Phantom Hourglass countdown (US) ~ Launched ~

With Phantom Hourglass on the horizon, I thought it would be a good idea to start a PH countdown thread :)

For those who don't know, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is the latest installment of the Zelda series for the Nintendo DS. It is a direct sequel of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker on the Nintendo Gamecube and is set several months after its events. Players will once again play as the young hero in green, Link, as he embarks on a new journey to rescue his friend Tetra, who was last seen aboard a mysterious ghost ship.

Phantom Hourglass was first released in Japan on June 23, 2007 and has been a huge success. It even obtained the incredible score of 39 out of 40 from popular Japanese gaming magasine, Famitsu.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is scheduled to be released in North America on October 1, 2007, in Europe on the 19th and in Australia on the 24th.

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Reviews

IGN

Eurogamer

Zentendo

Neoseeker

GameSpot

So many games coming so soon... it feels like just yesterday I bought Metroid Prime 3, and it has been a week already. :shock: Now there are only a meager twenty nine days left until Phantom Hourglass comes out! But yeah, I'm getting it on day one. I should probably pre-order it now that I think about it...REVOLUTIONfreak

I know what you mean, I can't believe we're already in September. Time sure flies.

I stickied this thread as it is rather useful with the approach of Phantom Hourglass looming. Once the reviews start coming in, we should add them to the first post. That way, individuals unsure of the game can check this thread for various reviews and information on Phantom Hourglass and decide whether they would want to attain the game.

Although it is already destined to be awesome.:P

I'm still not sure if I'll be getting this lol.
Like I posted in a prior thread.....I'd need a ds for it...and i dunno if a ds is worth the purchase of a system since it would only be one game...and of top of that, I've never been a fan of the handheld zelda (I didnt really like the oracle games or links awakening, and my little sister lost my gba the week before the minish cap came out....so I never got to play that one.) With that said it IS still zelda, so I'm obviously still excited for it....but I'm not sure if I'll get to play it..

I stickied this thread as it is rather useful with the approach of Phantom Hourglass looming. Once the reviews start coming in, we should add them to the first post. That way, individuals unsure of the game can check this thread for various reviews and information on Phantom Hourglass and decide whether they would want to attain the game.

Although it is already destined to be awesome.:P

Gary_Jinfield

[QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"]

I stickied this thread as it is rather useful with the approach of Phantom Hourglass looming. Once the reviews start coming in, we should add them to the first post. That way, individuals unsure of the game can check this thread for various reviews and information on Phantom Hourglass and decide whether they would want to attain the game.

Although it is already destined to be awesome.:P

REVOLUTIONfreak

Famitsu gave a similar score to Twilight Princess did it not?:P Not to mention Blue Dragon received a relatively high score from them as well.

Hopefully Phantom Hourglass does not suffer a similar fate, but it won't matter in the long run. At the very least, it is unlikely that Phantom Hourglass will get pegged for the same reasons.

Well, I don't care what Gamespot says, I'm sure Phantom Hoyurglass will be wonderful! And I'll get it on the first day, or maybe a couple days after that.DJ-Lafleur

Thats the spirit!

Well, I don't care what Gamespot says, I'm sure Phantom Hoyurglass will be wonderful! And I'll get it on the first day, or maybe a couple days after that.DJ-Lafleur

well if you try to get a couple days later they will probaly be out, but who knows!!!

[QUOTE="DJ-Lafleur"]Well, I don't care what Gamespot says, I'm sure Phantom Hoyurglass will be wonderful! And I'll get it on the first day, or maybe a couple days after that.nighdragon

well if you try to get a couple days later they will probaly be out, but who knows!!!

I might get it on the day it comes out, depends on what's going on afterschool at home.

[QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"][QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"]

I stickied this thread as it is rather useful with the approach of Phantom Hourglass looming. Once the reviews start coming in, we should add them to the first post. That way, individuals unsure of the game can check this thread for various reviews and information on Phantom Hourglass and decide whether they would want to attain the game.

Although it is already destined to be awesome.:P

Gary_Jinfield

Famitsu gave a similar score to Twilight Princess did it not?:P Not to mention Blue Dragon received a relatively high score from them as well.

Hopefully Phantom Hourglass does not suffer a similar fate, but it won't matter in the long run. At the very least, it is unlikely that Phantom Hourglass will get pegged for the same reasons.

Gorgeous visuals, especially for a DS game.

Touch control changes the gameplay aspect of the game from other Zelda franchises, and isn't "tacked on" like Twilight Princess' motion control.

Sound is, well, Zelda music. How can you not like Zelda music? :)

Value: A reasonably lengthy adventure and an extra Wi-Fi mode.

Overall: A superb DS game.

Well, let's look at the facts:

Gorgeous visuals, especially for a DS game.

Touch control changes the gameplay aspect of the game from other Zelda franchises, and isn't "tacked on" like Twilight Princess' motion control.

Sound is, well, Zelda music. How can you not like Zelda music? :)

Value: A reasonably lengthy adventure and an extra Wi-Fi mode.

Overall: A superb DS game.

REVOLUTIONfreak

Don't underestimate Gamespot's ability to write bad reviews :P

[QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"]Well, let's look at the facts:

Gorgeous visuals, especially for a DS game.

Touch control changes the gameplay aspect of the game from other Zelda franchises, and isn't "tacked on" like Twilight Princess' motion control.

Sound is, well, Zelda music. How can you not like Zelda music? :)

Value: A reasonably lengthy adventure and an extra Wi-Fi mode.

Overall: A superb DS game.

NWA_31

Don't underestimate Gamespot's ability to write bad reviews :P

Exactly.:P They may knock it for overly simple puzzle controls or that the game is too similar to previous games in some crazy way. Despite this, my instinct tells me that Phantom Hourglass will do very well, even on GameSpot.

Granted my instinct is terrible, so there you go.

Wow, I never really knew the information behing the Phantom Hourglass :shock: But I am getting it! Not pre-ordering, though, becase that makes me count down every second before it comes out :P

But I would love to get! And it would make a good Christmas gift ;) And I especially loves the graphics. Is not like a classic Zelda game, buts its unique and new, and it has a future :lol:

I'm sure Gamespot won't rate it that badly. I mean, Gamespot would NOT consider it mediocre, which is the best :lol: And there are rarely and perfect games so... I guess we just have to wait and see :D

[QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"][QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"]

I stickied this thread as it is rather useful with the approach of Phantom Hourglass looming. Once the reviews start coming in, we should add them to the first post. That way, individuals unsure of the game can check this thread for various reviews and information on Phantom Hourglass and decide whether they would want to attain the game.

Although it is already destined to be awesome.:P

REVOLUTIONfreak

Famitsu gave a similar score to Twilight Princess did it not?:P Not to mention Blue Dragon received a relatively high score from them as well.

Hopefully Phantom Hourglass does not suffer a similar fate, but it won't matter in the long run. At the very least, it is unlikely that Phantom Hourglass will get pegged for the same reasons.

Gorgeous visuals, especially for a DS game.

Touch control changes the gameplay aspect of the game from other Zelda franchises, and isn't "tacked on" like Twilight Princess' motion control.

Sound is, well, Zelda music. How can you not like Zelda music? :)

Value: A reasonably lengthy adventure and an extra Wi-Fi mode.

Overall: A superb DS game.

Zelda+Wi-fi=AWESOME!!!

this could end up one of my favorite DS games. :D

[QUOTE="NWA_31"]

[QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"]Well, let's look at the facts:

Gorgeous visuals, especially for a DS game.

Touch control changes the gameplay aspect of the game from other Zelda franchises, and isn't "tacked on" like Twilight Princess' motion control.

Sound is, well, Zelda music. How can you not like Zelda music? :)

Value: A reasonably lengthy adventure and an extra Wi-Fi mode.

Overall: A superb DS game.

Gary_Jinfield

Don't underestimate Gamespot's ability to write bad reviews :P

Exactly.:P They may knock it for overly simple puzzle controls or that the game is too similar to previous games in some crazy way. Despite this, my instinct tells me that Phantom Hourglass will do very well, even on GameSpot.

Granted my instinct is terrible, so there you go.

[QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"][QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"][QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"]

I stickied this thread as it is rather useful with the approach of Phantom Hourglass looming. Once the reviews start coming in, we should add them to the first post. That way, individuals unsure of the game can check this thread for various reviews and information on Phantom Hourglass and decide whether they would want to attain the game.

Although it is already destined to be awesome.:P

DJ-Lafleur

Famitsu gave a similar score to Twilight Princess did it not?:P Not to mention Blue Dragon received a relatively high score from them as well.

Hopefully Phantom Hourglass does not suffer a similar fate, but it won't matter in the long run. At the very least, it is unlikely that Phantom Hourglass will get pegged for the same reasons.

Gorgeous visuals, especially for a DS game.

Touch control changes the gameplay aspect of the game from other Zelda franchises, and isn't "tacked on" like Twilight Princess' motion control.

Sound is, well, Zelda music. How can you not like Zelda music? :)

Value: A reasonably lengthy adventure and an extra Wi-Fi mode.

Overall: A superb DS game.

Zelda+Wi-fi=AWESOME!!!

this could end up one of my favorite DS games. :D

Lol! But from the facts, I tihnk it will be one of many favourite DS games for Zelda gamers everywhere! :D

[QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="NWA_31"]

[QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"]Well, let's look at the facts:

Gorgeous visuals, especially for a DS game.

Touch control changes the gameplay aspect of the game from other Zelda franchises, and isn't "tacked on" like Twilight Princess' motion control.

Sound is, well, Zelda music. How can you not like Zelda music? :)

Value: A reasonably lengthy adventure and an extra Wi-Fi mode.

Overall: A superb DS game.

REVOLUTIONfreak

Don't underestimate Gamespot's ability to write bad reviews :P

Exactly.:P They may knock it for overly simple puzzle controls or that the game is too similar to previous games in some crazy way. Despite this, my instinct tells me that Phantom Hourglass will do very well, even on GameSpot.

Granted my instinct is terrible, so there you go.

Well, what if I were to tell you before the Wii launched that the only games to have a AAA score from GameSpot by September of 2007 would be Wario Ware: Smooth Moves and the Virtual Console Paper Mario?:P

Events can turn out oddly.

^ Correction, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition also got a AAA score on Wii. :P Besides, this is the DS we are talking about, Gamespot likes the DS, they just hate the Wii. :lol:

^ Correction, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition also got a AAA score on Wii. :P Besides, this is the DS we are talking about, Gamespot likes the DS, they just hate the Wii. :lol:

REVOLUTIONfreak

My mistake, but one would most likely still not expect it.:P

Perhaps, but it is still best not to count on GameSpot giving an AAA score.

[QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"]

^ Correction, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition also got a AAA score on Wii. :P Besides, this is the DS we are talking about, Gamespot likes the DS, they just hate the Wii. :lol:

Gary_Jinfield

My mistake, but one would most likely still not expect it.:P

Perhaps, but it is still best not to count on GameSpot giving an AAA score.

[QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"]

^ Correction, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition also got a AAA score on Wii. :P Besides, this is the DS we are talking about, Gamespot likes the DS, they just hate the Wii. :lol:

REVOLUTIONfreak

My mistake, but one would most likely still not expect it.:P

Perhaps, but it is still best not to count on GameSpot giving an AAA score.

I suppose you can.:P

But it is anyone's guess at this point.

[QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"][QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"]

^ Correction, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition also got a AAA score on Wii. :P Besides, this is the DS we are talking about, Gamespot likes the DS, they just hate the Wii. :lol:

Gary_Jinfield

My mistake, but one would most likely still not expect it.:P

Perhaps, but it is still best not to count on GameSpot giving an AAA score.

I suppose you can.:P

But it is anyone's guess at this point.

yup, it all depends on Gamestop's rating system (in other words, it's not going to happen :P)

but seriously, maybe PH will be so good that GS will have to give it an AAA score.

[QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"][QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"]

^ Correction, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition also got a AAA score on Wii. :P Besides, this is the DS we are talking about, Gamespot likes the DS, they just hate the Wii. :lol:

DJ-Lafleur

My mistake, but one would most likely still not expect it.:P

Perhaps, but it is still best not to count on GameSpot giving an AAA score.

I suppose you can.:P

But it is anyone's guess at this point.

yup, it all depends on Gamestop's rating system (in other words, it's not going to happen :P)

but seriously, maybe PH will be so good that GS will have to give it an AAA score.

Perhaps, but even then they could find something to knock it for if they really wanted to.

Its all politics with the reviews in the world of GameSpot today, notr really about the actual quality of a game.:P

[QUOTE="DJ-Lafleur"][QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"][QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="REVOLUTIONfreak"]

^ Correction, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition also got a AAA score on Wii. :P Besides, this is the DS we are talking about, Gamespot likes the DS, they just hate the Wii. :lol:

Gary_Jinfield

My mistake, but one would most likely still not expect it.:P

Perhaps, but it is still best not to count on GameSpot giving an AAA score.

I suppose you can.:P

But it is anyone's guess at this point.

yup, it all depends on Gamestop's rating system (in other words, it's not going to happen :P)

but seriously, maybe PH will be so good that GS will have to give it an AAA score.

Perhaps, but even then they could find something to knock it for if they really wanted to.

Its all politics with the reviews in the world of GameSpot today, notr really about the actual quality of a game.:P

Yeah, maybe they'll reduce the score just because the game was too good for their liking. :|

Yeah, maybe they'll reduce the score just because the game was too good for their liking. :|

DJ-Lafleur

Isn't that what they did with Metroid Prime 3 ? They said something about the controls being "too good".

If seen the full Japanese copy, and accordingto the person playing it it's one of the best Zelda's he's played in a long time. Innovative, great puzzles, and good controls. I'd say 9.0 is a safe bet.OhhSnap50893

I have heard similar sentiments from other reviews and individuals as well. Still, there has been some statements about the puzzles being a bit too easy...

I guess we won't find out until the game comes out in the rest of the world.:P

[QUOTE="OhhSnap50893"]If seen the full Japanese copy, and accordingto the person playing it it's one of the best Zelda's he's played in a long time. Innovative, great puzzles, and good controls. I'd say 9.0 is a safe bet.Gary_Jinfield

I have heard similar sentiments from other reviews and individuals as well. Still, there has been some statements about the puzzles being a bit too easy...

I guess we won't find out until the game comes out in the rest of the world.:P

Indeed, but if the puzzles are clever, interesting, and fun, I won't care if they're too hard or too easy.

[QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"]

[QUOTE="OhhSnap50893"]If seen the full Japanese copy, and accordingto the person playing it it's one of the best Zelda's he's played in a long time. Innovative, great puzzles, and good controls. I'd say 9.0 is a safe bet.DJ-Lafleur

I have heard similar sentiments from other reviews and individuals as well. Still, there has been some statements about the puzzles being a bit too easy...

I guess we won't find out until the game comes out in the rest of the world.:P

Indeed, but if the puzzles are clever, interesting, and fun, I won't care if they're too hard or too easy.

GameSpot will care though.:P

But that shouldn't effect one's own enjoyment of a game really.

Frankly I could care less if it gets a bad review from GS. Also GS didn't flop Twilight Princess they gave it an 8.9. To me a flopis a 6.5 and below. I myself would have given it a 9.4. It was one of the best Zelda games ever I played, but it didn't have enough side quest. That may be because of the lack of characters to talk to. The side quest in the game didn't feel like side quest. I say they were more like required quest becaused you had no choice but to do them if you wanted to progress further through the game.

Frankly I could care less if it gets a bad review from GS. Also GS didn't flop Twilight Princess they gave it an 8.9. To me a flopis a 6.5 and below. I myself would have given it a 9.4. It was one of the best Zelda games ever I played, but it didn't have enough side quest. That may be because of the lack of characters to talk to. The side quest in the game didn't feel like side quest. I say they were more like required quest becaused you had no choice but to do them if you wanted to progress further through the game.

Celsius765

It was a flop by GameSpot standards though. The game was hyped to be the best game ever, hence it was at least expected to surpass the score of 9.0...

Flop is designated by general hype, although that should not effect one's actual enjoyment of a game.

[QUOTE="Celsius765"]

Frankly I could care less if it gets a bad review from GS. Also GS didn't flop Twilight Princess they gave it an 8.9. To me a flopis a 6.5 and below. I myself would have given it a 9.4. It was one of the best Zelda games ever I played, but it didn't have enough side quest. That may be because of the lack of characters to talk to. The side quest in the game didn't feel like side quest. I say they were more like required quest becaused you had no choice but to do them if you wanted to progress further through the game.

Gary_Jinfield

It was a flop by GameSpot standards though. The game was hyped to be the best game ever, hence it was at least expected to surpass the score of 9.0...

Flop is designated by general hype, although that should not effect one's actual enjoyment of a game.

[QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"][QUOTE="Celsius765"]

Frankly I could care less if it gets a bad review from GS. Also GS didn't flop Twilight Princess they gave it an 8.9. To me a flopis a 6.5 and below. I myself would have given it a 9.4. It was one of the best Zelda games ever I played, but it didn't have enough side quest. That may be because of the lack of characters to talk to. The side quest in the game didn't feel like side quest. I say they were more like required quest becaused you had no choice but to do them if you wanted to progress further through the game.

REVOLUTIONfreak

It was a flop by GameSpot standards though. The game was hyped to be the best game ever, hence it was at least expected to surpass the score of 9.0...

Flop is designated by general hype, although that should not effect one's actual enjoyment of a game.

Well, Tp was kind of a special case. Even Nintendo was hyping it to be the best game ever created. It was hard not to be disappointed with the final product.:P

Judging from its success in Japan, though, I think it's safe to say that Phantom Hourglass will be one of the best games on Nintendo DS, if not THE best.

Just don't expect a good review from Gamespot :P

Exactly.

Besides, Zelda games generally are some of the best games available for system, even the "lessor" titles.

It'll get at least a Nine...i know it
they will say taht teh touch controls are exactly what the franchise needed to no get stale...or something lame like that :SChaos_Angel_14

Nothing is absolute, but it is a likely possibility.

Although that 8.5 is looming in the distance...:P

anything can happen.:P

Review from GameInformer, the score anyways.:P

anything can happen.:P

Review from GameInformer, the score anyways.:P

Gary_Jinfield

I've come to a conlcusion on my phantom hourglass issue ( i know your all sooo interested) :P
but yes
I'm going to buy the game (to add to my zelda collection)
and rent/ borrow my friendsdsChaos_Angel_14

Cool. ;)

[QUOTE="Gary_Jinfield"]

anything can happen.:P

Review from GameInformer, the score anyways.:P

NWA_31

I've come to a conlcusion on my phantom hourglass issue ( i know your all sooo interested) :P
but yes
I'm going to buy the game (to add to my zelda collection)
and rent/ borrow my friendsdsChaos_Angel_14

Cool. ;)

Two different scores most likely. Gameinformer uses several different reviewers for games.

And Chaos_Angel_14, your going to buy the game but not a DS?:P Why not simply get your friend to buy the game instead, then you can just borrow both?

Another review score, this time from Nintendo Power.

Another 9.5 for Phantom Hourglass!