In light of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, it seems like Link’s expanded selection of outfits could become a recurring element. Admittedly, Zelda’s latest adventure was a significant departure from the series norm, but even so, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom could still be a harbinger of things to come. While most of its mechanics were unique to the game itself, it wasn’t completely separate from The Legend of Zelda‘s usual trappings. This includes following some of the trends of recent games. In particular, Echoes of Wisdom could confirm a new status quo for future titles.
The innovations of Echoes of Wisdom go beyond the decision to make Zelda the protagonist for the first time in recent memory. While The Legend of Zelda games have always featured puzzle elements, Echoes of Wisdom takes that further, with the Tri Rod largely turning the whole game into a puzzle. In return, the player has Zelda’s many echoes to deal with any situation in her path, from fights to platforming challenges. The end result is one of the most unique games in The Legend of Zelda‘s history.
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The Legend of Zelda Could Make Outfit Choice a New Series Tradition
Echoes of Wisdom Gives Players a Variety of Outfits
Players can collect several outfits in Echoes of Wisdom and freely change into them once they reach a certain point in the story. For the most part, these outfits serve to give Zelda a few different looks that she can switch between during her adventure. Some outfits have additional abilities, such as the Silk Pajamas hastening the speed of health recovery from beds. For the most part, though, the outfits are primarily cosmetic differences; still, the customization that they offer is a welcome addition to the game. However, Echoes of Wisdom is only the latest Zelda game with an expanded wardrobe.
Alternate outfits in The Legend of Zelda have appeared before with Link’s lobster shirt from Wind Waker, which was wearable in a new game plus, as well as different useful outfits in Twilight Princess and Tri Force Heroes.
Breath of the Wilds’ Armor Sets Started a Series Trend
Players could find a wide selection of armor in Tears of the Kingdom that could be used to outfit Link, and the same can be said for Breath of the Wild. Granted, Armor plays a far more important role in these games than outfits did in Echoes of Wisdom. Without armor, Link takes heavy damage from virtually all attacks, so armor is more or less a necessity in order to survive for all but the very best players. While the function is different from Echoes of Wisdom‘s outfits, the spirit is still there, and that could be a sign for future Legend of Zelda games.
Armors and Outfits Can Become a Legend of Zelda Mainstay
After the last few games, there’s a decent chance that armor could become a Legend of Zelda staple. After all, the Breath of the Wild duology did incredibly well despite Link switching from his iconic green tunic. That alone could be proof that a selection of outfits and armors is compatible with the Zelda games. The fact that the last three games in a row have all included armor or outfit options for Link and Zelda only confirms that. Between the aesthetic options and the amount of perks that can come from them, armor and outfits could easily become a permanent Zelda feature.
The Legend of Zelda could benefit from continuing to give players more outfit options. Once a Zelda game lands on the Switch 2, hopefully this mechanic will make another return. Letting players equip Link and Zelda with new outfits does more than let them exercise their creativity. The effects of these outfits can let them experiment more with their own playstyles. After three games in a row, there’s no reason for the next Legend of Zelda to stop giving players new outfits to try.
- Released
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September 26, 2024
- ESRB
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E10+ For Everyone 10+
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo