The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Review – A New Era for Zelda

Explore The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom review, blending classic 2D elements with modern gameplay in an innovative Zelda adventure.

Gaming Blog
21. Oct 2024
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The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Review – A New Era for Zelda















Nintendo has made a bold and exciting choice with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, spotlighting Princess Zelda herself as the main character in a new 2D adventure. It’s not just another side story or spinoff; Echoes of Wisdom feels like a true continuation of the main Zelda series. It blends the beloved elements of traditional 2D Zelda games—such as linear dungeons and key item progression—with the freeform problem-solving that defined recent entries like Tears of the Kingdom. While not without some rough edges, this game offers a compelling and innovative experience that could signal a new direction for the franchise.

A New Kind of Hero's Journey

For the first time in the series, Zelda takes center stage as the playable character, shifting away from the traditional story of a silent swordsman rescuing the kingdom. This change brings a fresh narrative perspective, making players feel more connected and integral to the story. As Zelda, you’re tasked with sealing mysterious purple rifts appearing across Hyrule, making the journey feel more personal and directly tied to the fate of the kingdom. The plot is more engaging as a result, with Zelda herself facing the dangers and mysteries head-on, rather than supporting from the sidelines.

Despite this character shift, the gameplay remains distinctly Zelda. There are moments where you might even forget you’re not playing as Link due to the familiar feel of the mechanics. However, Zelda’s unique interactions with the world set her apart, making this adventure a welcome twist on the formula while still retaining that classic Zelda charm.

The Echo System: Summoning Creativity

The most notable addition in Echoes of Wisdom is the echo system, where Zelda, with the help of her floating companion Tri, can create echoes of defeated enemies and certain objects to aid in exploration and combat. For instance, once you defeat a Moblin, you can summon it in future battles to fight alongside you, or use items like trampolines to overcome obstacles. This system adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, encouraging creativity and planning. The number of echoes that can be summoned simultaneously is capped by an upgradable point system, which keeps the feature balanced while still offering plenty of freedom.

In a way, echoes act as modern equivalents to the classic key items from previous Zelda games. While you won’t find a hookshot, you might discover a floating tile that lets you traverse large pits. There’s no traditional shovel, but a mole companion will dig up secrets for you. The echoes seamlessly integrate into the progression and exploration of the game, providing that sense of accomplishment from obtaining new abilities, reminiscent of the old-school Zelda titles.

Puzzles and Exploration: A Return to Form

The dungeons and puzzle rooms are where Echoes of Wisdom truly shines, using the echo system to great effect. With the extensive list of summonable creatures and items, players are encouraged to think outside the box to solve problems. The solutions are rarely straightforward, with each puzzle offering multiple possible approaches. This freedom echoes the creativity embraced by Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but here it’s presented in a more structured, 2D format. The game captures the joy of discovering new ways to overcome challenges, providing plenty of “a-ha!” moments along the way.

The game’s world is a nostalgic blend of past and present. The map includes areas reminiscent of A Link to the Past, alongside features from Breath of the Wild, creating a landscape that feels both familiar and new. Longtime fans will recognize iconic locations, reimagined with a modern touch, while newcomers will appreciate the thoughtful design that encourages exploration. Optional caves, side quests, and mini-dungeons filled with unique boss battles add depth and variety, rewarding players who stray from the beaten path.

Combat: Good, but Not Great

Combat in Echoes of Wisdom is perhaps its weakest link, especially when compared to the thrilling swordplay found in earlier games. While Zelda can summon echoes to help her fight, watching them slowly attack enemies doesn’t have the same visceral impact as swinging a sword yourself. Zelda does have the option to wield Link’s sword in “Swordfighter Mode,” but this mode is constrained by a quickly depleting energy bar, forcing players to use it sparingly. As a result, combat feels less fluid and more strategic, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn’t reach the excitement of previous Zelda titles.

The automaton system adds some depth to battles, introducing buildable robots that can perform various functions without consuming points. These mechanical allies, like a Deku Baba that can eat enemies or a Moblin with a powerful area attack, offer risk-reward strategies that add variety to encounters. Still, despite these additions, the combat never quite matches the polish found in the exploration and puzzle-solving aspects of the game.

The Art Style and Performance

Visually, Echoes of Wisdom adopts a style similar to the Link’s Awakening remake, with a toy-like charm that fits the 2D format well. The art style is vibrant and playful, bringing the world of Hyrule to life with a mix of nostalgia and fresh design. However, the game’s performance isn’t flawless, with occasional frame rate dips during busy scenes. These issues don’t ruin the experience, but they are noticeable, and one can’t help but wonder if a more powerful Switch hardware revision could have eliminated them.

Side Quests and World-Building

Echoes of Wisdom offers plenty of side quests and collectibles for those who want to dive deeper into the game’s world. Completing side quests often yields valuable rewards, such as new echoes or upgrades, making the effort worthwhile. The side quests also add charm and personality to the game, featuring memorable characters and mini-stories that enrich the lore of Hyrule. A standout is a village of Deku Scrubs who are obsessed with sweets, providing a lighthearted and fun diversion from the main quest.

Exploring the game’s world often feels like a celebration of Zelda’s history, with areas that evoke memories of classic games while integrating elements introduced in the modern titles. This thoughtful approach to world design makes Echoes of Wisdom feel like a bridge between the past and the present, honoring the series’ roots while looking toward its future.

Verdict

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom succeeds as more than just a spin-off featuring Zelda in the lead role. The game blends the classic elements of 2D Zelda titles—like dungeon crawling, puzzles, and item progression—with the innovative freedom and problem-solving embraced by Breath of the Wild. While combat may not be its strongest feature, the echo system, exploration, and clever puzzle design make it a standout entry in the franchise. The result is a Zelda game that manages to feel both traditional and fresh, providing a taste of what a modern 3D Zelda could be while recapturing some of the magic that longtime fans have missed.

If Echoes of Wisdom represents the future of Zelda, then it’s a future that holds much promise. Nintendo’s willingness to experiment while respecting the core elements of the series is a sign that Zelda’s legacy will continue to evolve in exciting ways. Whether you’re a veteran fan or a newcomer, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a journey worth taking.

Image Credit: Zelda 

 
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Anshul Gupta
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