Zelda Breaks Tradition in Latest Series Instalment ‘Echoes of Wisdom’

The latest release from Nintendo, “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” marks a significant shift in the beloved gaming series by featuring Princess Zelda as the main character for the first time. This Nintendo Switch title, released on September 26, 2024, offers a fresh narrative and gameplay experience that deviates from the series’ traditional focus on Link, the iconic hero.

Reviewer James Perkins Mastromarino describes the game’s opening as “a bravura” moment that surprises long-time fans. After vanquishing the series’ classic antagonist, Ganon, players witness Link being engulfed by a mysterious rift. Zelda then takes center stage, breaking free from her crystal prison, thereby setting the tone for an innovative twist in the series’ narrative.

“Echoes of Wisdom” introduces players to an expansive world where Zelda, portrayed as a fleeing royal, must reclaim her kingdom with the assistance of Tri, a new diminutive companion. This shift in focus allows players to explore a range of new capabilities, such as using enemy creatures to solve puzzles and combat foes, reminiscent of the mechanics in “Tears of the Kingdom,” but with a novel twist.

The gameplay encourages experimentation, providing multiple approaches to overcome challenges, from summoning creatures to using trampolines or other environmental elements to progress. Mastromarino points out that while the game’s design promotes variety, players may find themselves relying on a few familiar tactics.

One of the game’s innovations involves collecting a menagerie of creatures, turning enemies like Moblins and Keese into allies, a feature that allows players to adapt strategies dynamically. “Despite the game’s cozy vibes, it’ll make you feel like a field commander,” writes Mastromarino.

While “Echoes of Wisdom” incorporates elements from previous titles, such as crafting energy-boosting beverages, it also nods to past traditions by emphasizing Zelda’s and Link’s intertwined destinies. However, Mastromarino expresses a desire for deeper character development, observing that Link’s presence remains largely symbolic throughout the game.

Despite these critiques, “Echoes of Wisdom” is praised for its “quietly revisionist” approach, presenting Zelda as a robust lead character capable of carrying her own narrative within the franchise. The game’s experiments, though not entirely on par with “Tears of the Kingdom,” indicate a promising direction for the series that could inspire future titles by Nintendo.