The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 481 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 437 out of 481
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 481
  3. Negative: 11 out of 481
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. doodlerman
    Jun 18, 2011
    10
    One thing I love about the Zelda series that never ceases to impress me, is the fact that each game introduces an entirely new world, even if the world is one we should be familiar with. Despite being shorter than most Zelda games, I loved the style and lore introduced in this one, as I do with it in most other Zelda games. Sure it was lighter in one sense, but the villain is great and theOne thing I love about the Zelda series that never ceases to impress me, is the fact that each game introduces an entirely new world, even if the world is one we should be familiar with. Despite being shorter than most Zelda games, I loved the style and lore introduced in this one, as I do with it in most other Zelda games. Sure it was lighter in one sense, but the villain is great and the level design is probably the best I've seen out of all the 2D Zelda games. The story kind of reminds me of a Miyazaki movie and the amount you can do around the world, like in any Zelda game, is vast - and in order to unlock everything due to a certain timescale centered around the completion of dungeons, there's a pretty good replay value to it. Also, at first I was iffy with the fact that your hat talks and acts as your "fairy" character, but in the long run it was very enjoyable factor and also the ability to change size from normal to small and back again was awesome. It's a really good game!… Expand
  2. Zilcell
    Nov 9, 2011
    10
    Some people find that this Zelda game is short but it is actually quite long for a Game Boy Advance game, and fun for that matter. The puzzles and the world feel so new and the gameplay has rarely been better for a 2D Zelda. The bosses are the most difficult in the history of Zelda.
  3. AugustusCB
    Jan 14, 2014
    9
    This is a perfect example of a Zelda game done right. The game feels familiar enough while also setting itself as a whole new adventure. Everything from the swordplay to the dungeons to the exploration is done just right. Mix that in with a beautiful presentation and a stunning soundtrack, and there is a fantastic experience unlike any other. Unfortunately, this gem is not flawless: itsThis is a perfect example of a Zelda game done right. The game feels familiar enough while also setting itself as a whole new adventure. Everything from the swordplay to the dungeons to the exploration is done just right. Mix that in with a beautiful presentation and a stunning soundtrack, and there is a fantastic experience unlike any other. Unfortunately, this gem is not flawless: its rough edges come in the form of side quests that felt lacking and occasionally frustrating, as well as the adventure ending far too soon. Also, the story, while it has great characters and moments, does feel a tad thin, and the villain, while cool, isn't very different from Ganondorf in essence. Yet even these blemishes can't possibly take away from a truly magical Zelda game.… Expand
  4. patrickmurphy09
    Sep 7, 2020
    7
    I realize I am in the minority here, though I never felt the same level of adoration that others feel for this Zelda installment. Sure, it's a fun, solid experience. But as far as gameplay is concerned, I think it doesn't live up to the standard the Zelda has set from others in the series like Link's Awakening or the Oracle games. This is a subjective opinion, but I feel that the overallI realize I am in the minority here, though I never felt the same level of adoration that others feel for this Zelda installment. Sure, it's a fun, solid experience. But as far as gameplay is concerned, I think it doesn't live up to the standard the Zelda has set from others in the series like Link's Awakening or the Oracle games. This is a subjective opinion, but I feel that the overall game arch is not intuitive. Other Zelda games do a good job of hinting to the player about next locations to visit and whatnot. This simply doesn't feel as organic, and left me wandering around more. The world is okay to wander around in, but again, I just expect more. Now don't get me wrong: the dungeons are great, the storyline is fun, the Easter eggs are much appreciated (I particularly appreciate the nod to the unfinished Oracle/Mystical Seed of Truth game), and I recall really enjoying the design of the final boss fight. The final dungeon is also a gem to play in. For me, this one is a great Zelda game, just not on par with others.… Expand
  5. Armenus
    Sep 23, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Okay I'm not a Zelda expert in anyway but I really do enjoy the series, unfortunately this would have to be my least favorite one. Why? Mostly because the lack of creativity. Sorry Capcom but this is on you. It's like they just played every Zelda game and just decided to combine them all into one game. Creating a really bad Amalgamation, I mean they couldn't even come up with there own villain. And Vaati? I would have stuck with Ganon. The music sounds like it was copied and pasted from ocarina of time. The story is okay not great and the shrinking thing is just a pain. The only good thing that came out of this game was... Okay no real good things but in it's strange and flawed way it is... well it's Zelda and if you like Zelda games your probably going to like this one.… Expand
  6. Focaccia
    Apr 19, 2017
    9
    This is my favourite handheld Zelda game. People often complain that this game is too short, but if you do all the side quests and try to finish the game at 100%, you're in for a treat. This game has some of the best side quests in the franchise. Switching between human and minish size is fun and allows to see two different worlds. The dungeons are simple, but very fun. The visuals areThis is my favourite handheld Zelda game. People often complain that this game is too short, but if you do all the side quests and try to finish the game at 100%, you're in for a treat. This game has some of the best side quests in the franchise. Switching between human and minish size is fun and allows to see two different worlds. The dungeons are simple, but very fun. The visuals are pretty impressive for a GBA game too, and the music also impressed me. I highly recommend this game.… Expand
  7. rubin
    Apr 3, 2012
    9
    This was the first Zelda game I played and pretty much the only one I really liked. The shrinking gimmick is probably my favourite part of the gameplay - the world of Minish is just as fascinating as Hyurle, and even something as simple as a rain drop seems like a scariest downpour when you're just 1 inch long. The dungeons are intriguing and graphics are some of the best on GBA. HighlyThis was the first Zelda game I played and pretty much the only one I really liked. The shrinking gimmick is probably my favourite part of the gameplay - the world of Minish is just as fascinating as Hyurle, and even something as simple as a rain drop seems like a scariest downpour when you're just 1 inch long. The dungeons are intriguing and graphics are some of the best on GBA. Highly recommended!… Expand
  8. memus
    Sep 24, 2018
    6
    I was mesmerized by the art of this in 2004 when I was 15 years old. But I didn't have the money then to buy it. So I'm really glad that I was able to play it now in 2018 and finally enjoy it.
    In the end, it was more of a meh. Playing it after Breath of the Wild is more pain than fun.
    +Link and Ezlo pixel character design is kawaii. Additional points for huge Goron. +Downsizing and    I was mesmerized by the art of this in 2004 when I was 15 years old. But I didn't have the money then to buy it. So I'm really glad that I was able to play it now in 2018 and finally enjoy it.
    In the end, it was more of a meh. Playing it after Breath of the Wild is more pain than fun.

    +Link and Ezlo pixel character design is kawaii. Additional points for huge Goron.
    +Downsizing and then walking between huge leafs and acorns is so cute.
    +It's a well crafted dungeon crawler. Imagine an old school real-time PRG and that's exactly it.
    +Burning grass in 2005 was innovative.
    +The Legend of Zelda lore simply works. So many familiar designs from Breath of the Wild.
    +Multiplication mechanic feels fresh.

    -You need to collect all figurines to get all hearts. And that is stupid and lot of boring A-button pushing (like few hours of it). Awful. So I had 19 hearts in the end.
    -I collected all kinstones. And mechanics are good on general. But boy oh boy, some of them are not well programmed at all. Like this teacher at school to whome you need to talk first. Also beans and wall placements for kinstones look the same so I was confused.
    -Too many items. Like for some dungeon rooms I was simply checking all of them one by one to see what gonna work. In puzzle segments that led to unnecessary frustration. Also, so much time of the game is spent in a menu, switching items. Boss fights lose dynamics because of that.
    -The fighting itself is meh. I never actually enjoyed boss fights or felt that monsters are interesting to fight.
    -The world map is not well connected and feels really closed (more like a Batman Arkham Asylum). So getting from point A to point B is always pain in the ass. It's not a stealth game so it is frustrating.    … Expand
  9. powermad80
    Mar 9, 2015
    10
    Without a doubt, this game is the absolute best 2D entry in the Legend of Zelda series. It's up there with the best like Ocarina of Time, a true masterpiece of game design.
  10. dandul9
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    for me this is the best 2d nintendo game ever made even more then link to the past metroid mario bros 1 and 3 and links awakening nintendo at its best i really sad this is the worst selling game because people should play this game
  11. Ozzy01
    Jan 11, 2021
    10
    Its my first GBA and Zelda game. This game is just adorable. I still cant understand why this game is 89.
  12. KDog
    Nov 26, 2004
    3
    I have the retail version of the game from Japan. I'm sorry, but this game is very disappointing. It's short, uncomplicated, and overall not what people expect from the Zelda series. Here's my rating breakdown: Music - 10/10 - amazing Animation - 8/10 - very good Gameplay - 4/10 - nothing new, not difficult Challenge - 1/10 - very easy, no real puzzles Replayablility - 2/10 I have the retail version of the game from Japan. I'm sorry, but this game is very disappointing. It's short, uncomplicated, and overall not what people expect from the Zelda series. Here's my rating breakdown: Music - 10/10 - amazing Animation - 8/10 - very good Gameplay - 4/10 - nothing new, not difficult Challenge - 1/10 - very easy, no real puzzles Replayablility - 2/10 - Not much to replay Secrets - 3/10 - Secrets do nothing useful! Just an aside from the game. Overall: 3/10 - too short, no challenge, worthless secrets. I beat the game in under FOUR HOURS! I was horribly disappointed. Stick to Oracle of Ages or Oracle of Seasons for GBC.… Expand
  13. horcrux2007
    Sep 25, 2014
    2
    I didn't enjoy this game one bit. The story is very forgettable which makes the game as a whole rather forgettable. The dungeons and overworld feel very constricted, and the sidequests were pretty terrible as well. This is such a disappointment for the Legend of Zelda franchise.
  14. I.L.
    Sep 6, 2006
    10
    Pretty much the best 2d Zelda since A Link to the Past. If it was longer it would be the better than LTTP.
  15. Shadow1
    Jul 25, 2016
    7
    I don't like Zelda and Ocarina of Time is not very nice game, but Zelda for GBA is very good . The Legend of Zelda Minish Cap is RPG as all games in this series and I think best games in this series are Twilight Princess and Minish Cap and Brath of The Wild (TBA Game) and I think this game is one of the best GBA Games and at the moment you must use your head in this game . Awesome and amazing .
  16. Phuz
    Apr 19, 2020
    10
    Top down Zelda's are the best and this one all though I'm only half through has been great fun. More complex than I expected.
  17. 6oni
    Jun 21, 2021
    9
    They are not real puzzles, you are going to spin more than a spinning top, but the hero's journey runs through the tales of classical culture
  18. Darke
    Sep 23, 2019
    10
    In meinen Augen eines der besten Spiele und ein sehr solides 2D Zelda. Die Einfürung des Schrumpfens war ein sehr spaßiges und innovatives Gimmick, meiner Meinung nach.
  19. Nachocagna
    Aug 25, 2021
    0
    es imposible pasarse este juego sin una guía, hay partes en la que es imposible saber a dónde ir en partes porque el juego no da indicios, ademas es inentendible porque el juego es fácil en su desarrollo pero al final se vuelve imposible de pasar. Curva de dificultad mala, imposible saber que hacer en partes y nada innovador. Muy mal juego.
  20. AlisonR.
    Jan 6, 2005
    10
    A stunningly beautiful game with much replay value. Perfect for all ages.
  21. Peter
    Feb 20, 2005
    10
    Wow! i just finished it and i am in awe. i hooked it up to my game boy player and it was like link to the past but even better(well, just as darn good!) on the regular tv screen! i recently wrote a bad review on four swords because, well, it sucked, but this game picks the series back up by its boot straps, i am only sad that i have to wait for another for a long time now.
  22. Yzarc
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    This game rocks.
  23. Neos
    Mar 19, 2008
    10
    why are all the bad reviews by reviewers you never hear of or ones that dont know a thing about video games new york times wtf cheat code central sounds like they should stick to cheat codes. Now to every one who says this game is to hard suck it up the puzzles are a 5 out of 10 vati is a 7 out of ten
  24. W.H.
    Dec 1, 2004
    10
    Beautiful graphics that blend the style of Wind Waker with the beauty of A Link To The Past, brilliant music, and the inimitable style of gameplay that has consistently put the Zelda franchise above all others. An instant classic.
  25. MathijsK.
    Dec 28, 2004
    10
    This is a very nice game!!!
  26. JonH.
    Feb 2, 2005
    10
    Amazing, so great that this comes out now after the big disappoint of the nintendo ds, the first great game i got for it is this one and it's a gameboy advance game.
  27. TrailTears
    Mar 5, 2005
    10
    Even though at the beginning it's a little boring, it gets better as it goes on. Difficult to get all the stuff, and if you don't get it on time, you miss it for all the game (light arrows and kinstone fusion). Besides of that, it's a great Zelda game.
  28. AB
    Apr 27, 2005
    10
    The fact that The Minish Cap may be the last truly great GBA game is sad. But it's great that The Minish Cap is good enough to replace all of the bad that will come. The puzzles are as brilliant as you would expect, and the amazing graphics are even more. The replay value is excellent if only because collecting the hearts and figurines feels possible as opposed to other Zelda games. The fact that The Minish Cap may be the last truly great GBA game is sad. But it's great that The Minish Cap is good enough to replace all of the bad that will come. The puzzles are as brilliant as you would expect, and the amazing graphics are even more. The replay value is excellent if only because collecting the hearts and figurines feels possible as opposed to other Zelda games. The only complaint I can think of is that the bosses are fairly easy. Even so, they are still very fun. The Minish Cap is a portable masterpiece that will tide fans over for the new Legend of Zelda for GameCube.… Expand
  29. JohnQ.
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    Great graphics, great game, more difficult puzzles. The only thing about this game is that if you don't have a walkthrough there are a few puzzles that statistically impossible to figure out with trial and error without spending several hours --- esp, the blue / red floor tiles. To me, there is no point of having a puzzle based on trial and error rather than clever thinking. I Great graphics, great game, more difficult puzzles. The only thing about this game is that if you don't have a walkthrough there are a few puzzles that statistically impossible to figure out with trial and error without spending several hours --- esp, the blue / red floor tiles. To me, there is no point of having a puzzle based on trial and error rather than clever thinking. I finished a Link to the Past, then this one. Looking forward to a new release. Tried Final Fantasy, just didn't like it -- the great thing about Zelda titles is that they have a great story line, puzzles, and when you fight (unline FF) it is live action. I tried a few other games -- but again, esp on the game boy micro, Zelda delivers esp in the area of keeping the scenes / characters large enough for comfortable play. Overall, this is a great game!… Expand
  30. GameZ.
    Aug 30, 2007
    10
    It was a very fun and addicting game.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. GBA Central
    100
    The game may be short by the franchise's standards, but every minute of it is breathtaking.
    Read full review
  2. NTSC-uk
    90
    Thankfully, longevity hasn't been sacrificed for the sake of beauty: the main quest alone will take the average gamer a minimum of fifteen hours and that's without spending a single moment delving into the fabulous subquests, which will double, even triple that time...A stunning and wondrous game.
    Read full review
  3. GMR Magazine
    90
    Outside of a slightly boring midgame stretch in which you're tracking down overdue library books (no, really) and an overly tough final boss, this is a flawless portable adventure. [Feb 2005, p.91]
See all critic reviews »