The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.. A Primer for R4DS, Purchasing and Guides

The release of the Japanese version of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass created a stir of response from a broad spectrum of gamers, including, for all the wrong reasons, those who ran the game in form of ROMs.

When the game was released, R4DS users were unable to play the game simply because the game utilised a 2MB save file, something the particular firmware of that time was unable to create. It was not until a new firmware was released that R4DS users were able to enjoy the game as much as their cash-paying counterparts.

Refer here to my previous posting on how to get the game to work with the R4DS.

With the release of the English (US) version of Phantom Hourglass, R4DS users shouldn't have a problem running the game.

Gamers who are willing to pay for the game (yours truly included) have several things to look forward to. First up would be the game itself, at first glance it is a blast to play with a mix of action (I love sword fighting) and puzzles (put your noggin' to good use).

The soundtrack is of particular note. The soundtrack is amplified when you are playing with a Nintendo DS (the fat one, mind you) as the larger speakers generate rich epic sounds without the need for earphones.

Play-Asia is selling this game for USD 39.90 with free shipping and is in stock October 4th (which coincides with the anniversary of this blog!), click here for purchase details.


The second things to look up for are the guides. Prima Games has released two versions of the Phantom Hourglass: Prima Official Game Guide. The plain vanilla paperback version, Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass: Prima Official Game Guide comes with the following (copied from Play-Asia):

• 288 pages
• Maps - Maps of all regions to help you guide Link to his new adventures.
• All Heart Pieces Revealed - Every heart piece will be detailed so you won't miss a single one.
• Weapon Details - A rundown of every weapon's abilities, where to find them, and how to use them most effectively.
• Exclusive Poster - Large pull out poster, double sided with Zelda art and Map art.
• Complete Walkthrough - The optimal path to complete the game. We'll show the best way to get through the adventure.

Like what the title says, the hardcover The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide is for the discerning collector, or the fanboy (or fangirl). It comes with the following (also taken from Play-Asia):

• pages: 336
• Extra Content - Exclusive to the Collector's Edition, sixteen pages of extra Zelda content.
• Exclusive Poster - Large pull out poster, double sided with Zelda art and Map art.
• All Heart Pieces Revealed - Every heart piece location.
• Maps - Maps of all regions.
• Hardcover Collector's Edition - Exclusive cover, a matched set with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Collector's Edition guide!
• Bonus Bookmark - Deluxe leather-feel bookmark with every guide.
  

Both are currently in stock now at Play-Asia, click here for the paperback version and here for the hardcover version. Both can be found for cheaper at Amazon.com but for us over here at Malaysia and the rest of the world, Play-Asia might be the better choice with its free international shipping.

Console Games Top 10 Shopping List

Last week I bought a couple of games, Worms Open Warfare 2 and Mother 3, from my favourite online retailer, Play-Asia. Lets see what other people bought last week in a top 10 list of sorts:

Sitting pretty on top of the list is Bioshock. I haven't got the opportunity to play it yet, for a lack of an Xbox 360 or a souped-up PC, but from what I hear... it's gold. My birthday is coming up, anyone willing to send an Xbox 360 my way? Mucho gracias!

On second place, there is the multi-function device known as the Dual Shooter (EMS USB2). It does several things such as allowing you to use your old Playstation gun controllers on your PS2, and to use your PS/PS2 controllers with your PC!

A guy asked me whether number 3, the Xbox Live 12-month Gold Card (Halo 3) was compatible with PAL consoles. Honestly man, I don't know but I've fired off an e-mail through Play-Asia's feedback page and we'll know soon enough!

Fourth place is the game where almost every Nintendo DS fan has been waiting to a. buy, or b. pirate: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Likewise with the first item on my list.. many thanks if anyone were to sponsor me this.

Halo 3: Collector's Edition is on fifth place, after the snafu earlier last week which saw PA sell Chinese-language only version of the games in place of the English version.Just in case you are wondering, they have corrected the problem (by mentioning it's CHINESE only) and this IS the English version on fifth place.

This was certainly embarrasing for me as well, as I was posting about the game and linking back to the CHINESE version..OMG. I did not correct the post as a reminder of this snafu.

Like the title in fifth place, alot of people are pre-ordering the NTSC U/C version of Halo 3, and I thought most popular games are region free.

More controller compatibility madness with number 7, the XFPS 360 Pro. It basically allows you to connect your PS2 controllers to the Xbox 360 and a whole lot more of other stuff.

Number 8 spot is occupied by an oddity of a Nintendo DS game. On the other hand, most NDS games are odd. Oshare Majo Love and Berry comes with some cards and a card reader and it's selling for a bargain bin price, which would explain its existence on the top 10 list.

Half Life 2: The Orange Box and the Liquid Crystal Filter for the PSP and PSP Slim round up the top 10 list.