All things considered, the most successful console around is an intriguing handheld from Nintendo. The DS proved yet again that gamers are looking for something a little different than your standard run-of-the-mill gameplay, and had yet another banner year on the games front.

Nintendo DS Game Of The Year 2007

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

GameZone's Review

Louis Bedigian: Innovation is risky. It takes more than brilliant minds to implement; to create innovation in video games, you have to be willing to fail. No amount of pre-release gameplay testing can affirm how the average gamer will perceive a new concept. This is the reason why we don’t usually see innovation from existing franchises, first because it’s easier to stick with the current format and second because new styles and/or gameplay variations may not be welcomed with open thumbs.

Nintendo has been remaking The Legend of Zelda through its sequels for nearly two decades. This year, they took an entirely different approach and created a game that captures the essence of Zelda but doesn’t feel like a traditional Zelda game. They did this by throwing the old, D-pad control system out the window. In its place: new touch mechanics that allow you to guide Link through the game’s massive worlds by touching the screen. It was a great concept to be certain, but it wasn’t until I actually played the game that I knew Nintendo had made the right decision. Their risk paid off vehemently for gamers, a move that is likely to foster further innovation from Nintendo DS developers of existing franchises.

Eduardo Zacarias: Link’s latest adventures on the Wii and now on the Nintendo DS push their respective platform to their limits and find new and creative gameplay elements. This is a game that fans will be playing for a long time and one they will be happy to carry around with them.

Natalie Romano: Zelda fans have a lot to rejoice since Phantom Hourglass is the perfect companion to The Wind Waker and it’s one of the most exciting and innovative handheld adventures yet. This is a real Must Have for any DS owner.

Angelina Sandoval: It’s not rare these days to find a Nintendo DS that brings a gaming experience that rivals that of the console games and Phantom Hourglass is one of these games that go hand in hand with the console. It’s also Link’s best adventure yet.

Nick Valentino: Zelda fans will find it hard to ignore the beauty and innovation of Phantom Hourglass and even if you’re not familiar with the series you will still love this amazing Nintendo DS game.

Steven Hopper: Nintendo got a little daring for Link's latest quest, opting for a control scheme completely controlled by the stylus instead of a more traditional D-Pad and face button one. Luckily it paid off, and Phantom Hourglass is a great entry to the beloved series, from its great "Wind Waker" inspired look to the easy to grasp controls.

Aceinet: Nintendo has outdone themselves again with this new immersive Zelda game with the unique features of the DS. Phantom Hourglass continues the look of one of the most underrated Zelda games, Wind Waker, and shrinks it down for the DS. All of the classic Zelda trappings you'd expect are included in Phantom Hourglass, like amazing dungeons, great bosses and intriguing puzzles. The reason Phantom Hourglass stands out from the rest of the DS's catalog is the innovative use of the system's controls. No longer are you controlling the game with the directional pad, this time you control Link completely with the stylus. It might sound like a gimmick but it really works and makes this Zelda game play like no other Zelda game before it.