple and there don’t appear to be any water.(apart from were your train is kept)

[The shoemaker]

I hear the puzzles in this game are very different from the normal Zelda puzzles were used to. I have a friend who has this game and he's been stuck on one puzzle for about a week now, and this isn't the first puzzle that stumped him. Given he isn't the most skilled gamer, or the smartest.

[RetroNL]

This will come for me in the future, when its a bargain !

[The shoemaker]

I like this game so far. the puzzles are fun, the music is good, and the train part is alright. My only complaint is that it seems a little short. I've only played for a couple of hours and I've already beat the first two temples. And I assume there's only 5 temples in all. There hasn't been many side quests yet, it seems to be all temples and trains.

It's not boring, but I hope it picks up soon.

[Ouenben]

well iv had this game for a week now, a couple hours in and im already on my way to the 3rd dungeon

Going by the items menu and what iv done Id say im well over half way through the game which is dissapointing.
It may be the shortest zelda adventure yet.

Thankfully the stupid re-do of the main temple is gone, you just go up a floor via stairs everytime you revisit the temple.

Another complaint is that its very easy so far and the train travelling is just like a more restricted sailing but with annoying demon trains that kill you in one hit!

on another note the new zelda partner system for certain areas is interesting.

will see how it goes.

And as far as the characters go, theres one thing confusing me:
Warning: Spoiler Below.

niko and alfonzo are in this from windwaker and they mention tetra/link from windwaker, and niko is now an old man but where the hell is tetra and link? its said this is the land they set out to find after windwaker and they found it generations ago or something.

e

[The shoemaker]

Originally Posted by Ouenben

well iv had this game for a week now, a couple hours in and im already on my way to the 3rd dungeon

Going by the items menu and what iv done Id say im well over half way through the game which is dissapointing.
It may be the shortest zelda adventure yet.

Thankfully the stupid re-do of the main temple is gone, you just go up a floor via stairs everytime you revisit the temple.

Another complaint is that its very easy so far and the train travelling is just like a more restricted sailing but with annoying demon trains that kill you in one hit!

on another note the new zelda partner system for certain areas is interesting.

will see how it goes.

And as far as the characters go, theres one thing confusing me:
Warning: Spoiler Below.

niko and alfonzo are in this from windwaker and they mention tetra/link from windwaker, and niko is now an old man but where the hell is tetra and link? its said this is the land they set out to find after windwaker and they found it generations ago or something.

e

I was disappointed with the length as well, until now. I'm on the forth dungeon now, and the side quest seem to just stack up during the time where you try to find the 4th dungeon.

I thought it was pretty easy, but now it's starting to get harder. Nothing frustrating, more satisfying.

Warning: Spoiler Below.

I didn't understand the time frame. But the way the story starts the the evelution of the world, you'd think it's been like this for hundreds of years, yet Niko's still alive... I figured he was just a desendent until he started talking about Link.

Personally, I like this game. It's disappointing in length so far, but it's fun and unique.

[The shoemaker]

One of the best Zelda titles ever. Ever.

I just beat it and I was not disappointed. It has plenty of side quests, a pretty decent story, fun gameplay, and vast over world, and a great final boss and ending.

I can say without a doubt that this game has the best final boss and ending in any Zelda game. Heck, this game is worth buying just for the side quests and ending.

[Ouenben]

Originally Posted by The shoemaker

One of the best Zelda titles ever. Ever.

I just beat it and I was not disappointed. It has plenty of side quests, a pretty decent story, fun gameplay, and vast over world, and a great final boss and ending.

I can say without a doubt that this game has the best final boss and ending in any Zelda game. Heck, this game is worth buying just for the side quests and ending.

Really? interesting quite a change in tune. On my way to quadrant 4 (beat the 3rd temple)

So far its been a good game but dissapointing in length and challenge and the first 2 dungeons were far, far to simple, the 3rd was a bit better and although i normally hate water based levels/dungeons in games I was dissapointed there was no actual water based stuff.

The 4th dungeon/land mass will really have to turn it around to get the same response out of me

[LinkFanatic]

I've got to get my hands on a DS and play this along with Phantom Hourglass...I've never gone this long not playing a new Zelda game!

[The shoemaker]

Originally Posted by Ouenben

Really? interesting quite a change in tune. On my way to quadrant 4 (beat the 3rd temple)

So far its been a good game but dissapointing in length and challenge and the first 2 dungeons were far, far to simple, the 3rd was a bit better and although i normally hate water based levels/dungeons in games I was dissapointed there was no actual water based stuff.

The 4th dungeon/land mass will really have to turn it around to get the same response out of me

I was thinking the same thing until I got to about you were. The game does get quite lengthy if you try to do everything.

The game really shines once you get past the first part of the 4th. Releam. Pretty much all of the side quest start right then. Along with after you beat the forth temple. But it all comes down to how much you like the train. If you like it, then you'll enjoy the side quests, if you don't, then you really won't care for them.

I can't say that this is my favorite Zelda, just because I don't know which one is. I'd say this is my second favorite, with The Wind Waker and Majora's Mask tied for 1st.