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Posted on February 13th, 2005 - 5773 Reads

Rated Everyone Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Game Boy Review Silver Award

-- Written by Nick Williamson



 The Legend of Zelda returns to its roots with its latest installment, The Minish Cap. Sometimes it feels pointless to review a Zelda game; there's simply no series which consistently delivers, which seems to always get it right and this game, luckily, does not end this trend. Nintendo, and in this case Capcom, have the formula down pat. The core game-play we're used to seeing is here but they've added just enough new features and game-play modifications to keep things interesting and fun, making The Minish Cap, another excellent installment to the series.

Once again, Princess Zelda is in trouble and needs saving. This time the evil wizard Vaati has turned the princess into stone and it's up to Link to save her. To help the Princess and reverse the curse Link must use the Sword Of Legend, but there's one problem, the sword has been shattered by Vaati. To repair the sword Link must seek the help of the Minish people, a society of microscopic people who have lived in harmony with the people of Hyrule for years. You'll also have the help of your talking cap, found early in the game, who will give advice and teach you how to shrink to the size of the Minish.

Fans of the series will feel right at home with this Zelda game. The basic game play is here. Once again you'll be making your way through various dungeons, solving puzzles as you obtain the four elements needed to repair the sword. The puzzles are well done, logical and each dungeon contains an item, a map, a master key and heart containers. Along the way you'll pick up new weapons and items which help you reach new locations; some of these are new and some we've seen before. Although we've all been through Hyrule a dozen times now, this adventure is a little different. Thanks to the Minish people, Link can now shrink in size. This means he'll be able to get into spaces normal sized Link couldn't even see. This ability is incorporated very nicely into the game-play and the puzzles. It offers a nice variation of the dual world storylines we've seen in prior Zelda games. Objects you've never thought about will turn to obstacles.

The visuals are typical Zelda. Same over head view, same colorful world and creatures. The bosses are specifically large and colorful. What does stick out graphically are the ordinary, everyday objects which appear larger than life when your traveling the world as tiny link. Things like leaves and rocks look huge, clear and colorful. It gives the game a unique feel.

The music is typical Zelda style stuff. We've all heard it before and you'll be paying very little attention to it as you play. It's not bad but it's not terribly interesting or exciting either; same old dramatic tunes.

The control is simple, easy to learn and responsive. You'll be controlling Link with 2 buttons. The A&B buttons are used to swing your sword and use an object. As in previous Zelda games, this is customizable. The only other buttons you'll be using are the 'start' button to manage the map and inventory and the right trigger to dash. I do wish the other 2 buttons were available to use. It would be nice to have an item plus your sword and shield equipped but this is a minor gripe.

If you're a Zelda fan check this game out. If your not a Zelda fan, check this game out. Nintendo and Capcom have created another great Zelda game, this time in portable form. This game was a return to the series roots and brings back many memories, especially of my favorite Zelda game, A Link to The Past. Nintendo fans are in a great position. The games also a great warm up for the new 3-d Zelda adventure coming to GameCube later this year.

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