Nintendo announced that the new Zelda game, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, will be available for its DS or DSi handheld console starting next month.

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According to the company, the game sets hero Link on a daring new adventure and provides players with a new story, more puzzles and even a new mode of transportation. In this game, Link voyages by train, which offers up new possibilities for problem-solving.

The game has the same look and feel established in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, while showcasing a range of exciting new features.

Link is accompanied by a new companion, the Phantom, a hulking suit of armour that responds to his commands. Players can tap the Phantom to take command of him and even draw a line on the Touch Screen to direct him where to go. The stout Phantom can walk through fire or lava, be used as a platform to carry Link above dangers, or even run interference to block Link from harm.

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 the cannon at enemies who attack the train or sound the whistle to scare animals off the tracks.
 
Other key new features include: playing the Spirit Pipes (using the microphone), using a whip or the new whirlwind weapon, and Phantom control. As with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, players can draw notes on the in-game maps using the stylus on the Touch Screen. 

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks will be available on December 10, 2009.