As a longtime The Legend of Zelda fan, I was very excited when Echoes of Wisdom was announced. And not just because it was the next entry in a beloved franchise, but because this game was doing something different. For the first time in series history, Zelda herself takes center stage as the playable hero, and that alone had the fandom buzzing. But this isn’t just a simple role reversal, Echoes of Wisdom dares to shake up the traditional Zelda formula in some pretty bold ways. How will this game stack up to the other games in the franchise? And is it worth knocking out of your gaming backlog? Quest on dear reader!
A Zelda Game Without a Sword?
You read that right. Echoes of Wisdom doesn’t arm you with the usual Master Sword or trusty shield. Instead, it challenges you to think creatively. You’ll need to solve puzzles and engage enemies using tools and abilities that are far more versatile than a simple blade. And you’re not stuck doing things one “right” way, like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, you get options, and it’s incredibly satisfying figuring out your own path forward. Spoiler alert: You can wield a sword, a shield, and many other classic Zelda weapons. However, this ability is limited to a power-up that you can only use for a certain amount of time. You can upgrade this power-up throughout your adventure, but it will remain available for only a brief period. I appreciate this design because it offers various ways to engage in combat.
This change-up makes the game feel like a mental playground, especially for longtime players who know the usual tricks. And let’s talk about that visual style: borrowing from Link’s Awakening remastered, the game looks like a beautiful, animated toy box. I’m a sucker for this aesthetic, and Echoes nails it.
Short and… Sweet?
I finished “Echoes of Wisdom” in just a few hours. While I don’t dislike short games, this one felt like it ended before it truly had a chance to develop. Given its fresh and exciting concept, I was hoping for more depth. Perhaps an additional campaign where you switch back to Link after completing Zelda’s story would have helped extend the experience and enrich the world. However, if you’re a fan of the Legend of Zelda franchise, you won’t be disappointed with the story itself, just its length.
A Familiar Story with a New Twist
Narratively, Echoes isn’t exactly groundbreaking. It flips the script by having Link be the one in trouble, which echoes what Nintendo did with Super Princess Peach. The story plays it safe, think “paint-by-numbers Zelda”, but it still manages to be charming and enjoyable. It’s not the most memorable plot in the franchise, but it carries the gameplay well and even finds moments to have a little fun with itself.
Final Thoughts
Echoes of Wisdom may not be the huge epic saga we usually expect from a Zelda title, but it’s a clever and refreshing spin on the formula. If you’ve ever wished to see Zelda in the spotlight, or just want to experience the series from a new angle, this is one adventure you shouldn’t skip. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it shows that Nintendo is still willing to experiment with its most iconic franchises.
Backlog Status: ✅ Completed
Would I recommend? Absolutely, especially to Zelda veterans craving something new.
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