Common Sense Note
Parents should know that Zelda games have always been heavier on plot than violence. Having said that, Link must use swords, bows, bombs, and boomerangs to defend himself, although the gore factor is virtually nonexistent.
Families who buy this title might want to talk about the transformation of the evil character featured in this game. Vaati, Link's main nemesis, was once a good guy who eventually turned on his teacher and his people by giving in to the power of evil. This could spark an important discussion with your kids about good and evil. A conversation could start with questions such as: What do you think could make a good person turn bad? How can you stay true to your beliefs? How do our actions in life define us?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kimberly Reyes
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE MINISH CAP is a worthy heir to the Zelda legacy, and packs in quite a punch for its pocket-sized GBA form.
As an annual festival is set to commence, an evil sorcerer named Vaati destroys the Picori sword, which has protected humans from evil. When Zelda confronts Vaati, he turns her into stone. To save her, Link must seek the aid of the Picori, elves who only really reveal themselves to innocent children. He must also accomplish tasks, from finding artifacts, to discovering and opening secret passageways, to playing the lottery for figurines with distinct powers (playing the lottery (a fun mini-chance game) for figurines with distinct powers that will aid him on his journey. And, of course, he must face off against Vaati.
The Minish -- or Picori elf -- Ezlo serves as Link's guide on this journey. Ezlo, oddly enough, looks like a green cap and once served as mentor to the sinister Vaati. As Link sets out on his mission, he encounters enemies such as beetles, moldworms, and slugs, and fights them in the traditional hack and slash, slide scrolling way.
In addition to familiar tools (like the flame lantern used to melt and illuminate items), Link has new gadgets at his disposal; these include a Gust Jar, which sucks up the air and enemies around Link, and the Cane of Pacci, which can flip objects over. He also has new, improved sword and rolling moves. These are reminiscent of those found in combat oriented and button memorization reliant games.
The game demands players use their problem solving skills. Link must master when to shrink down to Minish size to complete a task (such as when he must fit through something) and when to return to normal form. In one mission, he must find artifacts of the same color; they fuse together like a puzzle to reveal treasures or secrets.
If all of this sounds a little complex, that's because it is. The game requires players to be able to concentrate and memorize -- and they won't be able to finish it in one sitting.
And it's not just the gameplay that's sophisticated. The story reinvents the classic mythical student-turning-on-teacher scenario (which kids may recognize from Star Wars) through Vaati and Ezlo's conflict. When players realize that Vaati was once fighting against evil, like Link, they may be reminded to be responsible for their actions. Also, the fact that Vaati succumbed to the dark side, in part, due to his disgust with human egotism, adds a surprising layer of soul, personality and depth to these 2-D characters.
All in all, this is one player odyssey that will surely keep inquisitive kids occupied and wanting more Zelda games.
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ViolenceLink must use swords, bows, bombs, and boomerangs to defend himself, although the gore factor is virtually nonexistent. |
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Social BehaviorImparts lesson about being responsible for your actions. |
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Educational ValueSome problem solving. |
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