Zelda: Minish Cap (GBA) is worth getting for old-school Zelda fans

I admit I don't stay very abrest of what games are coming out. I just got back from a 3 week vacation yesterday and found myself perusing my local EB Games with no intention of buying anything. Then I saw it: "The Legend of Zelda: the Minish Cap" for GBA, not DS. I took a look at the box, it looked like good old fashion "Link to the Past" goodness (the GBA port of LttP was a major reason for my purchase of a GBA-SP two years ago). While I didn't play the later GBC games, I did have (and enjoy) "Link's Awakening" back in the day as well. I asked the store clerks, they said it came out this week. Since I was out of the loop on this game, I decided to take a risk and fork out retail for it (I rarely buy games now, let alone a new game without any prior research).

I popped it in my GBA last night and I've been playing virtually non-stop since.

Let me say: it's good ol' fashion Zelda goodness!

I'm only about halfway though the game (by my own estimation) and I think its a worthy instalment to the series. It will be a blast for those who remember the old stuff. I didn't get much play out of the "Four Swords" game on the GBA LttP, but it has similar graphics. The gameplay is spot-on for a Zelda game.

While I doubt it will be quite to the level of LttP, I think it's going to be something close to "Link's Awakening", which IMO was very good. The music and sound is all solid, they use many themes (rerecorded, of course) and SFX Zelda fans will be familiar with.

Because the game deals with a race of teeny-tiny people, Link has to shrink at times as well, and this leads to a fresh set of puzzles and ways to get through both the overworld and dungeons.

I don't think I need to get into any more detail, I'm sure anyone who's played the older Zelda games will get what they need to know out of this.

I'd tentatively give the game (based on about my 50% playtime) an "A" or "A-".

Kudos to Nintendo/Capcom for making another kick-ass 2D Zelda game! (I hope they do one for DS that integrates the maps/item screen permanently on one screen, that would be so useful)

[Edit: I just checked Gamespot and they gave the game a 9.1, so I guess I'm not the only one, and that seems to confirm the game is good in its entirety]

I'm gonna pic this up sooner or later. I hear a couple of stores are already having a sale on it. $20-$25. I've already played it, so I know what to expect and I know its worth the money.

Capcom did a fantastic job with this game, it reeks of Link to the Past goodness. I've only beaten the first dungeon, but I'm already in love with Minish Cap. I didn't think Capcom could top the Oracle of Ages/Seasons games, but they've definitely outdone themselves.

I think you should. It's definitely worth the buy. I played it once, and it's fun. Just need a strategy guide or a FAQ/Walkthrough to help you out.

I don't know if it needs a strategy guide.

If you're a seasoned Zelda fan you should have no problems getting into the "Zelda logic" present in this game's puzzles. I've been held up a few times, but after a little while I've worked it out.

In the end, I look forward to getting all the secrets with some FAQ, but I can definitely wait.

Good to hear others have checked it out.

I better by the Zelda: Minish Cap soon.

This game is a must-own for any Zelda fan. I was skeptical at first because it looked like a 2D Windwaker...not that Windwaker was bad, quite the opposite.
However, this game looks and plays like a dream. If you liked LTTP, you should love this...in fact, in some ways I like this over LTTP.
It's the attention to detail that really sold me on this game. Capcom did a fantastic job, and the developers were obviously fans of the series.
It sucks that this game may not gain widespread acclaim because it's "stuck on a handheld", but I haven't heard a single bad word said about it yet.
This is already in my top 5 of best GBA games.
Do yourself a favor and buy this game if you don't already own it!

Bobak said:

I don't know if it needs a strategy guide.

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Keep in mind that G-Russ has velcro on his shoes rather than laces.

I should also mention that new items, such as the "Gust Jar" add a very cool new feel to the game. I really like the kinstone system, as well....even though it's a very simple addition to the gameplay.

definitely one of the best games ever. had it for about a month now.

Thanks for the heads-up. I have a 20% off all video game software coupon that expires tonight, I guess I need to head back to town.

for those that don't have it yet, Fry's Electronics has it on sale for 21.99 til Jan 18th

I think the artwork style of Link since Windwaker has been the best since. I love the cell-shaded look to deth.

But its sad that Nintendo needs Capcom to make Zelda games though.

Stinky-Dinkins said:

Keep in mind that G-Russ has velcro on his shoes rather than laces.

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My friend brought it over, and he never played LTTP before, which is a damn shame and considering himself a Zelda fan is questionable. While he was playing it, I was just goofing around with KOF '96 and was like:

"That song was in LTTP"

"That sound was in SMB2"

I still hate that they had to add that stupid Young Link voice effects in that game too. The GBA Zelda's are plagued with it!

Awesome game, finished it a little while ago, a 9/10 for sure. Just wish it would have been a little longer, but what great game can that not be said for...

Stinky-Dinkins said:

Keep in mind that G-Russ has velcro on his shoes rather than laces.

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I read this drunk and just about shat my pants.

It's short. They need a longer version for the
Nintendo Gamecube which would be cool.
How many hours does it take to finish it on the
GBA?. It looks really awesome!.

Electroman said:

I think the artwork style of Link since Windwaker has been the best since. I love the cell-shaded look to deth.

But its sad that Nintendo needs Capcom to make Zelda games though.

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...

I don't even know what to say about a comment this slanted and misrepresented.

this is the third capcom zelda for handhelds...for starters...and there's nothing sad about a great game being produced EVER.

Nintendo hasn't made 2d Zeldas in a while, so they put Flagship up to the task for GBC/GBA.







Anyway...

This poor gems been completely overlooked here thanks to launching the same day as RE4 in many stores. And to be honest, between the two, I went for RE4 first also. I've played a bit though and it looks great. Can't wait to get further into it.

jethrek said:

...

this is the third capcom zelda for handhelds...for starters...and there's nothing sad about a great game being produced EVER.

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Agreed. Since Capcom is doing such a fantastic job on their Zelda games, why not leave them to it. They've developed a unique look to their version of 2D Hyrule, and I for one am quite pleased with the result. I actually hope that Capcom makes more 2D Zelda games...

awesome game i just beat it this morning now my only problem is waiting for another one.

I'm on the last part, but I'm avoiding the final battle so I can go back and collect a few things I've missed

- I stumbled into (what was for me) the 7th sword technique teacher, but I did not have the proper prerequisite. Now I'm trying to find it again and I can't remember where he was (I actually found him at the same time I still needed the Roc's Cape for the final one in Hyrule Village). I need that 7th one so I can go and get the final one in the swamp.

- I can't find that blasted last kinstone marker to get the final (6th) goro (or whatever those big rock-pounding creatures are) to appear and demolish the final wall in that sub-section.

- I don't know how to contact that mountain-size goro up on Vetti Springs.

other than that I still have just under half of the kinstones to still connect and a bunch of figurines to collect. That won't be a problem because I have a huge surplus of kinstones, shells and rupees. Its ridiculous how often I go get figurines because I'm going to max out on shells, and how often I buy stuff I don't need (like strategy papers) because I've over 900 rupees.

This game was a tad easy, but still very very fun.

Should I one copy next month?.