Important takeaways
- Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom showcases a refreshing narrative shift in the Zelda series.
- Future Zelda games should consider featuring non-Link protagonists like Impa and Tetra.
- Unique characters like Ganondorf and Skull Kid can offer exciting perspectives in the main roles.
After Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequels, The tears of the kingdomlargely left its stories in the shadow of a massive open world, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has been a refreshing change of pace for the franchise. Not only has the latest installment offered an engaging story that recent episodes have somewhat lacked, but the titular princess herself, having filled the role of protagonist, also proves that characters other than Link can lead to a remarkable The Legend of Zelda story. As such, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom could become a precursor of sorts for future installments, opening the door for even more unique characters to take the stage.
While it may seem strange to have someone other than Link or Zelda in a lead role, there may be a way to The Legend of Zelda to reinvent oneself. Nintendo has been pretty consistent in securing each one Zelda the gameplay is different from the last, but it might still be worth taking some even sharper turns sooner rather than later to keep the series on top of its innovative trends and maintain its forward momentum.
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Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom's Triforce has joined an exclusive series club
Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom brings back the Triforce but handles it in a very different way than most entries, giving it access to an exclusive club.
Future Zelda games should consider featuring more non-Linked protagonists
There are a couple of great non-Link characters that could lead a compelling Zelda game
Now that Zelda has proven that Link isn't the only one who can lead the way in a mainline version, the series can look to put some of its other major characters at the helm. Impa, for example, can be considered one of the show's most notable characters worthy of a starring role, due to her persistent recurrence and the intriguing nature of her character. A challenging action-adventure game similar to Ninja Gaiden can be a solid choice for the battle-hardened and stealthy Sheikah, despite her occasional appearance as a non-combatant character.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Wakers Tetra could be the star of her very own pirate adventure prequel, especially given her background and true identity. Before the events of The wind watcherTetra spent her life on the high seas leading a pirate crew in search of treasure. However, as the game's story unfolds, it is revealed that Tetra is actually the reincarnation of Zelda. In light of that revelation, a prequel featuring Tetra in her past life The wind watcher can be a captivating story.
More unconventional Zelda characters can offer unique perspectives in a lead role
While one Zelda the game can have its “good” characters in a main role, other unconventional characters like Ganondorf and Skull Kid can offer unique perspectives in a main role. Having Ganondorf in a lead role would certainly make for a dark story, but it could give players first-hand experience with some timelines where the villain actually defeats Link. Also, a game featuring Skull Kid, who is best known for his role in Zelda: Majora's Maskwas able to show his life before he was corrupted by Majora's Mask, as well as his slow descent into madness.
Some Zelda characters can even offer exciting swimming experiences
Branching out from its normal story-driven format, The Legend of Zelda could even venture into sim territory with a couple of its characters – namely Beedle and Dampe. Beedle has been a recurring character in the series for some time now, making occasional appearances selling various items such as potions, arrows, and other important items. As such, a shop sim where players have control of Beedle and can travel through Hyrule selling items to Link and other Hylians might be in order. In addition, Dampe has often played the role of Grave Keeper, suggesting a sim similar to Lazy Bear Games' Cemetery caretaker may be a good fit for the world of The Legend of Zelda.
There are clearly plenty of characters in it Zelda universe that would produce unique stories if they were featured in a main cast, such as Impa, Tetra, Ganondorf, and Skull Kid. Also, characters like Beedle and Dampe could see The Legend of Zelda branches into the sim genre for a new departure from the series' traditional gameplay. Hopefully, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has started something here that Nintendo will continue by putting more non-Link characters in the spotlight.