The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a groundbreaking 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 top-down format, with an overworld and a number of dungeons. But instead of 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 might get more spin-off-like titles in the future? Or is this a one-off quirk?
You'd think that 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 really thinks the 2D format has a lot to offer.
A bird's eye view of Zelda
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat about how, in collaboration with third-party studio Grezzo, he revived the 2D version of Hyrule, Aonuma said that this format has a lot of room for future games. Changing the basic mechanics from Link's sword to Zelda's magic has completely changed the game, 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 realize that there's still a lot of potential for these top-down Zelda games as well.” Speaking about how the series will move forward, Aonuma explained, “And so we will also have these dynamic 3D Zeldas as well. But 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, 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, giving the player free rein to use Zelda's cloning magic in any way they want.
It seems that this game was originally going to feature a first for the series – Link finally speaking. In most games, Zelda is the one doing the talking while Link nods along, so the developers considered switching roles as the princess would take the reins this time. However, it seems that 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 create echoes, duplicates of everything from tables to enemies, to help her on her journey.
