《薩爾達傳說：大地汽笛》（The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks） 是任天堂於2009 年為Nintendo DS平台推出的《薩爾達傳說》系列作品，後來也出現在Nintendo Switch Online的虛擬主機。延續《薩爾達傳說：夢幻沙漏》（Phantom Hourglass）的美術風格與觸控操作，同時引入全新的「蒸汽火車」移動方式，使探索變得更加獨特與富有趣味。

故事設定在《薩爾達傳說：風之杖》（The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker）與《夢幻沙漏》之後的世界，主角林克與公主在新的王國「新海拉魯」展開冒險。在這個世界中，鐵道被稱為「大地汽笛」（Spirit Tracks），是神聖的力量賦予的交通路線，連接各地並封印邪惡力量。然而，某天這些鐵道突然開始消失，而統御這個世界的「大地之神殿」也遭受破壞。

林克剛成為前海拉爾軍隊戰士暨著名皇家御用火車駕駛員阿爾福桑(Alfonzo)的見習火車駕駛員，卻在王國發生異變時被捲入一場陰謀。邪惡的反派「馬勒杜斯」（Malladus）企圖復活，並奪走薩爾達公主的肉體，將她變成幽靈。為奪回她的身體並阻止馬拉多斯復活，林克與幽靈形態的薩爾達公主攜手展開冒險，利用「大地汽笛」修復鐵道，探索神殿，尋找聖靈並解開隱藏的真相。

延續前作《夢幻沙漏》的觸控筆玩法，使用觸控筆來控制林克的移動與攻擊，畫出軌跡讓角色前進，並點擊敵人進行戰鬥。此外，還能使用「疾風笛/精靈排蕭」（Spirit Flute），這是透過麥克風操作的樂器，能與神靈交流、解開謎題或驅散詛咒。

與傳統的《薩爾達傳說》不同，本作最大的特色是「蒸汽火車」系統。需要駕駛火車在地圖上移動，規劃行駛路線，避開敵人或障礙物，並使用大砲攻擊沿路的怪物。在不同區域，鐵道可能會受到魔法影響，必須修復才能開通新的路線，這為探索帶來策略性與新鮮感。此外，另一個創新之處是「薩爾達公主」的參與。在她變成幽靈後，可以附身於敵人的「幻影騎士」，協助林克解開機關、進行戰鬥或突破障礙，這讓雙人合作的玩法成為遊戲的核心之一。

主要挑戰來自於「大地之神殿」與斷裂成5個部分的精靈之塔，底層以外的四個部分全部呈現漂浮狀態。必須完成這些地城才能恢復消失的鐵道。每座神殿都有不同的主題與機關設計，例如森林、火山、冰雪與沙漠地形，每個區域都有專屬的敵人與解謎要素。除主線劇情，還有許多支線任務，例如幫助村民運送貨物、解救被困的乘客，或收集寶物來解鎖特殊道具。這些額外內容讓遊戲世界更加豐富，也增添探索的樂趣。

當年在推出後獲得普遍好評，許多玩家與評論家讚揚遊戲的創新玩法與精緻的關卡設計。IGN給予本作 9.3/10的高分，稱其為「一款充滿創意且極具挑戰性的冒險作品」，特別讚賞「薩爾達公主作為遊戲核心角色的設計，為系列帶來全新玩法」。

GameSpot也給出8.5/10，認為火車系統與雙人合作玩法為系列增添新鮮感，但部分玩家對於「觸控筆操作」與「麥克風吹奏」機制感到不便，認為這些操作方式在某些場景可能較難掌握。此外，也有部分玩家覺得火車移動速度較慢，影響探索節奏。

儘管如此，這仍然是深具特色的作品，成功將《薩爾達傳說》的經典解謎與戰鬥玩法融合新要素，讓人體驗前所未有的冒險旅程。特別是薩爾達公主首次以「可操控角色」的形式參與冒險，為系列帶來突破性的改變，成為許多粉絲心目中的經典之一。

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is a game in The Legend of Zelda series, released by Nintendo in 2009 for the Nintendo DS. It later became available on the Nintendo Switch Online virtual console. The game retains the visual style and touchscreen controls of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, while introducing a new method of transportation—the steam train—adding a unique and engaging twist to exploration.

Story

The game is set in the world that follows The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass. The protagonist, Link, embarks on an adventure alongside Princess Zelda in the kingdom of New Hyrule. In this world, railway tracks known as the Spirit Tracks serve as sacred transportation routes, created by divine power to connect different regions and seal away evil forces. However, one day, these tracks mysteriously begin to vanish, and the Tower of Spirits, which governs the land, falls into disarray.

At the time of these events, Link is an apprentice train engineer under Alfonzo, a former Hylian soldier and royal engineer. However, he soon finds himself caught in a dark conspiracy when the evil being Malladus attempts to resurrect himself. In the process, Malladus steals Princess Zelda’s physical body, leaving her as a wandering spirit. Determined to reclaim her body and prevent Malladus’s return, Link and Zelda set off on an adventure, traveling the land by train, restoring the Spirit Tracks, exploring dungeons, and uncovering hidden truths.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Similar to Phantom Hourglass, the game uses touchscreen controls for movement and combat. Players control Link by drawing paths with the stylus and tap enemies to attack them. One of the key new mechanics is the Spirit Flute, a pan flute that players play using the DS microphone. This magical instrument allows Link to communicate with spirits, solve puzzles, and dispel curses by blowing into the microphone at the right moment.

One of the most significant changes in Spirit Tracks is the steam train system. Players must navigate the train along predefined tracks, planning routes to avoid enemies and obstacles while using a mounted cannon to attack threats along the way. Some sections require restoring missing tracks before proceeding, adding a layer of strategy and progression to exploration.

Another major innovation is the active role of Princess Zelda. Unlike past games where Zelda was primarily a passive character, here she can possess Phantom Knights, allowing her to help Link solve puzzles, fight enemies, and traverse difficult areas. This cooperative dynamic is a central part of the game’s mechanics, making Zelda an integral gameplay element rather than just a story character.

Dungeons and Challenges

The game features several temples and the fragmented Tower of Spirits, which is split into five floating sections, with only the base remaining intact. Players must complete these dungeons to restore the lost Spirit Tracks. Each dungeon has unique mechanics, such as:

Forest Temple – Features puzzles involving wind and plant-based obstacles.

Fire Realm – Set in a volcanic area, requiring players to navigate lava-filled paths and use fire-based tools.

Snow Realm – A frozen dungeon with ice-related puzzles and slippery terrain.

Sand Temple – Focuses on desert-based mechanics, such as quicksand and sand-based enemies.

Beyond the main quest, the game includes various side missions, such as helping villagers transport goods, rescuing passengers, and collecting treasures to unlock special items. These activities expand the world and provide additional rewards, making exploration more immersive and rewarding.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks received widespread acclaim for its innovative mechanics and well-designed dungeons. IGN awarded it 9.3/10, calling it “a creative and highly challenging adventure” and praising its use of Princess Zelda as an active gameplay element, which brought a refreshing twist to the series.

GameSpot rated it 8.5/10, appreciating the train system and cooperative gameplay but noting that some players found the touchscreen controls and microphone-based mechanics cumbersome. Some criticism was directed at the slow speed of train travel, which some felt disrupted the pacing of exploration.

Despite minor criticisms, the game remains a standout entry in the Zelda franchise, successfully blending classic puzzle-solving and combat with new mechanics. The ability to directly control Princess Zelda was a groundbreaking shift for the series, making Spirit Tracks a beloved title among fans and an unforgettable adventure in The Legend of Zelda universe.