September 25th 2024.
Princess Zelda has been a staple character in the Legend of Zelda franchise, but fans have often criticized her role and depiction in the games. However, the latest installment, Echoes of Wisdom, finally puts her in the spotlight and allows her to showcase her own unique abilities and strengths.
Unlike previous games, where Zelda was often portrayed as a helpless damsel in distress, Echoes of Wisdom presents her as a capable and determined princess. The game opens with a familiar scene of Link facing off against Ganon, but this time, Zelda is able to play a crucial role in their battle. As the two are swallowed by a mysterious rift, Zelda is forced to flee and embark on her own adventure.
This is the first Nintendo-made title to feature Zelda as the protagonist, and it's a refreshing change for the series. Not only does the character deserve the attention, but the game itself is a unique and interesting addition to the franchise. The co-director of the game, who is a woman, also adds a special touch to Zelda's portrayal.
Although the game doesn't delve into her backstory or provide any startling character insights, it presents Zelda as a dutiful princess who is determined to save her kingdom. Like Link, she doesn't have any dialogue, but the game takes an interesting approach by specifically referring to Link as mute. This missed opportunity could have been explored further, but it doesn't take away from the overall experience.
The game introduces a new gameplay mechanic, the Tri Rod, which allows Zelda to create echoes of inanimate and animate objects. These echoes can be used in a variety of ways, from creating bridges to solving puzzles and even aiding in combat. The game also features a realistic physics engine, making the interactions between objects and the environment feel natural and dynamic.
As Zelda explores the world, she discovers that rifts have opened up all around Hyrule, and many people have returned as imposters. Even her own father has been replaced, and she is immediately arrested upon her return to the kingdom. In jail, she meets Tri, a fairy-like creature who gives her the Tri Rod and helps her on her journey.
The game features around 30 inanimate objects and dozens of different monsters, which can be copied using the Tri Rod. These echoes can be used strategically in combat, as they will attack enemies on sight or can be directed to specific targets. However, some echoes may not always follow your instructions, adding an element of unpredictability to the gameplay.
The art style and graphics engine used in the game are similar to 2019's Link's Awakening remake, but the structure is less linear, giving players more freedom to choose which dungeons to tackle first. Zelda also gains additional skills, such as the ability to bind Tri to objects, allowing her to move them or hold them in place.
One of the few flaws in the game is the time limit for using Link's abilities, which can make Zelda feel impotent in combat. However, the game is more puzzle-based than previous titles, and the best boss battles often require players to think outside the box and use their echoes in creative ways.
Overall, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a unique and enjoyable addition to the franchise, and it's the best 2D Zelda game since A Link Between Worlds. Its only major fault is the lack of consistency in Zelda's abilities and her portrayal as an expert with certain weapons. But with its challenging puzzles, engaging combat, and refreshing take on the character, it's a must-play for any Zelda fan. And if you've ever wondered where The Legend of Zelda got its name, this game might just have the answer.
When it comes to The Legend of Zelda franchise, there's always been one major issue that fans couldn't seem to overlook - the title character herself. Princess Zelda has had varying roles throughout the series, but in recent games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, she's been portrayed as a weak and helpless figure, often overshadowed by the hero Link. However, in a refreshing turn of events, the latest game in the series, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, finally puts the spotlight on the princess and gives her a chance to shine.
It's been a long time coming, as the series has always been named after Zelda, yet she's never been the star. But in this charming new action adventure, she takes center stage with a clever twist on the traditional puzzle-solving gameplay. And it's not just the fans who have noticed - even the developers themselves have acknowledged the need for Zelda to have a more prominent role. In fact, one of the co-directors of the game is a woman, making this title all the more significant.
However, it's not just about giving Zelda the attention she deserves. Echoes of Wisdom is a unique and interesting game in its own right. Unlike other Zelda games, which are not known for their storytelling, this one doesn't offer any groundbreaking character insights or backstory revelations. Instead, it simply presents Zelda as a dutiful princess, much like Link in the regular games. And just like Link, she doesn't have any dialogue, but that doesn't make her any less of a compelling character.
The game starts with a familiar scenario - Link facing off against Ganon, who has captured Zelda. But just as Link is about to emerge victorious, a mysterious rift appears and swallows both of them. In a final act of heroism, Link releases Zelda, and she embarks on a journey to escape the rift and save Hyrule. Along the way, she discovers that the rifts have caused many imposters to appear, including her own father who orders her arrest. In jail, she meets a fairy-like creature named Tri, who gives her a powerful tool - the Tri Rod, which allows her to create multiple copies of objects, called echoes.
These echoes prove to be crucial in solving puzzles and navigating through the game's challenges. Starting with simple objects like tables and beds, Zelda later gains the ability to create bridges, towers, and even boulders with the help of different objects like trampolines, ice blocks, and a wind cannon. The best part is that these objects interact with each other and the environment realistically, thanks to the game's physics engine.
But echoes are not just for puzzle-solving. In combat, they can be used to distract enemies or hold them down while Zelda's allies attack. And if things get too tough, Zelda can even transform into Link for a limited time, thanks to energy tokens found in dungeons. However, this feature feels a bit out of place and takes away from Zelda's unique abilities.
Speaking of combat, it's one aspect of the game that we would have done away with entirely. With its focus on puzzles, Echoes of Wisdom is a departure from the traditional Zelda formula, and the boss battles that require creative thinking and clever use of echoes are the most enjoyable. In fact, the combat can sometimes feel like a hindrance, especially when Zelda has to transform into Link to use a bow, despite being shown as proficient with it in previous games.
But these are minor flaws in an otherwise fantastic game. The structure and graphics may be reminiscent of 2019's Link's Awakening remake, but Echoes of Wisdom stands on its own with its unique gameplay and challenging puzzles. It's a welcome addition to the series and easily one of the best 2D Zelda games in recent years. And as for the question of Zelda's agency and her place in the franchise, we can finally say that she's more than just a damsel in distress. After all, it's about time the game was named after the true hero of the story.
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