“The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Review – A Memorable Addition to the Franchise”

Perfection comes in a tiny package

We’ve had to wait quite some time for a new Zelda game for the Nintendo Switch. If we don’t count the remakes and spin-offs, the last time we got to work with a really new Zelda was six years ago. Breath of the Wild brought a breath of fresh air to the franchise and has been Nintendo’s flagship game for years. The sequel will finally arrive next month in the form of Tears of the Kingdom. Of course I couldn’t wait for the release and decided to start up an oldie, namely The Minish Cap.

I must confess that Nintendo is my darling. As a friend of mine always puts it so beautifully: “Nintendo can put its name on a turd and you buy it for 60 euros.” Now I think I have a point with Zelda. It’s the best franchise in the world and I’ve beaten most of the games to death. There is one exception: The Minish Cap. I really have no reason for that. I have started it several times, but never really played very far. Now that the game is available on the GBA emulator via Switch Online, I thought it was time to change that.

If I could go back in time

Although as a grown adult I have a whole house at my disposal where I can play, I found myself thrown back to my inner child as soon as I heard the sound of the Game Boy Advance. This also ensured that I take my Switch as a handheld into the bedroom, where I lie down in my pajamas to play. It felt just like before. I know, I’m getting old.

After the extremely cute intro music from The Minish Cap, I woke up in Link’s boots. He is called at that moment by the blacksmith he lives with, because there is a surprise in the house. None other than your best friend Princess Zelda is coming to pick you up for the annual festival in Hyrule Town. This annual festival is dedicated to the Picori: tiny creatures that can be found all over Hyrule, although only children can see them. The Picori have had a very big influence on history and making the country what it is today. The blacksmith instructs you to bring a sword. This is the prize for the winner of the games that take place at the festival.

Once in Hyrule Town, you and a very exuberant Zelda enjoy all the splendor that can be seen there. She ensures that you are equipped with a shield. It is as if she knows that danger is just around the corner. Because that danger is of course not long in coming. A wizard named Vaati wins the Games and steals an important artifact. He also petrifies Zelda, much to the king’s chagrin. The king orders you to stop Vaati and sends you out into the wide world to do so.

Little Link, big world

The first stop of Link’s adventure takes him to the Minish Woods. This is where the Picori are said to live and they have an important clue that Link needs in his fight against Vaati. Soon the path in the forest comes to a dead end and there is nothing to do but turn back. You run into two enemies who are bullying a green hat. Good-hearted knight that you are, save the cap that immediately presses itself on your head. The classic Link outfit is complete!

The hat can talk and is called Ezlo. Now that’s not all he has in store for you. When you stand in specific places, it can make you as small as the Picori. This of course opens up a completely new world for you. During the meeting with the Picori it becomes clear that you need special elements for your sword with which you can eventually defeat Vaati. The search for these elements will lead you to all corners of Hyrule throughout the game.

Change of food..

What I really really liked about this game is that it evokes a sense of recognition while being different in many ways from the other titles in the franchise. Of course it has the same style, characters, similar puzzles in the equally similar temples and the same goal: save Princess Zelda and Hyrule! Still, the game has enough elements that are different from the other games. With that, The Minish Cap makes itself memorable.

This is how Link becomes the proud owner of flippers with which he can brave the water. You also have the Cane of Pacci. A single swing with it ensures that you can turn things around. During your adventure you will regularly encounter Mysterious Shells. It takes a while before you get to a crazy collector who goes crazy over it. You can exchange them with him for different figurines. It has no practical use, or maybe I haven’t discovered it yet, but it’s cool to exchange them nonetheless.

However, I saved the best part of The Minish Cap for last, namely the Kinship Stones. You collect these stones in all kinds of places, but they are not yet complete. You only find half of the set. You can complete them by pairing them with NPCs’ Kinship Stones. They don’t all want to hook up with you right away, but as the game progresses they thaw out a bit and show more interest in you. Linking these stones creates fun surprises in the overworld. This way you can suddenly reach a treasure, special place or that coveted heart.

Antagonist in purple

On the Game Boy Advance, players were introduced to Vaati. This is the antagonist of the Minish Cap. It is one of the few games in which Ganondorf does not play a role. I have a love/hate relationship with Ganondorf, but I still enjoy getting acquainted with another foe in the franchise every now and then. Vaati is an interesting character with a background and purpose to understand, although I won’t spoil it for you.

I enjoyed the time I got to spend in The Minish Cap’s Hyrule. Secretly, though, it was still too short as it’s now the end of April and I still have too many days to count down to Tears of the Kingdom. It might be smart to complete some other preparatory tasks, because as soon as I have that game in my hands I won’t be available for a few weeks. I mean, I have yet to find all the Koroks! Having the turd hat is a life goal, dear ones. Oh. and I believe that there is also a country to save, not unimportant of course…