The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Suddenly a squall struck your ship, and though you valiantly fought the waves, a lightning bolt reduced your ship to splinters. Your world faded to black as you sank into the darkness of the storm-tossed sea...

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening proved that Gameboy games can be just as good as those of the bigger consoles. Link's Awakening was released twice, first for the original Gameboy, and then a colour version (with some added extras) was made for the Gameboy Color.

This game takes place away from the land of Hyrule. The inhabitants of Hyrule have seen one attack too many from Ganon, and they live in worry, fearing his return. Link decides to go on a journey of his own, away from Hyrule, in order to learn new skills and grow stronger in case Ganon ever does return. On his return voyage, Link's ship is sunk during a storm, and he washes up on a mysterious island. He meets a woman there, Marin, whom he firstly mistakes for Princess Zelda, however she tells him that he is on Koholint Island.

All of a sudden, an owl flies up to Link.
"Awaken the Wind Fish and all will be answered," it says. Marin tells him that at the center of the island is a giant egg, and that a mythical creature called the Wind Fish is inside the egg. Curious, Link sets off to solve this strange riddle, following clues throughout the island, so that he can awaken the mysterious Wind Fish.

This is one big adventure for such a little console. The color version had an extra level hidden in it, making the quest even larger.