Introduction:

First review I've written in awhile now, but I'm excited to write this review, of the latest Zelda game I have played. I was excited to play it, as I loved the Oracle Series for the Game Boy Color, and was hoping for an even bigger and better adventure. Was I satisfied with The Minish Cap? Well, that's what this review is for.

Story:

Well, without divulging much, an evil person has turned Zelda to stone!!! The only way to transform her back is to collect 4 elements, and infuse your sword with them. It is up to you, to travel across many lands, figure out puzzles, fight many creatures, conquer dungeons, and master items.

Gameplay:

The Gameplay is like other Zelda Games, most comparable to the Oracle Series. So in other words, the Gameplay is amazing.
You will go to different environments, talking to creatures, learning new things.
You will enter dungeons, and solve puzzles, and fight different enemies.
There will be different items you will collect along the way which will help you in your adventure. I don't want to give away these items,  but they are very neat. And like other Zelda's, are found just when they are dearly needed, and once obtained, will help you continue in your quest.
The "catch" in this Zelda title is that you can shrink yourself down. Once shrunken, you are able to go into certain areas which you cannot go as an adult.
You are also able to make mirror images of Link on certain panels, this is also used to further the puzzles, as well as move big stones which one Link couldn't do alone.
Gameplay is like other Zelda titles, just very engaging, and addictive. You will just want to continue playing. You will become stuck at certain areas, and then figure out what to do, and then continue in your adventure, excited about what will come next.
If you have played Oracle of Ages or Seasons, and enjoyed it, then you are really going to enjoy it. If you didn't play either Oracle games, then jump into the handheld Zelda realm and play this game. It appeals to most every type of GBA Gamer.
All I know is I had a ton of fun playing this game. Near the end I just couldn't put it down, I just kept playing for hours and hours.
It's just another knock-out great Zelda game.

I give the gameplay: 9/10

Graphics:

Great graphics. What you would expect. Now that is not to downplay this games graphics at all. But I have come to expect some good graphics from a Zelda Title. They are above and beyond what you see in other GBA Games. Link looks great. His movements and perfect. The environments look very nice, and have some good detail. And like other Zelda's, there is a vast variety of environments to play in.

I give the graphics: 9/10

Sound:

From the very first Zelda we have known some legendary music. And this game continues that with some bang up music. And yes, some classic tunes return, as well as some new great tunes which always fit perfectly with whatever situation you are in the game. Sound FX are good, what you expect. Again, that doesn't mean they are bad, it's just sounds you expect to here, and want to here.

I give the sound: 9/10

Replayability:

This title having much puzzle solving, doesn't give you much replayability as other games have. Going through dungeons and areas the second time won't be as hard, or take as long when you know what to do. But if this means it is not replayable, then why do I, and so many others replay Zelda Games over and over? Because they are just so awe-striking. They are so beautifully amazing, they make you want to play them over and over again, just to revisit the land of Hyrule, fight the monsters, see all the amazing sights, and save the Princess Zelda.

I give the replayability: 7/10

Challenge:

The game does have a decent challenge. Whether it be from some puzzles, or some enemies you must battle. For me, I didn't really have any problem with any of the enemies, or bosses. Just a couple Bosses that I had to re-fight. I seem to remember having a more difficult time on the Oracle series with the bosses. But that is just me. They were still very fun to battle, and not so incredibly easy, that you were looking away as you fought them.

I give the challenge: 6/10

Frustration:

This game can have its frustrating moments. But then most of the time you are just playing through loving everything about it.
It is frustrating if you get stuck on something in the game, and just walk around the world trying to figure out what to do, then realizing it is so obvious.
But that is more getting frustrated at yourself for not realizing it at first.
So in that respect, the game isn't really frustrating at all, just lots of fun.

Value:

I value this game immensely. My Mom got me it as a gift. And that's one of the reasons I value it so much. But the actually game is amazing, I must have for a gamer. What it sells for new, is well worth it, every penny.

Overall:

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is just an incredible game. It gives you what you want, another amazing Zelda title for you too love for years. It continues the amazing handheld Zelda style of gameplay, which is just so addictive and fun. Rounded off with fantastic graphics and sound, this game is a wonderful game that you will be replaying and loving for years.

I give The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap: 9/10

Conclusion:

This delivered what I wanted, another amazing Zelda title. That would just hook me in from the start with interesting, and fun stuff to do. I didn't want to put the game down. I would find myself losing track of time as I played through this game.
This game will always have a special place in my heart, as another amazing game which I didn't want to put down.

Written By: Joey Anderson

Date Written: October 22nd, 2006
 

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Minish Cap Screenshots