I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest fan of the gameplay of Phantom Hourglass, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t things about the game that I thought were just fantastic. The story, the bosses, and the characters make this game memorable to me, and of the characters, one in particular stands out among the rest. Ask me what my favorite thing about Phantom Hourglass is and my response will undoubtedly be Linebeck.
Linebeck is the captain of the S.S. Linebeck (who would have guessed) and the escort to Link across the world of the Ocean King. This wasn’t part of Linebeck’s original plan, however. He had found himself stranded in the Temple of the Ocean King and was in need of Link’s assistance. Owing a debt to him, as well as being rightfully scolded by Ciela before he attempts to bail out on his end, Linebeck offers his service and finds himself on the adventure he never asked for but absolutely needed.
Linebeck starts off as a greedy, pompous adventurer of sorts. He never thinks of others and is only interest in how a situation will benefit him. Aside from Ciela’s nagging, finding treasure is also an influence for Linebeck to help Link on his journey. However, if he could live up to his self-built reputation of being as fearless and strong as he claims, he might not need to share the glory with Link. Fact is, he’s a coward as well.
So, if he’s as slimy and yellow-bellied as I’m describing, then why would I be writing about why he should be celebrated? Certainly, Linebeck may have started out as a dastardly fool, quite a hilarious one I might add, but his time with Link had changed his heart, and he gradually begins to see the errors of his ways. Now, he’s still got his flaws, but traveling with the Hero of the Winds has truly made an impact on our dear captain.
Throughout their journey, Linebeck watches Link’s selfless actions, and though he doesn’t quite understand them at first, he starts to warm up to the idea of looking out for others instead of himself. This becomes apparent during the final battle against Bellum. Link is in the grasps of the terrible beast. Linebeck has just lost his ship and now may lose one of the only people he may have ever been able to call a friend. He fears for his very life, but instead of taking that opportunity to run, Linebeck picks up the Phantom Sword in Link’s stead and jabs it into Bellum, freeing Link from its clutches.
Link is saved, but Linebeck is then possessed by Bellum and forced against his will to fight Link. Even when he is freed from Bellum’s curse, Linebeck still regrets his actions in causing harm to Link. Through this, we truly see Linebeck’s growth, though it shines even more when he is finally granted his one wish promised by Oshus early on in his adventure.
Oshus, now returned to his true form as the Ocean King, offers Linebeck anything that his heart desires. He could wish for all the Rupees in the world or endless jewels and treasures, but instead, the only thing he wants is his boat back. With his wish granted, Link and Tetra watch from atop their pirate ship as Linebeck sails off into the horizon to start his own adventure as a changed man.
He still bumbles and he still has his quirks (not to mention he still hasn’t even properly apologized to Jolene), but thanks to Link he is getting closer to becoming the admirable adventurer he had always wanted to be.
