Summary

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is a unique adventure in the Zelda series, introducing train travel and cooperative gameplay with Phantom Zelda. Set in Hyrule, Link and Zelda embark on a quest to restore the Spirit Tracks and thwart evil forces.

• Release Year: 2009
• Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Role-playing (RPG)
• Platforms: Nintendo DS, Wii U
• Developers: Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3
• Publishers: Nintendo

Introduction

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (2009) for the Nintendo DS marks a distinctive entry in the storied franchise, blending classic Zelda elements with new mechanics and storytelling approaches. Set in a unique world where trains traverse the land of Hyrule, the game introduces innovative gameplay alongside the timeless quest of heroism and adventure.

Synopsis

Set a century after “The Wind Waker” and its sequel “Phantom Hourglass”, the game follows the current incarnations of Link and Princess Zelda as they explore the land of New Hyrule. The story revolves around their quest to prevent the awakening of the Demon King Malladus.

The game begins when Link, a young engineer, receives a diploma from Princess Zelda, honoring him as an official Royal Engineer. However, Zelda also slips Link a personal message stating her suspicions about Chancellor Cole, her right-hand adviser.

Link and Zelda, with the help of Alfonzo, Link’s master, manage to escape the castle and board a train. However, their journey is cut short when the tracks disappear, causing the train to crash. Chancellor Cole and his assistant, Byrne, confront the trio, incapacitating Alfonzo and Link, and separating Zelda’s spirit from her body.

The game’s unique feature is the Spirit Tracks, railroad tracks that spiral across the vibrant landscape of New Hyrule. These tracks were created by the Spirits of Good, who used them to seal the Demon King Malladus into the earth.

Link’s journey takes him across the land by train, offering new possibilities for problem-solving. The game retains the style of gameplay from “Phantom Hourglass”, where players use the stylus to control Link and use weapons and items. The game is divided into an overworld, which Link traverses using the Spirit Tracks, and towns and dungeons which he travels by foot.

Throughout the game, Link is accompanied by the spirit of Zelda, who plays a key role in both the narrative and several puzzles. This marked a departure from her earlier passive characterizations, giving her more agency in the game.

Characters

Link, a young engineer; Princess Zelda, aiding as a spirit form; Byrne, a skilled warrior with personal ties to the game’s events; Chancellor Cole, the main antagonist; and the Lokomos, guardians of the Spirit Tracks.

Gameplay

The gameplay uniquely combines traditional Zelda puzzle-solving and exploration with train travel and real-time combat. Players control Link and Phantom Zelda through dungeons, utilize the DS stylus for navigation and combat, and manage train routes to traverse the game world.

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks stands as a testament to the series’ ability to innovate while retaining its core appeal. Offering a unique twist on the Zelda formula, it remains a beloved adventure that showcases the versatility and enduring charm of the franchise.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern