The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a pathbreaking game in the iconic series, as for the first time, the protagonist is actually Zelda. The game sticks to the original Link to the Past format of having top-down perspective, with an overworld and a number of dungeons. However, instead of a sword and bow, Zelda uses her cloning magic.
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Echoes Of Wisdom Could Be A Turning Point For Zelda, Nintendo, Or Both
Is this a sign that we could be getting more spin-off-like titles in the future? Or is this a one-and-done oddity?
You’d think after Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, going back to the original format would be a step back for the Zelda series, but fans and developers alike have shown their love for this format, and it’s likely that we’ll see more games like this in the future. Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma certainly feels that the 2D format has a lot to offer.
A Bird’s Eye View Of Zelda
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat about how he, in partnership with third-party studio Grezzo, brought the 2D version of Hyrule back to life, Aonuma said that this format has a lot of scope for future games. Changing the basic mechanic from Link’s sword to Zelda’s magic has completely changed the gameplay, giving the same map a whole new way to be engaged.
I think through this game we were able to satisfy a lot of players,” he said. And so this game made me realise that there’s still a lot of possibility for these top-down Zelda games as well.” Speaking about how the series will go forward, Aonuma explained, “And so we will also have those dynamic 3D Zeldas as well. But in addition to that, we’re also hoping that we can continue with these 2D top-down Zeldas.”
Puzzle solving and creative freedom has been at the centre of the series, especially with Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The developers have been able to bring this freedom to the 2D format as well, by giving the player free reign to use Zelda’s cloning magic in whatever way they want.
It seems this game was originally going to feature a first for the series – Link finally speaking. In most games, Zelda is the one who talks while Link nods along, so the devs considered switching roles since the princess would be taking the reins this time. However, it seems plans eventually changed and Link remained the quintessential silent protagonist.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom sees you play as the titular princess, searching for Link and saving Hyrule in the process. She uses the Tri Rod to created echoes, duplicates of everything from tables to enemies, to help her on her journey.