Introduction

The hero's trademark green tunic and matching hat, an enchanting heroic tale waiting to be told, colorful cutesy graphics, and a cast of creepy and sometimes creepily effeminate characters just partially comprise a laundry list of The Legend of Zelda series' attributes. No doubt that it's time to take up the sword and shield as our favorite spandex-sporting hero and help him save his home world from evil-doers once more. The wildly popular Zelda series returns with new and exciting happenings on the horizon, but this time in a bite-sized, portable adventure on the Nintendo Dual Screen...now in a delicious strawberry flavor!

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a direct sequel to the Gamecube's The Wind Waker game, of which many may remember seeing Link's dinner plate-sized eyes all the way from space. The events of Phantom Hourglass unfold shortly after the conclusion of Wind Waker: Link and his companions are sailing across the vast open seas and come across a strange ship enshrouded in fog. His attempt to save gal pal Tetra are to no avail as he is cast aside and later awakens on an unfamiliar island. Befriending a buzzing fairy, Link sets off to uncover the mysterious origins of that ship and, of course, to save his dear friend.

If you have neither played nor heard of Zelda (a statistical impossibility), prepare to fend off droves of different enemies, overcome danger-filled dungeons, laugh at whimsical characters you may grow to love or hate, and experience an adventure that truly sets the standards for "epic." Don't sweat it, scooter, you won't tackle all this alone, not if IGN can help it.

In this The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass strategy guide, you'll find:

• BASICS // Lowdown on Zelda Basics
• WALKTHROUGH // Fully detailed accounts of Link's quest with this mysterious Phantom Hourglass...In a fresh new design!
• SIDEQUESTS // An order of fries, a diet Coke, and quests on the side please.
• ITEMS and WEAPONS // The skinny on the items and weapons you will come across.
• APPENDIX // Stuff that doesn't belong in other sections, like Heart Container locations, Gem locations, and chocolate chip cookie recipes (minus the recipes).

Guide by: Stephanie Lee