Introduction
The Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom is the latest game in the Legend of Zelda series. Interestingly it is the first mainline game in the series where you play as Zelda. (the character you previously played as was named Link) It was released on September 26, 2024. You can buy the game on the Nintendo eShop or wherever Switch Games are sold.
Overview
Traditionally even the top down entries in the series have a standard format for your tasks. You play as Link and you have to fight through dungeons in order to collect items to eventually make it to the big boss. Echoes of Wisdom changes that up. You play as Princess Zelda, and she has to save the Kingdom from rifts that are opening up all over. Does that sound daunting? Well fear not because you have a guide named Tri who will help you as you progress in the game.
Gameplay
You are going to control Princess Zelda during your time in Echoes of Wisdom. The biggest change in the formula is that you don’t have a sword and shield. No instead you have Tri and it allows you to create echoes of monsters and objects that you encounter. This allows you to summon the Monsters and Objects to help you progress in the game.
Zelda can only use as many items as Tri has triangles in its tail. I am not sure the maximum number of triangles he can have, but at the end of the game I had 6.
Another tool Zelda acquires is the ability to become Link for a short amount of time. You have a blue energy meter that you can grow as you collect the blue crystals. At the Old Mans hut, you can use those crystals to upgrade your sword, arrow, and bomb abilities as well. You will have to use these abilities at various points in the game when only a sword, arrow, or bomb will do.
Zelda also acquires the ability to use Tri to grab things. She can use this ability to move them, or be moved with them. This is very useful when solving some puzzles.
The heart bar works in much the same way as it does in any other Legend of Zelda game. You get an additional full heart after completing a dungeon, and you will find heart pieces as you traverse the world map.
Graphics
I have seen many people complain about the framerate in Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom. I have seen a few noticeable frame drops here and there, but never to the extent where it will hinder my enjoyment of the game. It is really just par for the course for the Nintendo Switch. The style of the visuals for the game are the same as Links Awaking, and Link Between Worlds on 3DS. They look very nice, and the style works well on the Switch.
Story
The story in Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom starts out with a grand battle between Link and Gannon. Just as our hero bests Gannon, he opens up the first of many rifts and sets Null loose on Hyrule. Right before Link gets sucked into the rift, he shattered the crystal that Zelda was trapped in. This allows Zelda to roam free and start her adventure. All in all pretty basic story, but it moves the game forward very well.
Sound
The soundtrack for this game is really good. The use the standard Legend of Zelda music, but changes it up at certain points. Hopefully, the soundtrack is added to the Nintendo Music app soon.
Value
Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom sells for $59.99 on the Nintendo eShop. I am certain that you can find a sale during this holiday season. During my playthrough, I spent around 45 hours on the game, and enjoyed every minute of it. I am a big fan of these top-down Legend of Zelda games, so this game was a delight to play. I think it is well worth the full asking price, and certainly the current sale prices I am seeing online.
Conclusion
You can purchase Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo eShop or at retail locations for $59.99. At first glance you may wonder about the merits of a cartoon styled Legend of Zelda game after we have seen the likes of Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild. The Links Awakening style holds up very well, and you will really enjoy it if you give it a chance.
