Propulsion and Problem-solving
One of the most prominent features of The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the ability to travel by rail throughout the game. When Link conducts the train, players enjoy a satisfying combination of action and real-time puzzle solving as they determine which track to take and how to best manipulate their speed. When on the train, Link must plot the best route to the end of the line around ever-moving obstacles. While en route, Link might need to fire an onboard cannon at enemies who attack the train or sound the whistle to scare animals off the tracks.

New adventure, a new means of transport, and a new companion. View larger.

The Phantom
In The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Link has a valuable new companion in combat and puzzle-solving, the Phantom. A faceless knight in a hulking suit of armor with immunities to dangerous elements like fire and magma, the Phantom responds to Link's directional commands. Players can simply tap the Phantom with their stylus to take command of him, then draw a line on the touch screen to direct him where to go. He will engage enemies automatically when he comes within range of them. The stout Phantom can also be used as a platform to carry Link above and over dangers, or even run interference to block Link from harm or help finish off an enemy.

New In-game Items
Spirit Tracks also introduces a variety of new items and weapons to The Legend of Zelda franchise. One of the most notable is the Whirlwind, which Link uses to move items and overturn enemies. Players activate this by blowing into the microphone of the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi system. Other new items include a whip, useful both in combat and in platforming, as well as his train's cannon, which can shoot bombs into the distance.

Map Functionality
As with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, in Spirit Tracks players can look forward to helpful interactive map functionality. The game map appears on the system's top screen, as opposed to the action on the bottom, and players can draw notes on the in-game maps using the stylus on the touch screen. This allows players to quickly mark spots in the game world of note for later exploration, or to note them as already explored.