A recent interview with games™ (from Now Gamer) explains Zelda’s purpose in “The Legend of Zelda : Spirit Tracks”.

“Why would an archenemy like the Phantom become your ally, we asked ourselves. And during that discussion we came up with the idea that one way would be if a second character took control of that Phantom for you. But who? We thought Zelda might be an interesting and appropriate character.

Her spirit form can take on the adventure together with Link. So that’s how we decided upon the story where Zelda is going to have her body taken away by an enemy. One of the most important facets of the story would be for Link to regain her body but, at the same time, her spirit form can take on the adventure together with Link.”

Also,TSA (Game Trailers) obtained a preview build of Spirit Tracks and has provided a summary of spoilers. Read the preview by viewing the rest of this entry.

Last week, Nintendo was kind enough to drop off a new preview build of Spirit Tracks, the latest installment in The Legend of Zelda franchise coming to the Nintendo DS this December. After having a chance to play through the E3 build twice already, I welcomed a chance at playing a new version of the anticipated title.

First, let’s cover some of the single player content. I apologize if some of this content is retreading old ground, but I can assure you there’s a ton of new info in here you haven’t read anywhere else. After watching the short title screen animation, you’re first prompted to create a file like any other Zelda title. What’s interesting is that there are only two save files, which breaks from the traditional three file norm. The game also asks if you are right or left handed, accommodating all players.

By now you probably know the game opens with a short back story explaining how a new land was discovered by Link and Tetra after the end of Phantom Hourglass, and the two christened the realm Hyrule. But they were not the first inhabitants to step foot on this soil, and a war had between the evil Demon King and the heavenly spirits still left its mark on the land in the form of the Spirit Tracks. The Spirit Tracks were chains that shackled the evil foe into his prison, and the Tower of Spirits at the center of the land served as a key to this lock.

At the conclusion of this tail, we see an elder Niko from The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass using his trademark storytelling technique, though the intended audience, a young Link, has fallen fast asleep (a possible reference to Majora’s Mask). We learn that Niko and Link are an odd couple that are actually roommates in the small seaside village of Aboda. You’re an apprentice engineer who studied under your mentor Alfonzo, who was formerly a “legendary swordsman” who served the royal family. On this very day, Link is traveling to Hyrule Castle to receive his engineering degree from Princess Zelda herself.

Once you set out into the village, you’ll notice it’s very reminiscent of the starting village in Phantom Hourglass. On your way to your train, you’ll meet some villagers, as well as the new postman. Donning a red outfit and walking along to a “chugga-chugga” motion, he’ll deliver your messages in person, though he’s no longer allowed to read them due to a new rule from the postmaster. You can select and read your letters from the menu.

Your first quest is to guide your train successfully to Hyrule Castle in the game’s train tutorial. You’ll have 300 seconds to reach your destination, but this is the only instance of a time limit for the train segments we’ve seen so far. It handles just like you’d expect if you’ve played Phantom Hourglass’ boat segments, though this time around you must manually come to a complete stop at destinations rather than just making contact with them.

You’ll arrive in Castle Town, the hub city of Hyrule, where you’ll notice all the guards don green tunics much like Link did in previous outings. The once main difference is that regular guards don’t have the traditional hat, while new recruits do. After your introduction, you’ll meet Chancellor Cole who will escort you to the ceremony. You’ll notice he’s displeased with Link’s presence and thinks this is all a waste of time.

In the throne room, before meeting Princess Zelda, you’ll be treated to a view of a stained glass window of Tetra from The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass. Despite outcries from Chancellor Cole, Link is finally given his degree by Zelda. It should be noted that the degree is clearly written in Hylian script found in The Wind Waker. Just before leaving, Zelda slips Link a note, asking him to read it later and to be weary of the Chancellor. It was also interesting to note that the Chancellor’s “theme” sounded like it paid a small tribute to Majora’s Mask.

View the rest of his preview at Game Trailers.

Tags: Spirit Tracks

This entry was posted on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 2:54 pm and is filed under Future Zelda, Spirit Tracks, Zelda News.