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The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
- Game Boy Advance
- Price: $29.99
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Small characters and big plot add up to huge fun.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to 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.
What's it about?
As an annual festival is set to commence in THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE MINISH CAP, 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 reveal themselves to innocent children, and accomplish tasks: finding artifacts, opening secret passageways, playing the lottery for figurines with powers that will help him. And, of course, he must face off against Vaati.
The Minish -- or Picori elf -- Ezlo, who looks like a green cap, serves as Link's guide. Link 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, Link has new gadgets at his disposal including a Gust Jar, which sucks up the air and enemies around Link, and the Cane of Pacci, which can flip objects. He also has new, improved sword and rolling moves.
Is it any good?
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE MINISH CAP is a worthy heir to the Zelda legacy, and packs in quite a punch for its pocket-size GBA form. The game demands problem-solving skills: Link must master when to shrink down to Minish size to complete a task and when to return to normal form. In one mission, he must find artifacts of the same color that fuse together to reveal treasures or secrets. The game requires players to concentrate and memorize -- and they won't be able to finish it in one sitting.
It's not just the gameplay that's sophisticated. The story reinvents the mythical student-turning-on-teacher scenario (which kids may recognize from Star Wars) through Vaati and Ezlo's conflict. That Vaati succumbed to the dark side, in part due to his disgust with human egotism, adds a surprising layer of soul and depth to these 2-D characters. This will surely keep inquisitive kids occupied and wanting more Zelda games.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can 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?
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
It's good...
The Wind Waker is the best out of the cartoon link games (four swords, minish cap), but this one was entertaining. I loved it.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
awesome game!
This game is a must-have for any Zelda fan. If you've played a Zelda game before, you will easily be able to pick up and play this one. Best of all, it's really fun :)
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Kid, 10 years old
April 26, 2011
AGE
Cool Backstoryishness, but some hard puzzles
I Love this awesome telling of how Link gets his classic green cap.
What other families should know:
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Parent of 1, and 11, 16 year old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Good puzzles, fun, nothing obnoxious
I played through this entire game myself, and there's really nothing in it at all to worry about. Yes, there's some "violence", but it's all of the most innocuous, totally non-bloody type. It's basic video game stuff, where you swing your sword (or whatever) and the monster your fighting eventually just disappears when you beat it. I don't find that kind of light fantasy combat troublesome at all. As for the rest of the game, there are many puzzles to figure out, which seems better than your typical no-thinking-required videogame. None of it is terribly hard, but it does require some work and some time, and thus not every kid will likely enjoy it. I, personally, thought it was a lot of fun and it's one of the few video games I've ever completely finished.
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Kid, 9 years old
December 4, 2010
AGE
Dude
What other families should know:
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Adult
December 22, 2010
AGE
An awesome Zelda game for any kid old enough to play and appreciate it
One of Nintendo's better handheld Zelda adventures. The game is squeaky clean and awesome. In fact, it may be the best way to introduce Zelda to your young child. If you have a young dude who wants to get in on the Zelda action after watching you play around on Twilight or Wind Waker, give him this as a good intro. It's very easy to play, very fun, has Wind Waker-style characters, and it's just awesome. I enjoyed every minute of the game. No concerns whatsoever.
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Kid, 9 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Its hard
ITS SO HARD!!!!!!!!
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Teen, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
A well done RPG
Although I do not like this game as much as the other Zelda games, it is still a very entertaining game. The puzzles teach you not to overlook a single detail or possibility. The plotline is interesting, and the new concept of magically shrinking is very different and original. If you like Zelda games, you should pick it up.
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Teen, 14 years old
July 20, 2011
AGE
fun game
i remember playing it when i was young
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
amazing.
w00t another great zelda game. there really is nothing to worry about in this game, unless..nothing. there is nothing that could possibly be considered offensive, or anything. it's an incredible game, and you should go buy it right now.
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| Platforms: | Game Boy Advance |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
| Release date: | January 11, 2005 |
| Price: | $29.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for (Game Boy Advance) |
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