Nintendo's highly anticipated release, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, is set to launch tomorrow. For the first time in the main series, players will take on the role of the titular character, Zelda, as she embarks on a quest to save Link and the kingdom of Hyrule. Assisting her in this endeavor is the fairy Tri, who grants Zelda the magical Tri Rod, a tool that imbues her with new abilities for solving puzzles and vanquishing foes.
The game's visual aesthetic closely resembles that of the 2019 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, Echoes of Wisdom transports players not only to Hyrule but also to the brand-new Still World, a realm connected to Hyrule through rifts that lead to various sections of it. This world is frozen in time, with its inhabitants, landscapes, and objects all seemingly preserved in a timeless state. As with many entries in the Zelda franchise, the game features dungeons, each containing a boss that must be defeated to advance the narrative. Familiar characters from Hyrule's lore, such as the Deku Scrubs, Gerudo, Gorons, and river and ocean Zora, make appearances throughout the adventure.
GameSpot's Steven Petite praised Echoes of Wisdom, stating that the game "blends the innovative elements of Tears of the Kingdom with the classic top-down Zelda formula to create a captivating journey that is both forward-thinking and nostalgic." Fans eager to secure their copy can find preorder information here. Below are additional reviews for the game:
"The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is far more than a mere spinoff, expertly combining the well-crafted dungeons and item progression typical of 2D Zelda games with the creative flair of Tears of the Kingdom." -- Tom Marks [Full review]
"Whether you're a seasoned Zelda fan or new to the series, Echoes of Wisdom represents a bold leap forward for the 2D entries in the franchise. It took decades for Zelda to have a game worthy of her name, but the result is a celebration-worthy achievement." -- Marc Deschamps [Full review]
"Echoes of Wisdom stands alongside A Link to the Past and A Link Between Worlds as one of the best top-down adventures in the series. Here's hoping we don't have to wait another 35 years for Zelda to take the spotlight again." -- Alana Hagues [Full review]
"Despite the abundance of options and the technical limitations, it's difficult not to play Echoes of Wisdom and feel, 'This is exactly what I've been waiting for.'" -- Christopher Teuton [Full review]
"Echoes of Wisdom feels like the perfect send-off for the Switch, especially with new hardware reportedly on the horizon. It's a vibrant, accessible epic that pushes the console to its limits, offering the depth, creativity, artistic design, and adventurous spirit expected from a first-party Nintendo title." -- James Billcliffe [Full review]
