The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomdraws a lot of inspiration from both old and newZeldagames, and one item that finally returns has been absent from the series for way too long. Re-using and remixing the ideas of past games has always been a staple of the series, and it’s not uncommon for concepts that don’t show up for a while to end up finding a home again. As the first completely new top-down game in over a decade, it’s not surprising thatEchoes of Wisdomresurrects a lot of dormant material.
What makesThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomespecially flexible is its item duplication system, which allows every enemy and plenty of objects to serve dual purposes as echoes. It stands to reason that including as many interesting echoes as possible would be a big priority, and enemies like Torch Slugs that had been missing for years consequently had a lot of incentive to return.One great item actually doesn’t show up as an echo, however, instead appearing as part of the toolkit for the Swordfighter Form that lets Zelda fight in the way that Link usually does.
Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Features The Return Of Bombchus
A Classic Zelda Item Finds New Life
Zelda starts out without any ability to fight directly inThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, but it’s not too long before she gains the Swordfighter Form. Although the focus is obviously on the sword, Zelda nabs a bow for the formin the Gerudo Desert dungeon, and she eventually acquires a bomb in Eldin Volcano.The bomb isn’t just a bomb, either, but a double-duty attack option that can be turned into a Bombchuby holding down the A button longer.
Compared to other explosiveecho options in the game, like the indiscriminately flopping Bombfish, the Bombchu sets up precision attacks that can be incredibly useful to anyone who frequently uses the swordfighter form.
Unlike regular bombs, which can be tossed but have no mobility of their own,Bombchus are capable of rushing along toward a target. By default, they’ll run in a straight line until they explode, butZelda: Echoes of Wisdomjoins the ranks of games that include a targeting option. WhilePhantom Hourglassallowed players to use the DS stylus to map out paths for Bombchus,Echoes of Wisdomfolds the targeting feature into its standard targeting system, which makes it relatively easy to aim while the timer is ticking down.
Bombchus Were Missing In Zelda Games For A Long Time
Gone For Years But Never Forgotten
Although Bombchus have made some iconic appearances in theZeldaseries,Echoes of Wisdommarks the end of a long dry spell in the mainline games. Bombchus were a staple feature around the turn of the century, featuring inOcarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Oracle of Seasons,andOracle of Ages.Their final appearance in the main franchise until now was inPhantom Hourglass, however, which released in 2007. In the time between, they showed up inSuper Smash Bros.games,Hyrule Warriors, andCadence of Heroes, proving that the unique explosives weren’t easily forgotten.
Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom – Should You Go To Eldin Volcano, Faron Wetlands, Or Holy Mount Lanayru First?
The second big choice of destination in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom can be overwhelming, so it’s worth examining every option at hand.
Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomseemed likeperfect opportunities to bring Bombchus back, especially considering the heavy focus on tinkering inTOTK.They’re a natural fit for open-ended puzzles, even if the physics possibilities aren’t quite as dynamic as rolling round bombs around. Regardless,Echoes of Wisdomis a great place for them to return, andthe game’s focus on spatial awareness and possibilities trains players to use Bombchus well.
Zelda can’t deploy Bombchus with the same reckless abandon as echoes available outside the swordfighter form, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth experimenting with, especially once upgrades make the swordfighter form last a lot longer than it does at the start. It’s also just a nice example of theZeldafranchise’s unwillingness to permanently discard valuable ideas, serving as one of many returning features in the game that haven’t always made consistent appearances. Bombchus can be a huge asset to theZeldaexperience, andThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdommade the right choice in bringing them back.
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.
