Ranking Every Legend Of Zelda Game From Worst To Best

13. Phantom Hourglass

Zelda Best Feature
Nintendo

Link's first outing in double-screen is excellent in places, and downright inspired in others. Unfortunately, it has three flaws which are just too glaring to overlook.

First of all: the sailing. Whilst having a massive watery world to explore gives Hourglass a sense of scale uncommon to most DS titles, actually doing so is stupendously dull. It also brings to mind Rod Stewart - an unequivocal drawback.

Secondly: The Temple of the Ocean King. Having to repeat sections of a game is wholly unwelcome, especially when they are replete with forced stealth, undefeatable enemies, and resetting puzzles. Having to repeat sections five times is unforgivable.

Finally (and divisively): the controls. On occasion, Phantom Hourglass's stylus-based input borders on ingenuity, particularly with regards to the puzzle design. However, it wasn't just for the purposes of novelty that Nintendo released a transparent 'quill' for the game; 80% of the adventure sees your hand obscure the screen as you try to drag Link from one edge to the other. Add in trying to make him roll without contracting carpal tunnel syndrome, and you have the perfect farrago for frustration. A case of stylus over substance.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.