Yes it is true that I can and do actually play games without a strategy guide. Right now I’m playing Sands of Destruction on the DS, a game I’ve been looking forward to since LAST January, and I’m also reviewing it for Kombo. It’s nice to be able to review a game you actually wanted to play.

I have to say that I’m not entirely pleased with the game so far. I was really interested in it because I liked the idea of the story being about destroying the world instead of saving it. However, while one partymember is rather hell bent in destroying the world, the protagonist with the power to do so is all about changing it and making it better. Somehow I think that’s what “destroying the world” really means. Lame. I could pick up any other JRPG and save the world.

On top of that, the graphics are a huge disappointment. The occasional cut scene when you enter a new area is really nice, but these are short and few. The rest of the time, you are presented with graphics that look like they are from a GBA game, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories in particular. Couple this with the fact that you don’t use the touchpad at all, you have to wonder why it is on the DS in the first place, other than the fact that Nintendo no longer supports the GBA.

To quote another review of the same game from a friend of mine, the game is okay, but I don’t think I’d recommend it to a friend, especially if the friend likes challenging RPGs. Last night I died for the first time, and I’m halfway through the game. For that fact alone, I can see why a guide was never deemed necessary for production. But I still like it so far, despite how easy it is, but I also like odd games. I’m also still hoping that I get to destroy the world.

If you’ve been following me on Twitter for the last couple of weeks, you’ve heard me bash and then praise and then bash Spirit Tracks. I apologize to my followers for my whining.

I really do have a love/hate relationship with the game. Within the first ten minutes or so, it became readily apparent that this game is a Phantom Hourglass remake. I was instantly put out by it. And no, I’m not talking about the gameplay mechanics. I fully expected those to be the same with a few new weapons and a few old ones, just like any other Zelda game. However, I did not expect the game to have the exact same format as the previous game. Not only that, but thanks to the strategy guide, I also learned that the final boss fight has the exact same format: 3-parts, one including a possessed ally. It was a huge let down.

But as I played, I got over it a little. Certain aspects to playing with Zelda inhabiting a Phantom suit of armor are charming and quite cute. Even the new elements with the train are a little fun and cute.

Fast forward to last night. I’m more than halfway through the game, and I’m sick of playing the more challenging Phantom Hourglass remake. I’m sick of the restrictions of the train. I feel so beat down with all the little side quests, and well, with the repetitiveness of the game.

If I hadn’t played Phantom Hourglass, I know I would feel differently. I know I would love it to pieces and I would play it for hours at a time like I did Phantom Hourglass. But as much as I liked Phantom Hourglass, I have had no inclination to play that game ever again, and the same goes for a game with a different appearance. I’m very disappointed in both Nintendo and the Zelda team for shoving this game out the door. I know it’s gotten high review ratings, despite the fact that all reviews acknowledge that it’s just like Phantom Hourglass, so team Zelda could just create another Phantom Hourglass or Spirit Tracks remake next year and fans will eat it up just the same. But I suppose this isn’t a new complaint, since I heard several of the same complaints about Twilight Princess being a remake of Ocarina of Time.

In a strange twist of fate, I’ve been asked to review another DS game and a XBLA game, so Spirit Tracks will be getting some shelf time while I work on those. This is probably what the two of us need in order to get back on the love side of the relationship. I already hate the most recent Kingdom Hearts game, and I don’t want to hate a Zelda game too.

Stephen, don’t think I have a love/hate relationship with the guide. My feelings toward the guide are completely separate from the game.