The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Introduction

Welcome to Hyrule! This manual will guide you through the adventure of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.

[Image: The game's cover art features Link, the young hero, holding his sword and shield, accompanied by his talking cap, Ezlo. They stand in a lush, green forest environment with hints of the game's whimsical art style.]

Important Safety Information

Please read the separate Health and Safety Precautions booklet included with this product before using your Nintendo® hardware system, game pak, or accessory. This booklet contains important health and safety information.

General Warnings

• Seizures: Some individuals may experience seizures or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns. Consult a doctor before playing if you or your child have a history of epilepsy or seizures. Parents should supervise children and stop playing if any symptoms like convulsions, altered vision, eye or muscle twitching, involuntary movements, loss of awareness, or disorientation occur.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries and Eyestrain: Prolonged play can cause discomfort. Take 10-15 minute breaks every hour. Rest hands, wrists, arms, or eyes if they become tired or sore. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
• Battery Leakage: To avoid leakage, do not mix old/new or different brands/types of batteries. Replace batteries promptly when power is low. Do not leave batteries in the Game Boy Advance for extended periods of non-use. Ensure correct battery polarity. Do not recharge batteries or dispose of them in fire.

Story and Characters

The Legend of the Picori

Long ago, evil spirits threatened Hyrule. The tiny Picori appeared, bestowing a golden light and a sword upon a brave hero who defeated the demons and restored peace. An annual festival was established in their honor, but over time, the Picori themselves became legend.

A mystic doorway opens every hundred years, allowing the Picori to visit Hyrule. This year, Hyrule Castle hosts a grand sword-fighting tournament, with Vaati, a mysterious and skilled fighter, as the champion.

[Visual: A stained glass window depicting stylized figures and patterns, characteristic of the game's aesthetic.]

Characters

• Link: The hero of the story. He is tasked by his grandfather to deliver the champion's sword to Hyrule Castle.
• Ezlo: A mysterious, talking creature that accompanies Link. He is often fussy but provides guidance.
• Princess Zelda: A longtime friend of Link and the princess of Hyrule. She invites Link to the annual Picori Festival.
• Vaati: The current champion of the sword-fighting tournament. His origins are unknown.

[Visual: Illustrations of Link, Ezlo, Princess Zelda, and Vaati.]

Gameplay and Controls

This game pak is compatible only with the Game Boy Advance system.

[Visual: A diagram of the Game Boy Advance SP console, with buttons clearly labeled: [L Button], [R Button], [A Button], [B Button], [Start Button], [Select Button], and the [Control Pad].]

Controls:

• [L Button]: Fuse Kinstones with characters who have a thought bubble [?]. Also used to switch subscreens.
• [R Button]: Perform actions such as opening chests, speaking, rolling, or interacting with objects. Also used to switch subscreens.
• [A Button]: Use equipped item, speak to characters, or confirm actions.
• [B Button]: Use equipped item or cancel actions.
• [Start Button]: Open the subscreens to check your map, items, or save your game.
• [Select Button]: Talk to Ezlo for advice if you are stuck.
• [Control Pad]: Move Link in eight directions, push objects, or jump down from ledges.

To reset the game, press [Start Button], [Select Button], [A Button], and [B Button] simultaneously.

Game Screen and Subscreens

[Visual: An illustration of the main game screen, highlighting key elements: 1. Heart Meter (life energy), 2. Action Button indicator, 3. Equipped Items, 4. Rupee count.]

The main screen shows Link and his surroundings. The Heart Meter depletes with damage; when it's empty, the game ends.

Press [Start Button] to access subscreens:

• Items: View and assign items to the [A Button] and [B Button].
• Item List: See all collected items.
• Screen Selection: Switch between the Map and Quest Status screens using the [L Button] or [R Button].
• Save Button: Save your game progress.

[Visual: An illustration of the subscreen interface, showing the Items screen with slots for [A Button] and [B Button] items, and a Save button.]

Getting Started

Insert the game pak and turn on the Game Boy Advance. Press [Start Button] when the title screen appears.

• Start the Game: Select a save file and press [A Button].
• Choose a File: Select one of three available save slots.
• Name Your Game: Enter a name (up to six characters) for a new game. Use the [Control Pad] to select characters. Press [L Button] for capital letters, [R Button] for lowercase. Press END when finished.
• Erase: Delete existing save files.
• Options: Adjust message speed and screen brightness.

Quest Status and Map

The Quest Status screen displays collected quest items, including Pieces of Heart and learned sword techniques. The Kinstone Bag shows your collected Kinstone pieces.

[Visual: Illustrations of the Quest Status screen, Kinstone Bag screen, and Map screen.]

The Map screen allows you to view regions of Hyrule you have visited. You can zoom in on specific areas.

Sleep and Save: Activate Sleep Mode to conserve battery or save your game from the subscreen.

Link's Moves and Abilities

Basic Moves

• Walk: Move in any of eight directions using the [Control Pad].
• Push: Push blocks or statues by facing them and using the [Control Pad].
• Jump Down: Drop from ledges by pressing the [Control Pad] in the direction you want to fall.
• Swim: Use flippers to swim. Press [A Button] to swim faster, [B Button] to dive.
• Roll: Press the [R Button] while walking to perform a roll.

[Visual: Illustrations demonstrating Link walking, pushing a block, jumping down, swimming, and rolling.]

Actions Performed with [R Button]

• Speak / Read: Face a character or sign and press [R Button]. Use [A Button], [B Button], [R Button], or [Control Pad] to scroll text. [B Button] can fast-forward messages.
• Lift: Pick up objects by facing them and pressing [R Button].
• Shrink / Grow: Step onto a portal and press [R Button] to shrink. Press [R Button] near another portal to return to normal size.
• Open: Open chests or doors by pressing [R Button].
• Grab / Drag: Grab switches, levers, or objects by pressing [R Button] while touching them. Drag objects by pressing the [Control Pad] in the opposite direction.

[Visual: Illustrations showing Link speaking, lifting an object, using a shrink portal, opening a door, and grabbing a switch.]

Special Abilities (Items)

Certain items grant special abilities when assigned to the [A Button] or [B Button].

• Draw In / Gust Jar: Hold the item button to draw in air, items, or monsters; release to shoot them out.
• Jump / Roc's Cape: Jump across gaps and dodge attacks. Hold the button to jump farther. Combine with the Down Thrust technique for an aerial attack.
• Dig / Mole Mitts: Dig into walls, soft dirt, and clouds.
• Illuminate / Flame Lantern: Light the lantern to illuminate dark areas and light braziers. Press the button again to douse it.
• Run / Pegasus Boots: Dash in a direction and hold the item button to run continuously. Enables Dash Attack.
• Flip Over / Cane of Pacci: Fire a bolt that flips objects or enemies.

[Visual: Illustrations of Link using the Gust Jar, Roc's Cape, Mole Mitts, Flame Lantern, Pegasus Boots, and Cane of Pacci.]

Items

Collect various items to aid your journey.

• Sword: Your primary weapon for attacking enemies and cutting grass.
• Shield: Blocks and reflects enemy attacks. Essential for defense.
• Bow and Arrows: A ranged weapon to attack enemies from a distance. Manage your arrow supply.
• Boomerang: Dazes enemies temporarily, allowing you to retrieve items or Rupees from a distance.
• Bomb: Place bombs on the ground and throw them using the [R Button].
• Ocarina of Wind: Play to call Zephir and travel to discovered Wind Crests.
• Kinstone Bag: Stores your collected Kinstone pieces.
• Bottle: Store items like potions for later use. You can carry up to four bottles.

[Visual: Illustrations of the Sword, Shield, Bow and Arrows, Boomerang, Bomb, Ocarina of Wind, Kinstone Bag, and Bottle.]

Swiftblade's Tips: Experiment with items to find creative solutions to challenges.

Game Progression

Game Over and Saving

The game ends when your Heart Meter is depleted. You will be prompted to save your progress.

Saving: You can save your game at any time from the Items or Quest Status subscreens by selecting "Save".

Resuming a Game: Your progress, including Heart Meter status, is saved. You may not restart at the exact spot you saved.

[Visual: An illustration of the "GAME OVER" screen with "Save" and "Don't Save" options.]

The Heart Meter

The Heart Meter represents Link's life energy. It decreases when Link takes damage. The game ends when all hearts are lost.

• Restoring Life: Pick up hearts [❤️] to refill one heart segment. Catching fairies [?] restores four hearts' worth of life.
• Heart Containers and Pieces: Collecting four Pieces of Heart grants a full Heart Container, increasing your maximum life. Check the Quest Status subscreen for your Piece of Heart count.

[Visual: An illustration of the Heart Meter, showing heart segments, and icons for a Piece of Heart and a Heart Container.]

Potions: Shops sell potions that restore hearts. You need an empty bottle [?] to carry them.

Kinstone Pieces and Fusion

Kinstone pieces are mysterious items found throughout Hyrule. Fusing two Kinstone pieces together creates a complete Kinstone, which can trigger beneficial events.

Finding Kinstone Pieces: Look in cut grass, receive them from NPCs, or find them in treasure chests.

Kinstone Fusion: When you see a character with a thought bubble [?], press the [L Button] to initiate fusion. The outcome is unpredictable; check your map for clues about where changes may have occurred.

[Visual: Illustrations depicting Kinstone pieces, the fusion process with Link and a Hurdy Gurdy Man, and map indicators showing outcomes like "a beanstalk grew!" or "You're walking on clouds!"]

Swiftblade's Tips: Experiment with fusing Kinstones everywhere!

Dungeons

Dungeons contain challenges, puzzles, and items.

Dungeons and Dungeon Maps

The Map screen shows the layout of dungeons.

• Floor Map: Displays the layout of the current dungeon floor. Unvisited rooms are darker.
• Level Map: Shows the number of floors. With a Compass, the boss's location is marked with a skull [?].
• Dungeon Items: Collect key items like the Dungeon Map, Compass, Small Key [?], and Big Key [?].

[Visual: An illustration of a dungeon map, highlighting the Floor Map, Level Map, and collected Dungeon Items.]

Dungeon Items:

• Dungeon Map: Reveals all rooms on a floor.
• Compass: Shows treasure chests and the boss location on the Floor Map.
• Small Key: Opens locked doors within dungeons.
• Big Key: Opens the door to the dungeon boss's room.

Swiftblade's Tips: Dungeons become more challenging. Use your Dungeon Map when stuck.

Techniques and Collectibles

Sword Techniques

Learn various sword techniques from skilled swordsmen to enhance combat.

• Dash Attack: Equip the Pegasus Boots, dash, and strike enemies with your sword [⚔️].
• Spin Attack: Hold the item button briefly to charge your blade, then release for a spinning attack.

[Visual: Illustrations of Link performing the Dash Attack and Spin Attack.]

Review learned techniques in the Tiger Scrolls via the Quest Status subscreen.

Figurines

In Hyrule town, Carlov creates collectible figurines. You can win them by playing his lottery using Mysterious Shells [?]. Collecting more figurines may increase your chances of obtaining new ones.

[Visual: Illustrations of collectible figurines and the lottery interface.]

Mysterious Shells: Required to play Carlov's lottery. Check the Quest Status subscreen to see how many you have.

Credits

This section lists the individuals and teams involved in the development and localization of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.

[Visual: A structured list of names under categories such as Director, Planning, Programming, Object Design, Character Design, Artwork, Title Logo Design, Supervisors, Sound Advisor, Management, Product Management, Producer, General Producer, Executive Producer, North American Localization Management, Localization, Special Thanks, NOA Product Testing, and Original Zelda Staff.]

Director: Hidemaro Fujibayashi

Producer: Keiji Inafune

General Producer: Shigeru Miyamoto

Special Thanks: SUPER MARIO CLUB, ROCKMAN CLUB, CAPCOM HC, FLAGSHIP Co., Ltd, ORIGINAL ZELDA STAFF

Legal and Warranty Information

Important Legal Information

Copying of video games for any Nintendo system is illegal and prohibited by intellectual property laws. Unauthorized backup or archival copies are not permitted. Use of unauthorized copying devices or accessories will void your Nintendo product warranty.

Nintendo is not responsible for damage or loss caused by unauthorized devices. If such a device causes your game to stop operating, disconnect it carefully.

This booklet and other materials are protected by intellectual property laws.

For assistance, contact Nintendo Consumer Service at www.nintendo.com or 1-800-255-3700 (U.S. and Canada).

Warranty and Service Information

Nintendo warrants hardware for twelve (12) months and games/accessories for three (3) months from the purchase date against defects in material and workmanship.

Contact Nintendo Consumer Assistance for troubleshooting or service referrals. Do not send products without prior contact.

Warranty Limitations: The warranty does not apply if the product is used with unauthorized accessories, for commercial purposes, modified, damaged by negligence, or if the serial number is altered.

Implied warranties are limited to the stated warranty periods. Nintendo is not liable for consequential or incidental damages.

This warranty provides specific legal rights, which may vary by state or province. The warranty is valid in the United States and Canada.