Summary
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomis going in an entirely new direction for the series, but there’s one concept fromBreath of the Wildthat makes a surprising return in the new game. Unlike the typicalZeldaexperience,Echoes of Wisdomgives the starring role to Princess Zelda, with Link trapped in a dimensional rift that threatens Hyrule at large. This concept comes with some major gameplay changes, focusing combat and puzzles around the use of a new item called the Tri Rod instead of Link’s typical weapons and tools.
At first glance,Echoes of Wisdombears the most resemblance to theLink’s Awakeningremake, which employed a similar art style and top-down approach. The sandbox approach ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomappears to serve as another major influence, however, with the Tri Rod offering item duplication abilities that let Zelda approach problems in flexible ways. The mark that these games have left on the series goes beyond the gameplay, and a particular costuming choice might actually be one of the most interesting things to take note of.
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BOTW’S Blue Hylian Hood Is Back In Echoes Of Wisdom
A Radical Costume Shift Is Sticking Around
One huge change made inBOTWwas the addition of a dark blue Hylian Hood for Link, part of a significant shake-up from the iconic green ensemble that he’s traditionally worn in theZeldaseries. Link’s classic headwear is a green conical hat that hangs down in the back, which has appeared in every form from the cartoon style ofThe Wind Wakerto the more muted colors ofTwilight Princess.It’s still possible to acquire the standard look inBOTW, but the blue hood was used more heavily in marketing material and proved easier to get in the game.
This alternate look seemed like something that might be confined to the open-world Switch titles, and althoughTOTKbrought back the hood, it focused on a different look in marketing. Thereveal trailer forEchoes of Wisdom, however, indicates that the hood isn’t something that’s getting tossed away that easily.Although Link wears his green tunic in the game, he uses the Hylian Hood to sneak into Ganon’s lair at the start of the trailer, and Zelda later dons it for her standard adventuring gear.
Link’s design was changed inBOTWto make him more of a neutral character, and the blue color was chosen because it stood out against the green landscapes.
What Echoes Of Wisdom’s Blue Hood Means For Zelda
The Hood Might Not Stay Forever, But BOTW’s Influence Could
The inclusion of the hood inEchoes of Wisdomdoesn’t mean it’s going to become Link’s standard look in the future, and it might actually indicate something of the opposite.Zelda wearing the blue hood helps distinguish her from Link’s appearance inLink’s Awakening, and giving her the hood in this and any future games she might lead could provide her with a trademark style.Link’s classic green tunicclearly hasn’t left the picture, and it seems likely that future games that aren’t made in the same style asBOTWandTOTKcould bring back the green hat.
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Nonetheless, the return of the Hylian Hood does confirm thatthe unique stylistic choices ofBOTWandTOTKaren’t all things that Nintendo plans to toss away when approaching otherZeldagames. Both of those titles took a lot of liberty with the classicZeldaformula and style, and Nintendo is apparently willing to let these creative decisions impact top-down games as well. Having Zelda as the protagonist is the biggest sign that the series is playing a little fast and loose with the core legend, but the hood says a surprising amount on its own.
Where theZeldaseries will go afterEchoes of Wisdomcurrently remains unclear, and Nintendo often chooses to remain quiet on games in development until the release is in sight. Even if the next major 3D title abandons theBOTWformula, however, it’s starting to look like aspects of the game’s style could hold throughout other titles.The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomis forging its own path, but it’s also showcasing just how influentialBreath of the Wildmight be.
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.
