Unlike the chomping enemies seen in the Mario Universe, Link’s Awakening brought a new vibe to the familiar Chain Chomp characters. While one red hatted hero jumps away to avoid their bite, Link has the pleasure of befriending a whole family of Chain Chomp pets owned by villager Madame MeowMeow. Her home includes a Doghouse and houses three Chain Chomps each with their own sparkling personality aiding Link on his journey across Koholint Island. The main quest spotlights the biggest of the three pets, but what about the smaller, more adorable Chain Chomp with a passion for fashion and was born to rock the catwalk?
Hanging out in Madame MeowMeow’s Doghouse is a little Chain Chomp named CiaoCiao (previously named YipYip in editions prior to the Switch). CiaoCiao is the most fluent speaker of all the Chain Chomps and engages in conversations with Link. She speaks often of her love for fancy things—obsessed with all things glamorous and glittery, and desiring to adorn herself with accessories and jewelry. Which is something she lacks in the beginning of the game, with her only shine being her black fur coat and silver chain. Without any accessories she looks just like the other Chain Chomps and not like the spunky young lady she deems herself to be. But maybe one day with the help of a hero (or a THIEF!) she might find a little bit of style.
CiaoCiao is one of the many characters part of the Trading Quest that happens throughout Link’s Awakening. After Link is given the ‘Ribbon’ item, CiaoCiao’s keen senses will detect such a fancy and glamorous item and beg Link to give it to her. If Link agrees, CiaoCiao gets to wear a bright pink bow and Link gets a can of dog food (I’m sure he’ll find someone who wants it). Refuse her pleas and Link receives some anger driven words. “You are the worst!” she says. The hero is fortunate that the little Chain Chomp isn’t programmed to bite like BowWow or Link might find himself in a pickle.
The ‘Ribbon’ CiaoCiao gets may seem like a simple little design, but it’s enough to fulfil her dreams of being trendy and stylish. Proof lies in the Trendy Game where Link can win a figure of CiaoCiao (Ribbon included). One has to be trendy to be featured in the Trendy Game…right? Nevertheless, CiaoCiao defies the Chain Chomp stereotype, keeping mostly calm and collected and never lashing out with vicious bites like her companion. She may not help Link through Goponga Swamp or sense nearby Secret Seashells but she’s one of the many characters on Koholint Island with personality and spunk that makes the island worth saving.
