10 out of 10 - Bold, Brilliant, and Unjustly Slept On
A Whistle-Blowing Triumph of Innovation and Heart
Spirit Tracks is Zelda like you've never quite seen it before - and that's its superpower. A sequel to Phantom Hourglass, it ditches the high seas in favor of train tracks and temples, forging a new path that's equal parts charming, emotional, and downright heroic.
It's proof that when Nintendo experiments, magic happens.
Link and Zelda: A Duo Worth Celebrating
For the first time in the franchise, Zelda is truly your partner - not just a damsel, not just a spirit you wave goodbye to - but an active, witty, and deeply present ally. As a ghost, Zelda can possess hulking Phantom Knights and help solve puzzles in tandem with Link.
Their dynamic?
Funny, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
This is one of the best portrayals of Zelda herself - vulnerable yet brave, snarky yet noble.
The Spirit Train - A Risk That Paid Off
A Zelda game... with a train? On paper, it's a risk. In execution, it's a stroke of brilliance.
Navigating the world by laying down tracks and switching routes feels strategic, rewarding, and fresh.
You manage cargo, rescue bunnies, fend off enemies mid-ride, and even play a literal conductor's flute.
It's one of the few Zelda overworlds that feels both interactive and immersive every step (and whistle) of the way.
And the train's music? So good it should be illegal.
Touchscreen Controls - DS Zelda Refined
Phantom Hourglass introduced DS-style touch controls - Spirit Tracks perfected them:
Combat feels fluid with your stylus: swing, aim, roll, and interact with precision.
Puzzles are integrated beautifully with the DS interface - from drawing paths to solving spatial challenges.
You literally blow into the microphone to play the Spirit Flute, which is as delightfully absurd as it is fun.
This is Zelda built for the system, not just ported to it.
The Dungeons - Classic Spirit with a Twist
The main temples follow the beloved formula: keys, maps, gadgets, and bosses. But the highlight is the Tower of Spirits - a sprawling mega-dungeon you return to throughout the game.
This tower requires coordination with Zelda (as a Phantom), adding layers of strategy and teamwork.
It turns what could've been repetitive into one of the most memorable dungeon concepts in the series.
And the gadgets?
From the Whirlwind to the Sand Wand, they are super satisfying and integrated with thoughtful puzzle design.
The Soundtrack - A Hidden Gem
This might be one of the most underrated soundtracks in the entire franchise.
The overworld theme when you're barreling across Hyrule on your train is nothing short of epic.
The Spirit Flute melodies feel folkloric and ancient, like sacred echoes from a forgotten age.
Even the boss themes slap harder than you'd expect from a handheld.
This game has musical soul.
Why It's a 10 Out of 10
A bold reinvention of the Zelda formula that never loses the heart of the franchise.
One of the best Zelda and Link partnerships ever created.
Puzzles that innovate without compromising.
A journey that feels personal, heroic, and packed with genuine character development.
While it may have been underestimated at launch, Spirit Tracks stands today as a true gem in the Zelda crown - brave enough to be different, and confident enough to stick the landing.
