The Video Game Critic

I've noticed lately that more than a few people who post here are concerned about nintendo going too casual and essentially destroying (for them, at least) their traditional games. Phantom Hourglass is really their first big established franchise to get a major control makeover (100% stylus) so I think it will be intersting to see how it goes. Its out soon in Japan, pretty soon we will have impressions at least, anyone planning on importing?

I'm excited to see something new with Zelda, but ya never know unitl you play it......It's ussually all or nothing with Nintendo, they don't sweat putting in traditional controls as a back up, which I guess is artistic of them, maybe frustrating for you?

Even though Nintendo will sometimes milk a franchise to death (See Mario Party), They seem to take more chances than anyone.   The D Pad, the analog centering joystick (okay there was the 5200 joystick but it sucked),   touch screen, virtual boy, game boy and power glove.   Some things worked better than others, but I am so glad that Nintnedo is always trying to make some changes and move the industry foward. 

Speaking of which, I am glad they are trying something new with Zelda.  I think the touch screen could work marvels with it, and give it a sort of diablo feel.   At the same time, they could make motion conscious  sword swinging.   I am definitely looking forward to it, and I don't mind if Nintendo messes up every once in while as long as they keep taking chances.

I'm really disappointed that its only using the touch screen.

[QUOTE=Quiet Flight]I'm really disappointed that its only using the touch screen.
[/QUOTE]

Agreed. I just don't see the control scheme working that well.
Reminds me of Animal Crossing *pukes*

Famitsu, the most popular Japanese reviews just gave the game a 10,10,10, and 9, which makes it the highest rate protable handheld zelda game.  So it looks like this game is gonna get excellent reviews.  I can't wait. It looks awesome.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Phantom_Hourglass#Reception

[QUOTE=Blah]

[QUOTE=Quiet Flight]I'm really disappointed that its only using the touch screen.
[/QUOTE]

Agreed. I just don't see the control scheme working that well.
Reminds me of Animal Crossing *pukes*
[/QUOTE]

How does it remind you of Animal Crossing because of the control scheme?  Animal Crossing can be played with just the buttons or with just the stylus.  What'd you want to play it with?  Mindlink?

Hah, well, it certainly won't tear TP down at all for this gamer, but I have little doubt that Phantom Houglass will be a fantastic experience.

-Rob

This game is getting GREAT import impressions. Who needs Smash Bros, SMG and MPC? I'm getting Phantom Hourglass and BrainAge2 this fall! I will cross my fingers for Wii Music being pretty good, too.

Hey Rob, (or everybody else),  if you happen to read this, I know you are a musician, what did you think of the music in TP? Most reviewers who wanted to chip away at the score of the game tended to focus a little bit on the soundtrack, saying it was substandard, and too 'subtle'. Personally, I thought it was great, it really did set the mood for the game. I guess some people would just like the earlier music they fell in love with to be continuly recycled and remixed, but I like to be surprised. I especially liked the Hyrule Castle Town cut, and I loved how they incorporated that street band in the plaza to it. That was genius! The Lake Hylalia music was another of my favorites. I wonder what the mood of Hourglass will be, I suppose it will maybe be a little more lighthearted like WindWaker was. One thing about games, they almost always deliver on music, I expect to be impressed! I think you have posted in the past thatyou are going to make a carreer out of making music for games, good luck with that.