What an incredible game Spirit Tracks is. Everything that made Phantom Hourglass so wonderful has been improved. Motoring around the Overworld by train is a blast, and to my surprise, it was even more enjoyable than sailing the ocean was in Phantom Hourglass. Though the train-based combat is similar to those engaging nautical skirmishes, the biggest thrills came from the villains I couldn’t defeat: enemy trains that chase after Link’s trolley, ending his adventure if they manage to ram him. Shifting gears and altering course just moments before a head-on collision produced some of the biggest thrills I’ve experienced yet on the DS.

Driving the train was also a joy due to the constant eye candy. Rather than being surrounded by endless ocean, you’re treated to scenic views of dense forests, rolling hills, rocky mountains, and snow-covered plains. Whenever I wasn’t blasting pesky enemies or obliterating trackside objects with my trusty cannon, I found myself slowly scanning the horizon in constant awe of the visual splendor the developers were able to produce from such a tiny a game cartridge.

There’s also a big and satisfying twist! I don’t want to spoil it for you, but when you first fire up the game, it’s revealed in the opening cinematic. I knew instantly that this was going to be a memorable adventure. And that it was.

Spirit Tracks just never disappoints. The adventure is huge, the production values are top-notch, and as we’ve all come to expect from Zelda games, there’s just so much to see and do. Rest assured we’ve left no treasure chest unopened in our sizeable guide, which boasts a versatile walkthrough and pages of checklists to ensure you never miss a thing.

Turning 30 isn’t something I really wanted to do, but I was literally begging my betters at Prima for a chance to write the Spirit Tracks guide. Looking back at the project, I now recall a haze of long hours and late nights, but I couldn’t have asked for a better way to ring in my fourth decade. Thank you Prima for this special gift; it’s just what I wanted. And thank you Nintendo for continuing to innovate and reimagine, even after all these years. Growing up with you both has been a wonderful ride.

Happy Holidays!

• Gamestop/EB Games: 6 Bonus Missions (3 hrs of game play) and a Full-Size Fold-Out Map for all Far Cry 2 pre-orders.
• Circuit City: Free strategy guide with purchase of Far Cry 2 on P33 or Xbox 360. This appears to be an in-store deal only, mentioned in the weekly ad. If ordered online, you get a $10 gift card. Free digital download of Far Cry 1 for those buying the PC version.
• Best Buy: Free shipping for online orders; all platforms.

There may be more deals out there so shop around and feel free to post any other offers in the comments  under this post. Later in the week we’ll post some Far Cry 2 tips here, so check back for some crucial survival advice…you’ll need it. Good hunting!

Exclusive In-Game Item!

Prima will be releasing their suite of Warhammer Online eGuides, from Atlas to Bundle to Class Specific, Saturday, 9.13.08 at midnight to get you ready for WAR!  Download load them now and receive notifications when updates will become available to keep your guide current with the vast, ever-growing Warhammer Online World.  Visit the Warhammer Online Feature Page for additional information!

The six following eGuides will be available:

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (eGuide)
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Atlas (eGuide)
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Guide and Atlas Bundle (eGuide)
Warhammer Online: Dwarfs vs. Greenskins (eGuide)
Warhammer Online: Empire vs. Chaos (eGuide)
Warhammer Online: High Elves vs. Dark Elves (eGuide)
All will be updated!  Click here for more info.