Ever since the days of the NES, the Legend of Zelda series has created dozens of bestselling, acclaimed classics. However, the wider public sadly overlooked many games in the series. One of the biggest examples is the underrated Spirit Tracks, released near the run of the Nintendo DS. The game earned its status as a cult classic through its unique gameplay and surprisingly engaging story. Here is a breakdown of why Spirit Tracks is one of the most underrated titles in the Zelda series.
Spirit Tracks Has an Inventive Central Mechanic
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Firstly, Spirit Tracks easily has one of the most unique central mechanics in the whole series. As the title implies, the game is built around the rail system the player travels through. In the previous titles, Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, Nintendo used the sailing mechanic to create one of the best open worlds in gaming. Now, players ride a train across the world.
While one might assume this would be restrictive through needing to stick to the tracks, this brings out Nintendo’s creativity. Players must cleverly navigate the labyrinthian map of the overworld while avoiding hazards. Furthermore, surprisingly dangerous foes patrol the tracks, meaning players must think outside the box for these encounters. Overall, this mechanic is more polished than the watered-down version of aquatic travel from Phantom Hourglass.
Furthermore, the central tower dungeon the players return to is a vast improvement over the Temple of the Ocean King, widely considered the worst dungeon in the series. If there was one drawback, the “flute” mechanic used the microphone for the DS. To many gamers, this mechanic was tedious and especially awkward in public.
The Game Has a Unique Story
Out of the many stories in the series, Spirit Tracks remains one of the most unique for its setting and main plot. Along with a new central gimmick, this new setting is equally exceptional in moving into a more “industrialized” era. In keeping with the “Toon Link” style established by Wind Waker, the game has a much more lighthearted tone than the rest of the series, while the cel-shaded style uses the DS’s capabilities.
The game sells the idea that this is a “new era” after the Triforce and the reign of Ganon. Set a century after Phantom Hourglass; the game follows Link on his quest across a new kingdom to battle the evil spirit Malladus. Along the way, he works alongside the new “Lokomo” race, which maintains the tracks. Several characters, such as the brooding anti-villain Byrne, become dark horses from the game’s cast.
It Gave Gamers a Great Zelda
Finally, Spirit Tracks gave Zelda one of her most active roles in the series. The princess usually held a more passive role as a main character or, at worst, was a damsel in distress despite being the series’ namesake. However, at the beginning of this game, her spirit is ejected from her body, and she accompanies Link on his quest. Along the way, she received a level of character work simply unachievable from other entries.
While the Zelda series practically established the “companion fairy” trope with Navi and Tatl, having the princess serve as the guide herself is especially original. This version of the princess is fiery and passionate while maintaining her compassionate soul. This version probably stands alongside Breath of the Wild‘s take on her as the best from the series.
Furthermore, Zelda’s spirit serves many purposes in solving puzzles, adding even more unique mechanics to the game. Much like in the acclaimed Fullmetal Alchemist, Zelda can now possess a suit of armor for battle. This is especially satisfying for those who found the enemies frustrating in Phantom Hourglass. Henceforth, this game deserved a proper hype train when it was released.
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