phantom-hourglass
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Gilded Zelda DS Lite on the horizon?
Apparently, the gold DS Lite you see tucked away in the lower-left hand corner of the picture above could soon be coming to retail stores, which to be honest, wouldn't shock us considering the smorgasbord of colors already out there. Reportedly, the photograph was snapped at the Nintendo World Store as Phantom Hourglass launched, and to make things even more interesting, a certain individual has also claimed that his company has received orders from the Big N to design graphics for a "BOX, SYST GOLD W/ZELDA: HOUR USG." Even if legitimate, it remains to be seen if the elusive new portable will simply be a limited run for contests or if it'll hit shelves en masse, but it's hard to argue how well a gilded Zelda DS Lite bundle would sell this holiday season.[Via DSFanboy]Read - Gold DS & Phantom Hourglass BundleRead - Zelda DS Lite Bundle Coming Soon?
EASTMOST PENNINSULA IS THE SECRET ZELDA DS LITE
This special-edition DS Lite was photographed by GoNintendo's RawMeatCowboy at the recent Phantom Hourglass launch event at the Nintendo World Store. The store displays all kinds of stuff that you can't get anywhere else, but this may not be one of those items. This may soon be available at regular stores.A rumor on NeoGAF has this lovely gold DS Lite being released as part of a Phantom Hourglass bundle for the holiday season. A few other posters came in to confirm it, but, being anonymous GAFfers, their confirmations are as reliable as the original rumor. We've already got all the DS systems we need, but for new owners or obsessive collectors, this would certainly be awesome.
WRUP: Gee, we wonder what you're playing edition
Let's think of a release that most of you are probably knee-deep in? Tough one, right? Well, we're fairly confident that it's none other than ... The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night. Yup, out of the long list of games that released, we're absolutely certain that's the game you're playing. If we had to bet body parts on it, we would be rich in organs.So, tell us of your adventures with Spyro and how much fun you're having with it. Because, you are. That's what you're playing. We know it is.
Nintendo offers bribe for Zelda opinions
Nintendo really wants to know how you feel about The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Or, rather, if this survey is anything like the Brain Age 2 survey, they want to know if there are any non-gamers in the house to whom you can evangelize the game. In any case, they're willing to pay handsomely in single pieces of plastic for the information.Registering your game and filling out the survey will make you eligible for this cute "Feather Pen Stylus." Really, it's a free thing requiring minimal effort, so why not? You can choose whether or not to poke at your DS with it.
DS Daily: At last (maybe)
Are you already neck-deep in Phantom Hourglass, or are you stuck waiting for the weekend -- or even next week! -- like some folks we know? If you're among the lucky folks already playing through Link's latest adventure, how far are you, and what do you think so far? Is it the single greatest thing since sliced bread? We may be a little biased, but we'll lean toward a yes on that one. Of course, if you played an import copy, you're probably long finished, and want the chance to gloat in front of the others. That's just fine, too ... but try to be careful with the spoilers.
The DS Life: Unrestrained glee
The DS Life is a weekly feature in which we scour the known world for narrative images of Nintendo's handheld and handheld gamers. If you have a photo and a story to match it with, send both to thedslife at dsfanboy dot com.Sometimes, everything just seems to be going your way. There isn't a single worry plaguing your usually beleaguered mind, you've got a girl back at home who loves you, and the world is yours to conquer. Then something unexpected comes along and makes your day even better!
Metareview: Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
So, were you camping out in front of your local retail spot, waiting for their doors to open so you could push that first employee aside and make a mad dash for The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass? Is today the kind of day you stay home sick from school, work or whatever other responsibilities you might have had waiting? Are you already knee-deep in the title and haven't had time to read your favorite blog today?If you've had some time with the game, be sure to let us know what you think so far. But, first, let us see what the critics had to say, shall we? Game Informer (95/100) thinks it isn't as good as Twilight Princess, but is still a damn fine game: "It may not live up to the lofty standards recently displayed in "Twilight Princess", but this adventure is worthy of Zelda canon, and still has enough great stuff going for it to be considered one of the year's best adventures." [Oct 2007, p.126] GamePro (95/100) finds it to be one great sequel: "All in all, Phantom Hourglass is a successful sequel that improves on everything that its predecessor did right." [Nov 2007, p.92] Nintendo Power (95/100) says it's tried-and-true Zelda: "Just know that it's the same Zelda you've always known and loved, and that's a good thing." [Nov 2007, p.98] IGN (90/100) thinks the game is too casual: "When looking at specific aspects of Nintendo's latest Zelda offering it's easy to write this one off as too different, too kiddy, or too easy. Nintendo went for a more casual approach this time around, keeping the amount of hardcore dungeon-crawling to a minimum, and shedding the traditional control scheme for a more casual-friendly approach. But with that being said, Phantom Hourglass is still an extremely ambitious, entertaining, and innovative product." GameSpot (90/100) sees the new control scheme as something that gives new life to the series: "Ultimately, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a superb effort and pretty much what you would want from a first entry in the series on the DS. It's got a few pacing problems, and those who demand traditional control schemes will probably be turned off by this game's control methodology. But really, even if you're convinced you hate the notion of touch-screen controls, you owe it to yourself to give this game a try." GameDaily (80/100) says it's the same Zelda game you've played plenty of times, but it's still a great game: "Phantom Hourglass' controls, combined with the boat segments, make it a quality adventure worth everyone's time. You'll admire the graphics and bury yourself in the numerous side missions."
The spirit of NES Zelda lives on in Phantom Hourglass
With The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass making its home on the DS, Nintendo had the opportunity to bring Zelda back to the casual public that remembers loving Zelda on the NES. And in making a game with that goal, producer Eiji Aonuma found the feeling of the new game beginning to evoke the classic cartridge. As he told MTV's Multiplayer, "With the DS Zelda, I kind of feel as though it is the updated version of the original Zelda. It wasn't a conscious decision, but in an effort to get kind of back to basics, I was able to reconnect with that essence of Zelda that made it fun for people when it first came out." Any time something is likened to the NES Legend of Zelda, we see it as shorthand for "this is a life-changingly incredible game." Because, argue all you want (and you certainly will), The Legend of Zelda is not only a high point for the series, but for games. It's the only one we can consistently go back to.And, for those of us who love arguing about Wind Waker, here's a note from Aonuma about Phantom Hourglass became a sequel to that game: "When we were starting work on the DS Zelda, it's not as though we knew we were going to create the sequel to Wind Waker, but as we developed the game and gameplay was kind of finalized, we discovered that Wind Waker 2 was what we were making."We couldn't be more pleased, since we love pretty much everything about Wind Waker (except the Triforce hunting there at the end-- we're not crazy). However, we know that just referring to the game usually leads to a heated argument about whether it's awesome or terrible.
DS Daily: Why do you (or don't you) play Zelda?
For many of us, the Zelda franchise represents the pinnacle of gaming. Several entries in the series stand out as true classics, games that can be replayed again and again, and little things like graphics don't even enter in to the equation. However, we also know that for every Zelda fan out there, there's a gamer who just isn't into the series, or who has lost interest over the years. If this is you, we want to know why ... and if Phantom Hourglass has happened to tickle your fancy regardless.If, like us, you're still neck deep in the Zelda franchise, what keeps you coming back?
DS releases for the week of October 1st
Hmm ... isn't there something spectacular hitting this week? Maybe we're thinking of another week ... no, it must be Holly Hobbie & Friends, right? You know you want it!Seriously, folks, DS fans have loads to be pleased about this week. Not only are we getting what may end up being our game of the year, but there are tons of other options if you happen to not be a Zelda fan (gasp!) or if you want to pick up a second or third title. What's on your shopping list? Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Crash of the Titans Holly Hobbie & Friends Kurupoto Cool Cool Stars The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Master Jin Jin's IQ Challenge Spider-Man: Friend or Foe For the releases in other major markets, sail past the break. Importers especially take note: Mistwalker's Archaic Sealed Heat debuts this week in Japan.
Zelda: Phantom Hourglass launch draws cosplayers to Nintendo Store
Click for high-res image. The newest Zelda game, Phantom Hourglass for the DS, launched a day early to the surprise of Nintendo World Store shoppers today in New York City. It's not every day that a new Zelda game graces the Nintendo faithful, and the World Store housed some rare memorabilia from the series' long-running legacy. In addition, cosplayers flocked to the store for a chance to nab the game for free. Excuuuse me, but this Link from the original Saturday morning cartoon wins the cake from us.%Gallery-7996%
DS Daily: Kicking off Zelda week!
It's here at last -- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass! Like the Nintendo World Store, we know how to celebrate, though with considerably fewer prizes, unfortunately. That doesn't mean we aren't hyped, though; in fact, we'll be spending time focusing on all things Zelda for the entire week. Anyone headed to the event in New York? We'd love to hear about it if you're going (or if you already have). If, like the rest of us, you're not close enough to join in on the fun, share your excitement with us here. We've been waiting for this one for a long time ....
Legend of Zelda: Tangible Hourglass
None of that Phantom business to be seen here. This is a for-real, corporeal hourglass, and it's being sent along with review copies of the latest Zelda game, Phantom Hourglass. You see, the title has the word Hourglass in it, and this is one of those. An hourglass. Get it? It's being sent out to remind reviewers what an hourglass is.Okay, so maybe we're just being snarky because we didn't get one in the mail. We would so love to have some interesting Zelda stuff of our own to show off. You know what? Here's a papercraft Link model. We can all print and fold this thing so we can forget about the pain of not receiving trinkets with Zelda logos on them.[Via GoNintendo]
We want to see your Zelda gear
Next week we'll be celebrating the release of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass on the DS here in North America, and in honor of the Game of the Year title's debut, we would love to do a special edition of our weekly feature, Show and Tell. We want to see your Zelda-related gear! Anything from t-shirts to tattoos, to statues and standees, if it features Link, we want to help you show it off. We may even break tradition and feature more than one reader. It all depends on what you send us at showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com.
Lots of new Phantom Hourglass screens, some new videos
IGN went crazy on content last night, posting up over 40 new screens, as well as a couple of choice videos for The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. With the game arriving next week, you can bet that we're salivating like a dog staring through the window of a butcher's shop. This game is going to be so good.We feel like we're laying in bed on Christmas Eve, wondering what Santa left us under the tree. Only problem is we still have a whole week before we can get the game. Waiting is hard.%Gallery-4748%[Via Go Nintendo]
One way or another, your DS Lite is getting Zelda stuff on it
Even if you don't preorder the game from Wal-Mart (in the U.S.) or EBGames (in Australia), Nintendo-- or whichever unidentified accessory maker this is-- still wants your DS to look all Zelda-y. The latest option for giving your DS an air of high-seas adventure requires no preorder at all, and is (in our opinion) the nicest one yet. The Zelda Phantom Hourglass Kit includes a DS skin, a "modified Zelda pocket" which appears to be a DS case, two silicone game sleeves made to be attached to the system, and three styli.All of this is emblazoned with the vivid, colorful art that so many people hated about Wind Waker, and which we happen to enjoy. The skin has a bit of a black/red scheme going, which would go well with the new DS Lite color scheme. We haven't seen this for sale anywhere but Canadian retailer Future Shop, which is a bit inconvenient for us. Canadian gamers can Link up their DS Lites for CAD$18, while all we can do is dream.[Via GoNintendo]
It pays to be a pre-orderer for once
Now that's a pretty spiffy piece of swag, even if it looks like this case painted gold with a Phantom Hourglass logo on it. And, as the above graphic states, all one needs to do is pre-order the title through EBgames. Sadly, some of us aren't afforded the opportunity to get this sweet carrying case, though. It's only available to those living in Australia.%Gallery-4748%[Via Go Nintendo]
Phantom Hourglass makes with an E-card
With the launch of Phantom Hourglass so close we can taste it, Nintendo saw fit to release a rather nifty e-card upon the intertron-patrolling public. The e-card comes complete with a video of the game in action, which caused us to salivate like rabid dogs. Seriously, is there any other DS game this year that is even worth comparing to this title?Well, maybe one game comes kind of close ...%Gallery-4748%
Wal-Mart packs Phantom Hourglass preorders with skins and styli
Most of the DS Lite skins we've come across in the past made our eyes want to commit suicide -- you could literally see them darting around, panicked, struggling in vain to grow arms and grab anything in reach to stab themselves blind with.These Phantom Hourglass decals, however, won't disfigure your handheld; they could even by considered somewhat appealing. Wal-Mart will include them, as well as a Link-green stylus, with every $34.82 preorder. The only downside we can see in reserving the game through Wal-Mart is that the retail giant won't ship it out until October 5th, four days after Phantom Hourglass' release. Do you think these extras are worth holding off your Zelda playtime?[Via CAG]
Everything you wanted to know about Phantom Hourglass but were afraid to ask
Sure, Phantom Hourglass is probably going to be the hottest game of the year -- or at least one of them, considering the Pokémon invasion we've experienced -- but do you know everything about it? IGN has put together a helpful FAQ for the highly-anticipated DS title that's just chock full of information. Some of it is pretty basic, like "Who developed this one?" (Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development! Interesting tidbit: this is the team's first handheld Zelda), but there are more complicated and subjective questions as well, such as, "I never played Wind Waker, will I be totally lost?" IGN says no, and hopefully relieves some tension for some of you in the process.They also get into the complex matter of the Zelda timeline, and the many delays this latest entry suffered prior to release. It's a nice recap for those of you dying for more scraps about next month's release. We recommend taking it in with a video or two. %Gallery-4748%
