Everything a Zelda fan can ask for.
The storyline is typical, with Princess Zelda getting turned to stone by a sorcerer named Vaati. Link meets another sorcerer, Ezlo, who has also been cursed and is now a hat. Ezlo joins Link to help him break Vaati's curse on Princess Zelda.
Where Minish Cap really shines is it's originality. There are a lot of familiar elements, such as the controls and music; but that's not a bad thing at all; Zelda games always have flawless controls and great music. The game doesn't overdo it with the familiar elements, and you never get a "Been there, Done That" feeling at any point.
Minish Cap brings a bunch of items and weapons that are new to the Zelda franchise, but fit right in. The addition of Ezlo also gives Link the ability to turn small and minuscule; which is a new and unique feature that works flawlessly.
The overworld may seem small, particularly by Zelda standards. But nearly every spot in the overworld is full of things to do, that they more than make up for it. Upon playing through the game, you'll find yourself forgetting all about the size of the overworld.
Minish Cap is also relatively short, again by Zelda standards. However, that's only if you speed through the game; ignoring the sidequests. The sidequests are all entertaining to go through, and the rewards you get are worth it.
Overall, Minish Cap is everything a Zelda fan can ask for. Great graphics, memorable characters, and a ton of new items that fit right in the Zelda universe. The game seamlessly combines the original features with the traditional components of a Zelda game; which makes Minish Cap one of the best games made.