Summary
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomis making changes to the series' standard formula by including Zelda as a playable character for the first time in a main series game. It’s since been revealed that she won’t be the only playable character, meaning thatEchoes of Wisdomwon’t be quite as revolutionary as previously believed, but Zelda being playable at all is a big step toward her getting her own game. In the meantime,Echoes of Wisdomhas the perfect set-up and characters to bring back a forgotten feature, and revamp it for use in future games.
There are still a few months left beforeZelda: Echoes of Wisdomis released, so not too much is known about its story yet. As far as combat and gameplay features go, however,it looks like there will be two styles of combat, with each one tailored to suit the character being played. Link, of course, has the traditional sword and shield to use for fighting enemies. ButZelda usually isn’t a melee combatant, and when she needs to fight alongside Link during boss fights, she tends to use either a bow and arrows, or magic, depending on what abilities she has access to in that title.
Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Can Bring Magic Back
Magic As A Gameplay Mechanic Should Return
Magic as a gameplay mechanic has been seen inZeldagames previously, withOcarina of Timeperhaps being the most notable example of magic being used by Link for both combat and solving puzzles. However, recent titles likeBOTWandTOTKinstead have limited abilities like magic to the Champion and Sage abilities that Link can access throughout the game once they’re unlocked. Once these abilities are unlocked and dungeons are completed, Link is able to use them for combat or exploring. The problem is that there’s more potential for magic inZelda, and it’s time to revamp the system.
Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Is The Series’ Most Important 2D Release Ever
Echoes of Wisdom inherits the Zelda series’ 2D legacy, needing to balance tradition with modern gameplay innovations for what Nintendo hopes is a hit.
GivenZelda’s weapon inEchoes of Wisdom, it’s more likely than not that she’ll be relying on magic for her gameplay sections. SinceZeldaoften includes both combat and puzzle elements in games,magic will probably be key to both of those elements when playing as Zelda. As a result, puzzles can be designed in ways that force Zelda to be creative with her use of magic, much like Link had to be when he used magic inOcarina of Time, where he could light multiple torches at once to open doors. With how creative some puzzles inZelda’shistory are without magic, adding it opens up even more potential.
Zelda Games Are Overdue For A New Magic System
Echoes Of Wisdom Can Fix What TOTK Forgot
Although its use has been spotty throughout the franchise’s life, magic fits perfectly in theZeldauniverse, and there have beenmultiple ways that Link has gained access to magic during his journey. InOcarina of Time, he gains magic through the great fairies, and the spells are based on the goddesses. Other times, such as inOracle of AgesandOracle of Seasons, Link uses items that have magic properties, which tends to happen more often than Link having spells to use.TOTK’sFuse and Ultrahand abilitiesare close to magic, and necessary for puzzles, but there’s still room for improvement.
Given the improvements in technology and gaming, a more standardized magic system that Link or Zelda can use in-game is far from impossible. The potential is shown through Link’s abilities inTOTK, but it wouldn’t necessarily make sense from a story standpoint to have Link use Rauru’s arm in every game moving forward, and he’s already been shown to not have it inEchoes of Wisdom. However, magical abilities that mimic Rauru’s arm, or are adjusted for other settings,allow for developers to add unique puzzle styles while fostering creativity in finding solutions.
Despite having been around for decades,Zeldacontinues to find new ways to keep making games feel fresh and interesting. However, it might be time to also look at features from the past and rework them to fit in modern games, bringing a new twist on familiar elements from some of the most beloved games. This is a series that isn’t afraid of innovation, and that’s shown through Zelda becoming playable. But if there was ever a time to revisit the series' magic system, it’s inThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Strange rifts are tearing Hyrule apart, and with Link missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save the kingdom. Armed with the Tri Rod and aided by a mysterious fairy, she must solve puzzles, create environmental “echoes,” and battle enemies while navigating new regions and uncovering hidden secrets.
