Why I Never Finished Phantom Hourglass
Hello and welcome once again to Hyrulez! Since last time I spoke about one of my favorite Zelda games, I think, unfortunately,it is time to talk about my least favorite Legend of Zelda game. I am, of course ( it's in the title) talking about Phantom Hourglass. And to think it all started so well.
I will be honest, I played this some time ago so I can't guarantee everything I say is 100% valid, but what is valid is that I never finished the game. Now not finishing a game doesn't always mean the game itself is bad, but unfortunately for Hourglass, critics agree with me, the game isn't all that great.
I do appreciate what the game does well. It makes varied and interesting use of the DS' capabilities, namely the touchscreen and duel display. Drawing notes and memos on the dungeon maps is a really nice touch, essential in some areas, and something I think the devs got right.
I did like the atmosphere and theme, yet I do think perhaps Nintendo should have tried something entirely different rather than continuing the Windwaker storyline. The sailing within Hourglass is very fun, despite not being quite as free as Windwaker, and chugging around in the steamboat is super enjoyable, at least it was for Young Me.
But having me repeatedly visit a dungeon to progress a little each time, well there's where my respect for the game vanishes. And, I wouldn't mind if Temple of The Ocean King was an aesthetically pleasing, cleverly laid out dungeon, but it isn't. It's bland, bland, bland, and annoying. So I definitely did not want to return there! I got to a point where I was getting stuck in the Temple, and I'd just lost all momentum and excitement to continue on. And that's really something I didn't think would happen to me when playing a Zelda game. Disappointing.
I get what Nintendo were going for with that dungeon. The titular hourglass only allows a few moments in the dungeon each time, which creates a theme of foreboding danger, but from a game play perspective...
I do understand if people like the game. That's fine. And I'm aware people might be asking why I'm ranting about such an old game. I think half the reason is that with Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild being so fantastic, and let's not forget the much better DS Zelda, Link Between Worlds, being out there as part of the franchise, it draws attention to the series' flaws. I'm glad Nintendo have found the right direction again.
Please no more repeated dungeons!
As always, thanks for reading, please do get in touch with your opinions ( I'd love to hear them) and any ideas for future posts. Cheers- Tom
I will be honest, I played this some time ago so I can't guarantee everything I say is 100% valid, but what is valid is that I never finished the game. Now not finishing a game doesn't always mean the game itself is bad, but unfortunately for Hourglass, critics agree with me, the game isn't all that great.
I do appreciate what the game does well. It makes varied and interesting use of the DS' capabilities, namely the touchscreen and duel display. Drawing notes and memos on the dungeon maps is a really nice touch, essential in some areas, and something I think the devs got right.
I did like the atmosphere and theme, yet I do think perhaps Nintendo should have tried something entirely different rather than continuing the Windwaker storyline. The sailing within Hourglass is very fun, despite not being quite as free as Windwaker, and chugging around in the steamboat is super enjoyable, at least it was for Young Me.
But having me repeatedly visit a dungeon to progress a little each time, well there's where my respect for the game vanishes. And, I wouldn't mind if Temple of The Ocean King was an aesthetically pleasing, cleverly laid out dungeon, but it isn't. It's bland, bland, bland, and annoying. So I definitely did not want to return there! I got to a point where I was getting stuck in the Temple, and I'd just lost all momentum and excitement to continue on. And that's really something I didn't think would happen to me when playing a Zelda game. Disappointing.
I get what Nintendo were going for with that dungeon. The titular hourglass only allows a few moments in the dungeon each time, which creates a theme of foreboding danger, but from a game play perspective...
I do understand if people like the game. That's fine. And I'm aware people might be asking why I'm ranting about such an old game. I think half the reason is that with Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild being so fantastic, and let's not forget the much better DS Zelda, Link Between Worlds, being out there as part of the franchise, it draws attention to the series' flaws. I'm glad Nintendo have found the right direction again.
Please no more repeated dungeons!
As always, thanks for reading, please do get in touch with your opinions ( I'd love to hear them) and any ideas for future posts. Cheers- Tom
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