Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
Genre: Action-adventure
Release Date: 2009-12-07
Nintendo Systems: Nintendo DS
Copies Sold: 2.96 million
Publisher: Nintendo
Game Length: 20 hours
ESRB Rating: E
Art Style: Cel-shaded
MetaCritic Score: 87
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is a celebrated entry in the iconic Legend of Zelda series, released for the Nintendo DS in December 2009. Set in a unique world that blends fantasy with steam-powered technology, Spirit Tracks offers players a captivating narrative filled with exploration, puzzles, and classic Zelda gameplay. Below, we delve into the intricate lore of this game, exploring its setting, characters, and key plot points.
Spirit Tracks is set in the land of New Hyrule, a realm that exists a century after the events of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. This world is characterized by its extensive railways, known as the Spirit Tracks, which traverse the landscape and are crucial to the land's harmony and connectivity. These tracks are mystical in nature, created by the Spirits of Good to keep the evil Demon King Malladus imprisoned.
At the heart of New Hyrule stands the Tower of Spirits, a colossal structure that serves as a linchpin for the Spirit Tracks. The tower is a divine edifice, inhabited by the Lokomo, sage-like beings who maintain the balance and oversee the Spirit Tracks.
The protagonist of Spirit Tracks, Link, is a young engineer apprentice who aspires to become a full-fledged train conductor. He is courageous and resourceful, embodying the heroic spirit necessary to embark on the quest to save New Hyrule.
Unlike typical damsel-in-distress roles, Princess Zelda plays an active part in Spirit Tracks. Early in the story, her physical body is separated from her spirit by the evil Chancellor Cole. Throughout the game, her spirit accompanies Link, assisting him by possessing Phantom Knights and providing guidance.
The main antagonist, Chancellor Cole, serves as the royal advisor but harbors sinister motives. He seeks to resurrect Malladus, the Demon King, by severing the Spirit Tracks and using Zelda's body as a vessel for the demon's return.
Malladus is the Demon King whose malevolent influence once threatened the world. The Spirit Tracks were constructed to contain him, and his potential resurrection poses a grave danger to New Hyrule.
The Lokomo are sacred guardians of the Spirit Tracks. They assist Link and Zelda in their quest, providing knowledge and aid to restore the tracks and prevent Malladus's resurrection.
The game begins with Link's graduation as a train engineer. During the ceremony, Princess Zelda secretly tasks him with investigating the mysterious disappearance of the Spirit Tracks. Link and Zelda witness Chancellor Cole's betrayal as he uses dark magic to sever the tracks and take control of Zelda's body.
Link, with Zelda's spirit as his companion, sets out to restore the Spirit Tracks by visiting the four realms of New Hyrule: the Forest, Snow, Ocean, and Fire realms. Each realm houses a temple that must be purified to reactivate the tracks. Along the way, they encounter various allies and enemies, including the Lokomo who guide them on their quest.
Throughout their journey, Link and Zelda frequently return to the Tower of Spirits, where they must ascend through its floors to unlock new sections of the overworld. The tower is a hub of activity, offering complex puzzles and challenges that test the duo's teamwork.
With all the realms restored, Link and Zelda face the ultimate challenge: stopping Cole and the resurrected Malladus. In an epic battle, Link defeats the Demon King with the help of Zelda, who bravely confronts her possessed body. Their combined efforts finally banish Malladus, restoring peace to New Hyrule.
Spirit Tracks explores themes of cooperation, courage, and the balance between technology and nature. The partnership between Link and Zelda is central to the narrative, showcasing the power of unity and friendship. The game also reflects on the importance of preserving harmony within the world, emphasizing the need to balance technological advancements with spiritual and ecological well-being.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks stands out in the Zelda series for its innovative use of the DS's capabilities and its unique narrative approach. By blending traditional Zelda elements with new mechanics and a compelling storyline, the game offers a rich and immersive experience that resonates with fans and newcomers alike. Its lore, filled with mystery, adventure, and poignant themes, continues to capture the imagination of players around the world.
The Legend of Zelda series is renowned for its complex timeline, which intertwines various games within the franchise. The timeline was officially detailed in the "Hyrule Historia," a book released by Nintendo, which clarified the chronological order of the games. The timeline is divided into three branches, which resulted from the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time:
"The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks," released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS, is part of this intricate web of stories and events.
"Spirit Tracks" is part of the Adult Timeline, which emerges after Link defeats Ganon in Ocarina of Time, and Zelda sends him back to his childhood. With Link's departure, Hyrule enters an era without the Hero of Time, leading to a sequence of events that shape the Adult Timeline.
The Wind Waker: This game follows the flood of Hyrule, which was submerged under the Great Sea to prevent Ganon's return. A new Link arises to defeat Ganon and restore peace.
Phantom Hourglass: Serving as a direct sequel to The Wind Waker, this game follows Link and Tetra as they explore new lands and encounter new threats.
Spirit Tracks: Set approximately 100 years after the events of Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks takes place in the land of New Hyrule. This land was discovered and settled by Tetra and her crew after the events of The Wind Waker.
In Spirit Tracks, players follow a new Link and Zelda as they navigate New Hyrule. The kingdom is characterized by its railway system, known as the Spirit Tracks, which were established to bind the demon king Malladus. The story begins when these tracks start disappearing, and Link, a train engineer, embarks on a quest with the spirit of Zelda to restore them and stop Malladus from being resurrected.
New Hyrule: The setting of Spirit Tracks represents a new beginning for the inhabitants of the flooded Hyrule. It showcases a society that has evolved beyond its past reliance on magic, integrating technology in the form of steam trains.
Continuation of the Adult Timeline: Spirit Tracks serves as a continuation of the themes explored in The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, focusing on exploration, the discovery of new lands, and adaptation to a transformed world.
Cultural and Technological Shift: The game highlights a significant cultural and technological shift from the medieval fantasy elements typically associated with the series, introducing steampunk elements and a focus on engineering and machinery.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks plays a crucial role in the Adult Timeline, showcasing the legacy of the Hero of Winds and the continued efforts to establish peace and prosperity in a new world. By blending traditional Zelda elements with innovative gameplay mechanics and exploring themes of renewal and progress, Spirit Tracks contributes uniquely to the rich tapestry of the Zelda series' timeline.