The announcement of 'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' during Nintendo's June 2024 Direct resonated deeply within the Zelda fandom. Despite the immense success and acclaim of titles like 'Breath of the Wild' and 'Tears of the Kingdom', many longtime fans have yearned for a return to the traditional elements of classic Zelda games. They crave the 2D dungeon exploration, linear progression, and intricate puzzle mechanics that defined earlier titles, and 'Echoes of Wisdom' appears poised to deliver exactly that, and more. The "and more" in this case includes the exciting confirmation that Princess Zelda will not just be present, but will serve as the central hero of the game. This decision underscores the game's commitment to fan service. Unlike the prolonged mystery surrounding 'Tears of the Kingdom's' release, fans were treated to substantial details about 'Echoes of Wisdom' right from its initial trailer. It promises to be the classic Zelda adventure that fans have eagerly awaited for years.

Figure 1.The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Zelda Will Take on The Role of The Main Character in Echoes of Wisdom

Princess Zelda Is Finally Getting Her Own Standalone Game

Figure 1 shows The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Nintendo's announcement regarding 'Echoes of Wisdom' brought forth the biggest bombshell in the history of the franchise: Princess Zelda will take on the role of the main hero for the first time in a mainline Zelda title. [1] This marks a historic moment, as every mainline Zelda game since the series' inception in 1986 has featured Link as the playable protagonist. While Zelda has been playable in non-mainline titles like 'Spirit Tracks' and lesser-known titles for the Philips CD-I in the 90s (though fans tend to overlook those), her role as the primary hero in her own story is monumental and carries significant implications for the future of the series. Princess Zelda's potential to offer a distinct play style from Link is already hinted at in 'Echoes of Wisdom'. Instead of relying on melee combat with a sword, Zelda adopts the role of a mage, utilizing her magical abilities to manipulate the environment in innovative ways. Her approach to magic differs from traditional RPG spells, requiring players to strategize and wisely employ her abilities.

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of Zelda assuming a more active role is the possibilities it opens up for future Zelda titles. It raises the prospect of a character select screen at the game's outset, allowing players to choose between different play styles. Moreover, there's potential for multiplayer experiences to evolve beyond mere 'Four Swords'-style gameplay. A future mainline 3D Zelda title could introduce co-op play where one player supports as Princess Zelda using magic, while another engages in close-quarters combat akin to Link's swordsmanship. In essence, 'Echoes of Wisdom' not only promises a groundbreaking shift in Zelda gameplay but also sets the stage for innovative and diverse experiences in future entries of the series.

The Trailer Provides Insights into The Storyline and Setting Of 'Echoes of Wisdom'

Echoes Is Likely Set in The Version of Hyrule Seen In ALTTP

While the trailer didn't provide a complete story breakdown, it offered fans several insights into the storyline and setting of 'Echoes of Wisdom'. One of the clear points discernible from the trailer is that Princess Zelda will embark on a quest to rescue Link. In the footage, Link rescues Zelda from Ganon, who had imprisoned her within a crystal. However, after Ganon vanishes, his lance remains, and a massive void emerges from it, swallowing Link. While it's uncertain if this specific cutscene will appear in the final game, it sets the premise that Link has been engulfed by this void, leaving Zelda to undertake the mission to find and rescue him. The mechanics behind Link's disappearance into the abyss and where this abyss leads remain ambiguous, but it's likely Zelda will eventually venture into it herself to save her companion.

Another intriguing element of the story is that Zelda will face imprisonment at some point. This twist suggests she becomes a fugitive within her own kingdom, necessitating her disguise with Link's hood throughout the game. This situation adds a perilous dynamic to Zelda's exploration in 'Echoes of Wisdom'. Thankfully, Zelda won't navigate this journey alone; she'll be accompanied by Tri, a fairy guide who plays a crucial role by providing her with the Tri Rod, her primary weapon. Tri's exact identity remains a mystery, but their access to such a powerful artifact indicates their significant role in helping Zelda restore order to Hyrule, which has been disrupted by the appearance of numerous black voids resembling the one that consumed Link.

Regarding the game's setting, unlike its predecessor 'Link's Awakening', 'Echoes of Wisdom' is firmly set in a version of Hyrule. Based on the map's appearance, it strongly resembles the Hyrule depicted in 'A Link to the Past' and 'A Link Between Worlds'. Although there are additional locales such as a volcano, Gerudo village, and tropical area not found in those games, the overall map layout bears a striking resemblance. Based on the enigmatic scene in which Link is swallowed into the ground in the trailer, it wouldn't be surprising if 'Echoes of Wisdom' features a parallel map akin to ALTTP's Dark World, ALBW's Lorule, or TOTK's Depths. The trailer hints at Zelda being inside this parallel world, characterized by a purple mist leading into nothingness. If this premise holds true, 'Echoes of Wisdom' could potentially boast the most expansive map of any 2D Zelda game to date.

Given the likelihood that 'Echoes of Wisdom' takes place in the same version of Hyrule as ALTTP, it's plausible that its storyline is connected to that game and its sequels. This alignment suggests the game may reside within the Downfall Timeline of The Legend of Zelda's official chronology. This hypothesis gains further weight from the presence of both versions of the Zoras—the "River" Zora from the original Zelda and the Zora from OOT—in 'Echoes of Wisdom'. The only other game to feature both Zora types was Oracle of Ages, which also inhabited the Downfall Timeline.

What to Expect from the Gameplay of 'Echoes of Wisdom'

TOTK's Creative Essence Appears to Have Influenced 2D Zelda — Whether Positively or Negatively

Echoes of Wisdom, the first 2D Zelda game in over a decade, is expected to hew closely to the traditional 2D Zelda formula in certain respects. The trailer suggests the presence of dungeon-like areas, reinforcing this traditional approach. Additionally, the game's cover art featuring a Piece of Heart indicates that Echoes of Wisdom will not include the Shrine mechanic from the Breath of the Wild-era games. If Echoes follows the classic Zelda formula, players can anticipate Princess Zelda embarking on a quest to collect a set number of items from dungeons (typically around eight pieces). These items will grant access to the final area where she must defeat the boss. Along the journey, Zelda is likely to acquire new skills or items that unlock previously inaccessible parts of the overworld, leading to new dungeons. However, given the departures from franchise norms seen in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Echoes may introduce innovative elements to its format.

A notable new gameplay aspect in Echoes is Princess Zelda's Tri Rod, which enables her to capture and control "Echoes" of objects and monsters. The UI for this Echo mechanic resembles that of the item selection in Tears of the Kingdom and operates similarly, activated by pressing the D-Pad. Notably, Zelda can recall previously summoned Echoes instantly by pressing the Y button, streamlining combat and enhancing pacing compared to TOTK's Fuse system. According to producer Eiji Aonuma from the Nintendo Direct on June 18, the Echo ability in Echoes of Wisdom offers countless possibilities with a vast array of summonable items and monsters. Zelda is shown summoning tables, boxes, beds, water, trampolines, and various monsters like Moblins, Redeads, Deku Babas, and Blade Traps. This system promises unprecedented creativity in a 2D Zelda title, assuring longtime fans that the traditional Zelda format remains vibrant and evolving under Nintendo's innovative direction.

Who Comprises the Development Team Behind 'Echoes of Wisdom'?

Little Is Known About the Development Team Behind Echoes, Though Some Details Can Be Inferred

The development team behind 'Echoes of Wisdom' hasn't been fully revealed, but it's produced by Nintendo with Eiji Aonuma involved. There are rumors suggesting Grezzo, known for the 2019 'Link's Awakening' remake, might be behind 'Echoes of Wisdom' due to similarities in art style. If true, fans are hopeful given Grezzo's success with 'Link's Awakening'. Music composer details are unknown, but Ryo Nagamatsu's involvement, known for 'Link's Awakening' and 'A Link Between Worlds', is plausible. The director remains unconfirmed, but potential involvement by Hidemaro Fujibayashi or Hiromasa Shikata, directors of recent 2D Zelda games, is speculated.

When Will 'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' Be Released?

'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' Is Scheduled for Release on September 26, 2024, Exclusively for The Nintendo Switch

Players won't need to wait long for the next installment in the 2D Zelda series, as 'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' is slated for release on September 26, 2024.[2] Nintendo aims to leverage the enthusiasm generated by 'TOTK' in May 2023, making a new 2D Zelda a fitting follow-up. The sandbox-style gameplay of 'Echoes of Wisdom' marks an intriguing departure for 2D Zelda, echoing the developmental approach seen when experimenting with 'Breath of the Wild's physics engine on a remade version of the original Zelda. While 'Echoes of Wisdom' embraces the classic 2D perspective of Zelda, it also introduces new and innovative elements, promising an exciting evolution for the series.

References:

1. https://www.tomsguide.com/gaming/nintendo/the-legend-of-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-announced-everything-you-need-to-know
2. https://www.cbr.com/zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-everything-to-know/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2024), All Available Information on The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, AnaTechMaz, pp.14