The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Review
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a magical, unforgettable adventure in which Princess Zelda steps in to save the day, my full review.
As a lifelong fan of The Legend of Zelda series, I’ve journeyed through Hyrule countless times, starting from the pixelated landscapes of the original NES game to the sprawling open worlds of Breath of the Wild. Each installment has brought something unique to the table, but The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom stands out by placing Princess Zelda herself in the protagonist’s role. This game not only honours the legacy of its 2D and 3D predecessors but also introduces fresh mechanics and a great story that kept me hooked from start to finish. Let’s return to Hyrule once more and dive into what makes this latest adventure so special.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Grezzo, Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action-Adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
A new hero in Hyrule
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom flips the script by making Princess Zelda the central character in the latest adventure. The game starts with a decisive victory over Ganon. Unfortunately, Link is swallowed into a mysterious rift, leaving Zelda to save Hyrule from the encroaching Still World. Guided by a fairy named Tri, Zelda must mend the rifts appearing across the land. This shift in perspective breathes new life into the series, and I loved seeing Zelda take charge. Putting Zelda in charge paid off, especially with the story offering a refreshing take to the series that adds depth and new angles to the franchise. It helps to breathe new life into the series while successfully blending the old 2D art style, story and characters with newer games like Tears of the Kingdom. It does all this while still respecting the rich lineage of Zelda’s roots.
Creative changes to traditional Zelda gameplay
Echoes of Wisdom retains the classic top-down 2D view but introduces innovative mechanics that set it apart. Zelda can summon “Echoes” of defeated enemies and objects, adding a strategic layer to combat and puzzle-solving. The Echoes menu, though extensive, can become cumbersome with too many items, but it also opens creative possibilities in a usually linear 2D space. Unlocking all Echoes requires exploration, as many are hidden in caves and other areas off the beaten path. The puzzles are cleverly designed, often requiring a mix of Echoes and Zelda’s problem-solving abilities. The one drawback to this new mechanic is combat, which I didn’t fit as snappy or satisfying as Link’s sword and shield. As the story progresses and you find more combat-based echoes, showdowns are a little more enjoyable in the latter half of the adventure. Aside from that critique, the story is packed with engaging side quests and rich lore, rewarding every moment.
Echoes of Wisdom graphics and performance
Visually, Echoes of Wisdom is a treat, blending the charming art style of 2019’s Link’s Awakening with new, vibrant environments. The game modernizes the classic 2D Zelda look while retaining the series’ beloved retro charm. From mountains and volcanoes to deserts and wetlands, the vivid environments flow naturally into each other, creating a visually cohesive world. Overall, Echoes of Wisdom excels in its visual presentation, offering a delightful blend of nostalgia and modernity that enhances the gaming experience.
In terms of performance, the game suffers from inconsistent frame rates in many sections. This is especially true for outdoor areas, where the resolution can drop significantly. There is also a “hazing” or blurriness around the outer edges of the camera to help soften some assets in larger spaces. Whether this is a design choice or a technical one to help performance, I found it distracting as I explored Hyrule. Despite these performance hiccups, the art direction shines through, making each region of Hyrule feel distinct and alive. The technical issues weren’t a deal breaker, but it would have been great to see certain elements optimized more.
Audio and sound design in Echoes of Wisdom
The audio in Echoes of Wisdom is nothing short of spectacular. The soundtrack combines nostalgic melodies with new compositions, perfectly capturing the game’s adventurous spirit. While the game lacks voice acting, the sound effects and ambient noises create an immersive experience. Overall, the orchestral arrangements that playfully pull in melodies from the previous games in the series made the soundtrack a love letter to Zelda fans. I found myself humming along to the tunes long after I put down my Joy-Cons.
Final Thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a bold and refreshing entry in the series. Putting Princess Zelda in the spotlight offered up a new perspective that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was able to achieve this while retaining the core elements that make Zelda games so beloved. Despite some performance issues, the game’s engaging story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for any fan of the series. I wholeheartedly recommend it and can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Pros
+Engaging storyline with Princess Zelda as the protagonist
+Innovative Echoes mechanic adds depth to puzzles
+Beautiful art direction
+Excellent soundtrack
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Cons
-Inconsistent frame rate
-Echoes menu can become cumbersome
-Some Echoes are difficult to find
Overall Assessment of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability: 8/10
Overall Rating: 34/40
A copy of the game was provided by Nintendo to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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