Ever since Nintendo announced The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks earlier this year, we haven’t heard too much key information about the game, like what it was about, or when we could buy it. Sure, we knew that there was a train for some reason, and we all assumed that it would feature Link running around Hyrule and exploring a series of dungeons to save Zelda, but that’s about all we had. This morning, Nintendo sent out a press release dating the game, as well as finally giving us an inkling of how the gameplay would differ from previous Zelda games. Get on board, because the train is leaving the station on December 7, at least in North America.

According to the press release, “For the first time in the 23-year history of The Legend of Zelda series, Princess Zelda is leaving the villainous clutches of the underworld behind and joining the adventure with Link.” This is a little surprising, though it won’t be the first time Zelda has appeared outside of a dungeon; usually, though, she’s taking on another form, like Tetra in Wind Waker. This time, it will be Zelda’s spirit that accompanies Link, assisting the young hero in solving puzzles and saving Hyrule. Oh, yeah, and there's going to be a train. I'm not sure if you knew that already.

Honestly, do I even need to tell you what this game is about for you to buy it? I know that I will be playing the hell out of it come December 7, and I’m assuming millions of gamers in North America will be doing the same. It’s freaking Zelda, and maybe you didn’t want another DS installment in the franchise, but Phantom Hourglass was great, so I have no reason to think Spirit Tracks won’t follow suit. It’s nice that the game finally got a real date, because I was starting to think that it wouldn’t actually come out this year. Only one month remains until Link and Zelda’s next adventure begins. In the meantime, check out the trailer above, and read the press release below.

 

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- It was among the most heinous incidents in video game history: In 1986, Princess Zelda™ was kidnapped from the land of Hyrule, setting off an intrepid rescue adventure for young hero Link™. Unfortunately for Zelda, this offense has been repeated more than a dozen times since, leaving her largely out of sight while Link traversed dark dungeons and confronted monstrous enemies alone in order to save her.

This time, in the new Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™ adventure The Legend of Zelda™: Spirit Tracks, that all changes.

For the first time in the 23-year history of The Legend of Zelda series, Princess Zelda is leaving the villainous clutches of the underworld behind and joining the adventure with Link. In The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, the spirit of Zelda accompanies Link on his quest to save Hyrule. Directly impacting game play like never before, Zelda’s spirit can take control of hulking suits of armor known as Phantoms, allowing the player to direct both Link and these new allies as they battle enemies, solve puzzles and uncover secrets. Zelda also rides alongside Link on his customizable train, offering wisdom that will help players find new areas, storylines and items. The team of Link and Zelda presents countless new storyline details for fans to enjoy, including a closer look at Princess Zelda herself, one of the most iconic video game characters of all-time.

“More than two decades into its rich history, The Legend of Zelda has introduced another historic first for players as Link and Zelda unite to save Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Combining these unprecedented new story and game-play elements with the series’ innovative touch-screen interface on Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi, the game is sure to surprise and delight new and longtime fans.”

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks launches in North America on Dec. 7. For more information, visit www.Zelda.com/SpiritTracks.