The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a groundbreaking game in the legendary series as, for the first time, the protagonist is actually Zelda. The game stays true to the original Link to the Past format, offering a top-down perspective with an overworld and a series of dungeons. However, instead of her sword and bow, Zelda uses her clone magic.
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Echoes Of Wisdom could be a turning point for Zelda, Nintendo, or both
Is this a sign that we might get more spin-off-like titles in the future? Or is this a one-off curiosity?
One might think that after Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, going back to the original format would be a step backwards for the Zelda series, but fans and developers alike have shown their love for this format, and it's likely that we'll be in We'll see more games like this in the future. Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma certainly thinks the 2D format has a lot to offer.
Zelda from a bird's eye view
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat about how he brought the 2D version of Hyrule back to life in collaboration with third-party studio Grezzo, Aonuma said that this format offers a lot of scope for future games. Changing the core mechanics from Link's sword to Zelda's magic completely changed the gameplay and gave the same map a whole new way to engage.
“I think through this game we were able to satisfy a lot of players,” he said. “And so this game made me realize that there are still a lot of possibilities for these top-down Zelda games.” Speaking about how the series will continue, Aonuma explained: “And that's why we're going to have these dynamic ones too Have 3D Zelda. Beyond that, we also hope that we can continue with these 2D top-down Zeldas.”
Puzzle-solving and creative freedom have been at the heart of the series, particularly in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The developers have managed to transfer this freedom to the 2D format by giving the player free rein to use Zelda's cloning magic in any way they wish.
It seems that this game was originally intended to feature a first for the series – Link finally speaks. In most games, Zelda is the one who speaks while Link nods along. That's why the developers thought about swapping the roles, as this time the princess would take the reins. However, it seems that plans changed at some point and Link remained the epitome of the silent protagonist.
In The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, you take on the role of the titular princess, searching for Link and saving Hyrule in the process. She uses the Tri Rod to create echoes, duplicates of everything from tables to enemies, to aid her on her journey.
