The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is the latest addition to the iconic Legend of Zelda series from Nintendo. This game marks a significant shift, as it finally puts Princess Zelda in the spotlight as the main character. For over 35 years, fans have followed Link on his adventures, battling Ganon and exploring Hyrule. Now, it’s time for Zelda to take charge and save the kingdom from a new threat.
In Echoes of Wisdom, you explore a beautifully designed world filled with puzzles, dungeons, and unique challenges. The game introduces fresh gameplay mechanics that allow you to think creatively while solving problems. Instead of relying on traditional combat, Zelda uses a new staff called the Tri Rod, which lets you replicate objects and summon allies. This twist on the classic formula keeps you on your toes as you explore Hyrule.
Join me as we take a look at The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, a new chapter in the Legend of Zelda saga that redefines what it means to be a hero.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Developer(s): Grezzo, Nintendo
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
A new heroine in Hyrule
Echoes of Wisdom’s story takes a new approach by placing Princess Zelda at the centre of the adventure. The game begins with Hyrule facing a new threat from mysterious purple rifts that appear across the land. These rifts pull Link into a strange dimension, leaving Zelda to save Hyrule on her own. This shift in focus allows you to experience the world through Zelda’s eyes, making her the true hero of the tale.
As you explore Hyrule, you’ll encounter various characters and challenges that help shape the story. Zelda is equipped with a unique staff called the Tri Rod, which allows her to replicate objects and summon allies. This new ability opens up creative ways to solve puzzles and tackle obstacles. The game also introduces an alternate realm known as the Still World, where you can uncover hidden secrets and restore balance to Hyrule.
Throughout your journey, you’ll meet familiar faces and discover references to past games in the series. As you progress, you feel a sense of connection to Hyrule and its people, making the adventure feel personal and rewarding. The focus on Zelda’s character adds depth and provides a new perspective on the classic Zelda formula. While the story may not break new ground, it successfully combines elements from previous titles with fresh ideas.
Classic gameplay elements with a modern twist
Much like the game’s story, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’s gameplay takes a new and exciting approach by putting Zelda in the spotlight, for the very first time. Instead of using the usual sword and shield for combat, Zelda has a unique staff called the Tri Rod. This staff allows you to create copies of items and summon allies, opening up new and interesting ways to solve puzzles. This mechanic encourages you to think creatively as you explore Hyrule.
As you play through the game, you will encounter dungeons filled with challenges. These dungeons feel familiar yet innovative, allowing you to use Zelda’s abilities in exciting ways. The game also features a beautiful top-down art style that makes exploring Hyrule enjoyable. Combat in Echoes of Wisdom can be chaotic at times, but it adds to the thrill of the adventure.
You’ll face a variety of enemies, some familiar and some new, each requiring different strategies to defeat. Echoes of Wisdom encourages you to experiment with your abilities and find the best approach for each situation. Combat can be a bit overwhelming at first, there’s definitely a learning curve. However, once you get the hang of it, things flow much more smoothly.
Additionally, the game includes side quests that offer rewards and help you learn more about the world. These quests are fun and provide a break from the main storyline. Overall, I really enjoyed how Echoes of Wisdom combines classic Zelda elements with new ideas. It gives the game a unique experience that feels both familiar and new.
The artistic wonders of Hyrule
Echoes of Wisdom features a beautiful top-down art style. The game’s charming visuals bring Hyrule to life with environments filled with detail, from lush forests to sparkling waters. Each area has its own unique look, making exploring fun. Character designs are equally impressive. Zelda is portrayed as a strong and capable hero, with expressive animations that reflect her personality. Her new companion, Tri, adds a playful touch to the adventure.
The game’s music features a mix of classic songs from previous games and new melodies. The soundtrack creates a fun atmosphere and the flute rendition of Hyrule Field’s theme is my personal favourite. Echoes of Wisdom appears to use the same graphic engine as The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening, and unfortunately suffers from the same performance issues.
While in the open world, often there are frame rate drops, which is quite noticeable. Inside dungeons, the performance is much better, making the stutters in the overworld more frustrating. While these frame rate issues are noticeable, and a bit disappointing, they don’t take away from the overall experience.
Final thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom offers a fresh take on the classic top-down adventure. Playing as Zelda adds a unique twist to the gameplay that has been long overdue. The game combines old and new elements, making it feel both familiar and exciting. The dungeons are well-designed, filled with puzzles and challenges that will keep you entertained.
Echoes of Wisdom also features interesting side quests and characters that add depth to the story. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore and discover new things, which I really liked. Echoes of Wisdom’s art style is charming, and the music complements your adventure nicely. However, the game does have some performance issues, particularly with frame rate drops in the overworld. Although these stutters can be distracting, they don’t detract from the overall experience.
If you are a fan of The Legend of Zelda series, you will find a lot to love in Echoes of Wisdom. Despite its performance issues, the game shines with creativity and fun. If you have a Nintendo Switch and are a Zelda fan, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a must buy!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Zelda finally takes center stage, allowing for a fresh perspective in the series. | Inconsistent frame rate issues, particularly in the overworld. |
| The game introduces inventive summoning and binding abilities that enhance gameplay. | Combat can be chaotic and overwhelming at first. |
| The return of classic dungeon design offers a nostalgic yet innovative gameplay experience. | |
| Charming, vibrant, and colourful art style. |
Overall assessment of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.2/5 (84%)
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I’m looking forward to giving this game a go, I have been playing Links Awakening while waiting for this to arrive.
Thanks for the review it seems like the game is going to be a lot of fun.