The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim vs The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Skyrim is Bethesda’s landmark open-world RPG set in a Nordic fantasy province, known for its freeform exploration, dragon-shouting Dragonborn, and an enormous modding community that keeps it alive over a decade later.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass continues Link’s journey on the high seas, blending classic Zelda exploration with innovative touch-screen controls. Players steer the Ocean King, uncover hidden islands, and unravel the mystery of the Phantom Hourglass to rescue Tetra and restore peace to the Great Sea. With its vibrant art style, real-time combat, and intricate puzzles, the game offers a rich single-player experience that challenges both reflexes and wits, making it a standout title for handheld adventure gamers.
Around $39.99 for the Anniversary/Special Edition.
- Enormous freedom
- Best-in-class modding
- Great atmosphere and exploration
- Tons of content
- Innovative touch-screen gameplay
- Engaging story and characters
- Varied puzzles and combat
- Rich, colorful art direction
- Dated combat and animations
- Bugs without mods
- Re-released many times
- Limited to handheld hardware
- No multiplayer campaign mode
- Touch controls can be imprecise at times
What reviewers say
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews
4.0 (2)Love it
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been my go-to lately. Great atmosphere and exploration. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Good but flawed
Picked up The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim recently. Upside: enormous freedom. Downside: bugs without mods.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Reviews
No reviews yet.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSkyrim is the safer, content-packed default for open-world RPG and sandbox fans prioritizing modding and multi-platform freedom, while Phantom Hourglass suits adventure players seeking a stylus-driven handheld puzzle quest. The main trade-off is massive sandbox freedom with dated combat versus innovative touch-screen controls and a timed dungeon mechanic.
Key differences
- •Skyrim offers massive mod support on PC, while Phantom Hourglass has no mod support mentioned and relies on DS stylus controls.
- •Skyrim features flexible skill-based progression, countless side quests, and guilds, whereas Phantom Hourglass centers on navigation puzzles, a Phantom Hourglass timed mechanic, and upgrading items.
- •Skyrim spans PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, while Phantom Hourglass is limited to handheld hardware with an ESRB E / PEGI 7 rating and an 89/100 critic score.
- •Skyrim costs around $39.99 (Special/Anniversary Edition), whereas Phantom Hourglass has an MSRP of $59.99 and includes local wireless cooperative multiplayer minigames.
Gameplay & fun factor
Skyrim offers go-anywhere freeform exploration and flexible skill-based progression, whereas Phantom Hourglass relies on stylus-driven combat and navigation puzzles.
Platform availability
Skyrim is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, while Phantom Hourglass is limited to handheld hardware.
Price & value
Skyrim is priced around $39.99, while Phantom Hourglass has an MSRP of $59.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Phantom Hourglass features cooperative multiplayer minigames via local wireless, whereas Skyrim's multiplayer is not specified.
Content & replayability
Skyrim features countless side quests, guilds, and massive mod support on PC, offering huge replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
Phantom Hourglass is family-friendly with an ESRB E and PEGI 7 age rating, whereas Skyrim's age rating is not specified.
Graphics & performance
Phantom Hourglass features rich, colorful art direction and an 89/100 critic score, while Skyrim has dated combat and animations with bugs without mods.
Choose The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim if…
Open-world RPG fans wanting massive freedom, custom modding, and multi-platform play.
Choose The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass if…
Adventure fans looking for handheld stylus puzzles, rich storytelling, and cooperative minigames.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Skyrim costs around $39.99 for the Special/Anniversary Edition, while Phantom Hourglass has an MSRP of $59.99.
Can I play these games in multiplayer?
Phantom Hourglass includes cooperative multiplayer minigames via local wireless, while Skyrim's multiplayer capability is not specified.
What platforms can I play them on?
Skyrim is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, while Phantom Hourglass is limited to handheld hardware.