For nearly four decades, The Legend of Zelda series has cemented its place in gaming history, primarily focusing on the adventures of Link, the series’ iconic hero. But with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Nintendo takes the franchise in an exciting new direction, empowering Zelda to step out of Link’s shadow and shine as the hero of her own adventure. In this latest installment, Zelda is no longer just the princess to be rescued—she is the one doing the rescuing.
What sets Echoes of Wisdom apart isn’t simply the fact that Zelda now wields a sword—a weapon traditionally reserved for Link—but the sheer creativity of the game itself. Building upon the innovative freedom found in Tears of the Kingdom, this new 2D, top-down entry pushes the boundaries of player agency even further. Players are encouraged to think outside the box, repurposing elements of the game world to solve puzzles in ways that were previously unimaginable.
In an interview, series producer Eiji Aonuma acknowledged this shift, saying, “We realized fans might not continue playing unless they could think independently and experiment freely, rather than just following a set path.” This philosophy is central to Echoes of Wisdom, giving players the freedom to tackle obstacles and enemies using a wide variety of tools and tactics. And it’s not just the gameplay that gets a refresh—Zelda herself evolves, bringing a fresh, inventive approach to being a hero.
The game kicks off in familiar territory: Zelda has been captured, and Link sets off to rescue her. But this time, Zelda manages to escape on her own, only to return home and be accused of causing mysterious rifts throughout Hyrule. Now, she’s not just running from danger—she’s running from the law, all while trying to save Link and close the rifts threatening her kingdom.
With the help of a magical companion named Tri, Zelda gains the ability to create “echoes” of objects and enemies to navigate her way through the game’s intricate dungeons. Unlike Link, who relies heavily on combat, Zelda’s strength lies in her ability to outthink her enemies. Her echoes—whether they’re beds stacked as ladders, pots thrown as distractions, or flying tiles that act as bridges—are her primary tools for survival. The puzzles in Echoes of Wisdom invite creativity and experimentation, giving players the satisfaction of discovering multiple ways to progress. One moment, Zelda is carefully placing water cubes to bypass vents, the next, she’s sending Keese to fight her battles while she rests. The beauty of the game lies in these small, inventive moments that make players feel clever and resourceful.
Though Zelda does have access to more traditional combat abilities—transforming into a sword-wielding, bomb-throwing warrior—this form is best used sparingly, as it consumes energy that must be managed carefully. Instead, the game encourages players to embrace Zelda’s unique playstyle, using her echoes to outwit enemies rather than overpower them.
Echoes of Wisdom is more than just another entry in the beloved Zelda franchise—it’s a bold statement about what the series can become. By giving Zelda her own tools and abilities, Nintendo shows that she doesn’t need to imitate Link to be a compelling, worthy hero. Her journey is about resourcefulness and creativity, proving that she’s not just a damsel in distress, but a powerful and innovative protagonist in her own right.
In the end, Echoes of Wisdom is a game that delights in breaking from tradition. By offering players the freedom to play as Zelda in new, inventive ways, it breathes fresh life into the franchise and sets a new standard for what a Legend of Zelda game can be.
Read more at Wired.
