• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (WMV, 4.78MB) - right-click to download

Friday 12 May 2006
Nintendo has released a video and screenshots of Link's debut on DS in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.

The game is set months after the events of GameCube's WindWaker when Link and Tetra have set sail to explore new lands. Unfortunately when searching an abandoned ship, the two explorers are separated, with Link being washed up on the shore of a mysterious island. From here he must find out what has happened to Tetra with the aid of a friendly fairy.

Not only does Phantom Hourglass continue the story from WindWaker, it also has the same cel-shaded look as the GameCube game, but controlling Link has never been so different as it's all done with the stylus.

Above: Link's movement is totally controlled with the stylus and touch-screen

To move Link you must move the stylus around the touch-screen, while tapping on different characters will allow him to speak to them. Various attacks can be executed by making certain stylus movements on the screen - to activate a sword strike, a sweeping movement is made, while gamers must also chart out a path for Link's boomerang.

The map will primarily be displayed on the top screen, but it's also possible to transfer it to the touch-screen allowing the gamer to make notes on it or to chart a course for Link's ship through the numerous islands.

Phantom Hourglass will also have a two-player mode which can be played using DS's WiFi capabilities. It sees one player controlling Link as he navigates his way through a network of dungeons, while the other player must try to hinder his progress by being in control of the various enemies pursuing him.