The lights are on
I'll come right out and say it. Spirit Tracks is NOT my least favorite Zelda, far from it. To start off this review, i will say that this game is indeed better than Phantom Hourglass, and does NOT take away from the exploration aspect of zelda games. Since Gi flamed the exploration so bad, i guess i will start there. Although the train segments are a little more limited than the sailing in Phantom Hourglass, i can guarantee that there is more to find than the "vast" see in PH. There are over 20 places to explore while driving your train, and you also get the ability later in the game to restore more secret spirit tracks to open up more areas of exploration. With plenty of unlockable tracks, hidden bunnies to find, as well as escort and transportation missions, you can guarantee that by the end of the game, you have explored every nook and cranny in Hyrule, and your exploration needs will be fulfilled. to top it off, the train controls are spot on. there's a meter on the side that lets you switch between high speed, normal, stop and reverse. it all works well when you include camera control via the stylus, as well as spot on touch controls for the cannon. its as easy as point and click.