From the age-old question of “Will Princess Zelda ever be the protagonist?” to the curiosity of “Why is the franchise named after Zelda when you only play as Link?” These questions have crossed everyone's mind at least once, since the beginning of the franchise and we can now say that times have officially changed for the better!
With The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, we can finally say that times have officially changed for the better—Zelda takes the lead in her first official game!
As a lifelong Zelda fan, I have eagerly awaited the moment when Zelda would step into the spotlight as the main protagonist. But it almost didn’t happen.
According to Ask the Developer Vol. 13, Chapter 3, Aonuma revealed that the team first conceived the premise of "Echoes" and initially planned for Link to be the protagonist. However, as they developed the gameplay—focusing on the concept of echoes and having Link copy elements in the game—they realized that the traditional sword and shield mechanics were too cumbersome.
In this game, "echoes" refer to the copies of objects or enemies that Zelda can learn from and utilize to solve puzzles. The team agreed that Zelda could be the protagonist, provided it made sense within the game's context and honored her character, and very quickly the story started shaping and shifting around our favorite princess instead.
Echoes of Wisdom introduces a mix of new and familiar characters, each contributing to Hyrule's rich history and aiding Zelda in her quest to combat the rifts threatening the land. As always, character development is crucial, and players will experience engaging interactions that enhance the story.
The gameplay builds on the franchise's legacy, featuring innovative mechanics that challenge both newcomers and veterans. Yes, there are the normal sword and shield tactics available in this game, but only at certain intervals and only for a limited amount of time. The game emphasizes puzzle-solving and strategic combat, pushing players to think creatively.
New tools and abilities, collectively known as “Echoes,” are seamlessly integrated, offering diverse approaches to challenges. Notably, the “Sword Mode” becomes accessible after the initial dungeon, but players must manage a limited gauge to use it effectively. According to Director Terada, the team were worried that once the player gains access to the sword mode, “they would stop using echoes” and it would erase the point of the game. Which is why they made the decision to cull the regular method of sword and shield, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the game’s core mechanics through the echoes instead.
The flexibility of the echoes also ensures that players can tailor their experiences using whatever object they desire, making each playthrough unique.
Visually, Echoes of Wisdom is a feast for the eyes, showcasing stunning art direction, blending whimsical art with realism. The character designs and environments reflect one of the series' signature styles while pushing creative boundaries. The game boasts breathtaking environments, featuring a vast, open world filled with diverse landscapes—from lush forests to towering mountains. Players will uncover hidden secrets, ancient ruins, and vibrant ecosystems, all contributing to a living, breathing Hyrule. The attention to detail immerses players, inviting them to interact with every object and enemy, adding to their ever-growing list of Echoes.
While the game shares a captivating art style reminiscent of the Link’s Awakening remake, it doesn’t directly connect to that title. So all the Zelda fans are wondering ‘where does it fit in the Zelda timeline?’
The truth is, it doesn’t. Although discussions around its backstory were already circulating online before its release, the official timeline hadn’t been updated by the time of the Nintendo Live 2024 event in Sydney. In fact, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are also considered separate from the timeline as many fans understand it.
I personally like to theorize that Echoes of Wisdom takes place directly after Link’s Awakening. Not only is it visually similar, but its simplicity (despite the franchise's often convoluted lore) makes this hypothetical timeline plausible.
SPOILER ALERT: At the end of Link’s Awakening, Link wakes up in the final cutscene, clinging to the remnants of his busted ship. Apparently he was pulled into the Wind Fish's dream, being the only hero that could defeat it in the final dungeon and wake it up. And now that the job is done, Koholint island is gone. Link looks up into the sky to see the Wind Fish soaring above him and he is left with the remnants of his ship. I believe that he returns to Hyrule afterward, specifically to Suthorn Village, only to be captured by the rifts forming there. There’s more backstory concerning Link and the rifts in Echoes of Wisdom, but I won’t delve into that here to preserve some mystery. Players can discover lore by exploring Link’s house or reading Lueberry’s diary, which recounts past encounters with Link. However, until Nintendo clarifies its timeline placement, we can only speculate where Echoes of Wisdom fits within the broader saga.
Ultimately, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is more than just another chapter in this storied franchise; it’s a celebration of what has made the series beloved. With its compelling narrative, expansive world, innovative gameplay, and rich character development, it invites players to embark on a journey of discovery and growth. As fans explore the echoes throughout Hyrule, they will uncover not only challenges and adventures but also a deeper connection to the legacy of Zelda and her universe.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, Echoes of Wisdom promises an unforgettable experience that will resonate for years to come.
But you may be wondering “How do you feel about the game?”
Well at this point in time, I really enjoy it! I have only had the chance to play a couple hours of each day during my downtime and apart from the small delay in getting used to the “Echoes” rather than slashing each enemy with a sword and shield, I think the story is brilliant so far. The visuals are stunning, the storytelling is so elaborate and although I have only defeated 3 dungeons and been to two separate sides of Hyrule, I have been excited the whole time.
I, personally, love playing as Link in all the other games and this definitely isn’t my first rodeo when it comes to open world either, but there is something special about this game and something that makes me truly hyped when I play it. Is it because I can finally play a female protagonist in a game series I love? Is it all the easter eggs in the story I’ve come across so far? Or is it just that the Legend of Zelda franchise is still living on with each game they throw out to us? Who knows! But what I do know, is that I will still be here to play them all!
If you'd like, you can pick up a copy of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom here: https://amzn.to/3N7bKPf
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