

However, up to four players can also play via DS Download Play, using only one game card, and only one game system per player. Unlike The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks does not feature Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection multiplayer. In towns, the player can have Link speak to its residents, buy goods at local stores, and learn helpful tips. Several puzzles of the game require the player to manipulate Link and the Zelda-possessed Phantom to complete a goal. The player can direct the possessed Phantom along a stylus-drawn path to attack enemies or simply follow Link. In certain dungeons, the ethereal Zelda can inhabit Phantom Guardians. In the case of the pan flute, completing songs can unlock new magical songs, reveal hidden secrets, heal Link, or restore more of the Spirit Tracks. Certain items, in particular Zelda's pan flute, require the player to blow into the DS's microphone. The stylus is also used to perform attacks and dodges and to select items such as bombs and a boomerang, used for combat and puzzle solving. In towns and dungeons, the player controls Link using the stylus, directing the character where to go.

Some missions require Link to transport a passenger along the rails, and require the player to keep the passenger happy.Īs the game progresses, the player opens more of the map. Link also eventually gains a cargo car, which he can use to move goods between towns. Later, Link is given a cannon that he can use to defend the train from attacks. : 30 The player is able to automatically set a route for the train by drawing on the map, though not all locations are immediately available. In the overworld, Link is able to direct his train across land, with the ability to control speed and forward or reverse direction, to turn at track intersections, and to blow the train's whistle to scare animals off the tracks. In the overworld and dungeons, the player is able to make notes on their current map as an aid in puzzle solving and continuing the story. The player alternates between exploring the overworld and exploring towns and dungeons in order to complete the game's main story, but may opt to complete sidequests for further rewards. The game is divided into an overworld, which Link traverses using the Spirit Tracks, and towns and dungeons which he travels by foot. Spirit Tracks continues its style of gameplay from Phantom Hourglass, in which players use the stylus to control Link and use weapons and items. Link operating the Spirit Train along the Spirit Tracks in the overworld. Praise was directed towards its narrative and gameplay concepts. The game was lauded by critics from both dedicated video game outlets and general journalistic sites. The character of Zelda was given more agency and a key role in both the narrative and several puzzles, breaking away from her earlier passive characterisations. Originally planned as a quickly-produced sequel similar to Majora's Mask, production lasted two years due to the new features. Aonuma got the concept from a children's book, and incorporated some of its elements into the game. Production began in 2007 following the release of Phantom Hourglass, with half the team including director Daiki Iwamoto and producer Eiji Aonuma returning. Navigation between towns and dungeons is done using a train, which features its own set of mechanics and puzzles. Players navigate New Hyrule, completing quests that advance the story and solving environmental and dungeon-based puzzles, many requiring use of the DS's touchscreen and other hardware features. Set a century after The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and its sequel Phantom Hourglass, the storyline follows the current incarnations of Link and Princess Zelda as they explore the land of New Hyrule to prevent the awakening of the Demon King Malladus. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is a 2009 action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld game console.
