Topic: The Un-Official Zelda: Spirit Tracks hype thread! *Updated: Iwata interviews Aonuma about ST+ IGN Review*

Gamespot's episode of "On The Spot" last night had a really great preview of Spirit Tracks--including an in depth look at the Ice Dungeon. It's already looking like one of the coolest Zelda dungeons ever (and far and away better than any of the PH dungeons). You can check it out here: http://www.gamespot.com/shows/today-on-the-spot/?tag=topslot%...

Tomorrow or Tuesday, I will have this game! I can't wait!

The reviews are really coming in now. Check out the updated first page for lotsa reviews (or more reasonably, Metacritic)

I can't wait for Christmas.

I notice in the original post it says online multi-player. I've skimmed the two linked reviews, and both neglect to even mention the existence of multi-player, online or off. Truly shining examples of great gaming journalism. Can someone clear this up? Do we have any final word one way or the other on if it's local, online, or both?

Local is confirmed (IGN had a hands on article specifically dedicated to the multiplayer) but it did not mention online. I think they might've scrapped online for this game, because PH's online multiplayer had some serious problems.

Like? Other than people disconnecting to keep their scores perfect.

That, and every single online match I played, I got disconnected. Every. Single. One. This didn't happen with any other online DS games.

If I enjoy ST, I might buy PH later on just so I can play some Zelda goodness online. What is up with Nintendo only having local multiplayer in NSMBW and ST? It is like Nintendo has turned anti Wi-fi recently.

I understand why NSMBW isn't WiFi (it's a social game) but the lack of ST's Wifi is a little weird. I've heard ST is a lot bigger than PH so that might be the reason...but idk

Well, those are both technical reasons. Surely they could be fixed? In BWii the player who disconnects on purpose loses points every time, and to quote the Dragon Quest Wars manual, "If you keep on disconnecting, you may find yourself unable to find an opponent."

Hey guys so I just got the game at the Nintendo World New York City's midnight opening. It was actually not as busy as I thought it would be. There were about 30 of us in line prior to the opening of the store at midnight. They gave us a free themed stylus. I already have 2 styluses so I'm selling the one they gave us:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120503...

PS I hope it's not as easy as some of you are saying - because I am hoping this game was not just made as a kidsy version of Zelda.

Also, there was a guy dressed as Link sponsored by Nintendo at the store, he looked pretty cool.

Did this game really need online multi? I remember it in Phantom Hourglass and I think I even went online once..... but only once. I don't think this game is missing much if it excludes it.

Another minor complaint about the response to this game so far. Gametrailers did give this game a 9, which is really good, but they mentioned towards the end of their review that it "by no means pushes the hardware to the limit". Now I might be going crazy here but isn't Phantom Hourglass one of the better looking games on the DS? And doesn't Spirit Tracks push it further? I did see some almost Twilight Princess like epic battles in that video review Gametrailers has... if that isn't pushing the DS then what is because I'd like to see the games that push it more!

That's ridiculous. 1UP said it was the best looking DS game by a mile.

Well Gametrailers confirmed that there's no online multiplayer. I was really angry at that review because it gave away quite a few spoilers, so if you want to be surprised by the game, don't watch it!

Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks http://nintendods.com/iwataasks/vol10_page1.html

Really wonderful interview.

Ah, a new Iwata Asks! I love reading these interviews more than just about anything on the web.

Who else is getting this game for Christmas?

Same here!
@Toon+Link Me.
New IGN review is up.
EDIT: "True statement: The game runs over 25 hours from front to end. Unfortunate reality: A good fifth of that could have been cut out to better pace the experience." - Mark Bozon

@Odnetnin - I was just about to post that IGN review. 9.3... can't wait to pick it up tomorrow!