Nintendo's legendary action-adventure game, "Zelda no Densetsu - The Hyrule Fantasy" or "The Legend of Zelda: Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland" as it is known outside Japan, has been making waves among gamers for years. Released in 2006 exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube, this game marked a unique departure from the traditional Zelda formula, and yet still delivered all the charm and excitement that fans of the series have come to expect.

Developed by Flagship (later known as Grezzo), the same studio behind The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap, "The Hyrule Fantasy" is an enhanced re-release of Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland, which was originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. The game follows the adventures of none other than Tingle, a quirky and lovable character introduced in The Wind Waker.

In this article, we will delve into the world of "Zelda no Densetsu - The Hyrule Fantasy" and explore its features, gameplay, and reception. We'll also take a look at its age rating, which is available for some regions.

Gameplay

At its core, "The Hyrule Fantasy" is an action-adventure game that takes place in the world of Hyrule, where Tingle has become lost after being swept away by a tornado. Players must guide Tingle through various levels, collecting items and battling enemies to rescue his lost love, Rosy Rupeeland.

Gameplay-wise, "The Hyrule Fantasy" is similar to other Zelda games, with an emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. However, the game's unique twist lies in its focus on speed running, with players encouraged to collect as many items and coins as possible within a set time limit. This adds a new layer of challenge and excitement to the traditional Zelda formula.

Visually, "The Hyrule Fantasy" is a beautiful game, with vibrant graphics and charming character designs. The soundtrack, composed by Hajime Wakai, is equally impressive, featuring catchy tunes that perfectly capture the lighthearted and humorous spirit of the game.

Reception

When released in 2006, "Zelda no Densetsu - The Hyrule Fantasy" received positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique gameplay mechanics and charming presentation. However, some reviewers noted that the game's difficulty was unevenly distributed, with certain sections feeling overly challenging while others were too easy.

Despite this, the game has developed a cult following over the years, with many fans appreciating its lighthearted and humorous take on the Zelda series. In 2010, the game was re-released as part of the Virtual Console service for the Wii, making it more accessible to new generations of gamers.

Age Rating

The age rating for "Zelda no Densetsu - The Hyrule Fantasy" varies depending on the region. In Japan, the game is rated C (Children) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), while in Europe, it is rated PEGI 7+ (Parental Guidance).

In North America, the game was released as part of the Virtual Console service for the Wii, and was rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. This means that the game is suitable for players aged six and above.

Conclusion

"Zelda no Densetsu - The Hyrule Fantasy" may not be a traditional Zelda game, but it has carved out its own niche in the series' history. With its unique gameplay mechanics, charming presentation, and lighthearted humor, this game is sure to delight fans of the series and newcomers alike.

If you're looking for a fun and challenging adventure that deviates from the traditional Zelda formula, "The Hyrule Fantasy" is definitely worth checking out. So, why not give it a try? You might just find yourself falling in love with Tingle's quirky charm and the world of Hyrule all over again.

System Requirements

• Nintendo GameCube
• Virtual Console (Wii)
• Virtual Console (Wii U)
• Virtual Console (Nintendo 3DS)

Release Dates

• Japan: June 29, 2006
• North America: August 8, 2010
• Europe: November 11, 2010

Box Art

The box art for "Zelda no Densetsu - The Hyrule Fantasy" features a colorful and humorous illustration of Tingle, surrounded by various items and enemies from the game. The title of the game is prominently displayed in bold font, with the subtitle "The Hyrule Fantasy" written in smaller text below.

Collectors Edition

There was also a Collector's Edition released for the Virtual Console service on Wii U, which included:

• The game itself
• A set of 8 Tingle-themed stickers
• A set of 16 Rosy Rupeeland-themed stickers