Though graphically similar to the previous Legend of Zelda entry on Nintendo's portable, Link's latest outing on the DS is looking to innovate on a few different levels, aside from the already apparent "train challenges" seen in earlier trailers. One new component of the gameplay involves players controlling the heavily-armored Phantom Knight, who is used as an auxiliary character to help solve puzzles and reach inaccessible areas; one example is Link riding the Phantom Knight through a sea of lava to avoid green leotard burns. The knight can also be used to trigger door locks and removing obstructions, with the player switching back and forth between controlling Link and the Phantom Knight.





Aside from the Knight, the previously mentioned Train Challenges are looking to add a change in pace from the series' traditional dungeon crawling/puzzle solving mainstay mechanics. The challenges task players with assaulting enemies with a giant cannon mounted on the engine, while attempting to avoid crashing into other trains at the risk of failing the challenge. Players have to balance controlling the train speed, switching train tracks, defeating enemies and avoiding oncoming train traffic in order to succeed, and the intensity of these sections is extremely engaging.

Fans of Phantom Hourglass should surely get a kick out of Spirit Tracks, and the new gameplay aspects look to bring fresh ideas to the series. While we never envisioned Link as a train conductor, when Nintendo says it can be done, we listen.