The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Review – Zelda’s Standalone Journey Shines on Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has long been one of the most anticipated Switch titles of the year, breaking new ground for Nintendo’s iconic franchise.

For decades, fans have wondered why the series is named after Zelda, yet the princess herself is rarely in the spotlight.

Nintendo addresses this at last with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, launching September 26, 2024 exclusively on Nintendo Switch.

Developed by Nintendo, this entry sees Princess Zelda take center stage in her very first standalone adventure, delivered in the charming isometric 2D style reminiscent of the acclaimed Link’s Awakening remake. From the outset, Echoes of Wisdom flips the classic Zelda formula on its head: Link and Ganon vanish into a mysterious void in the opening moments—leaving Zelda not just as the heroine, but also as Hyrule’s only hope.

Quickly blamed and imprisoned by her own father, Zelda teams up with the enigmatic companion Tri to escape and embark on a quest to save the kingdom.

This beginning sets the tone for an adventure that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique. Providing reassurance to series veterans and new players alike, this review remains entirely spoiler-free.

Only the foundation of the story, as revealed in trailers and official materials, is discussed; readers can rest assured that no late-game revelations or hidden areas will be revealed here. Echoes of Wisdom draws clear inspiration from earlier entries, yet blends them masterfully with ideas from recent titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

The core gameplay loop returns to the structured progression of classic 2D Zelda, featuring a world filled with dungeons, puzzles, and rewarding exploration.

However, the game offers players unprecedented freedom in how they tackle objectives.

After a brief introduction, Hyrule opens up, letting you choose your own path and sequence to major story beats. At the heart of this new adventure is the innovative Tri Rod, Zelda’s signature tool.

Rather than wielding a sword for the majority of gameplay, players are empowered to create "echoes"—replicas of objects and defeated enemies—anywhere in the environment.

These echoes can be used creatively to solve puzzles, traverse obstacles, and even turn the tide in combat.

Managing and choosing which echoes to deploy adds a new strategic layer that rewards experimentation and resourcefulness. The world itself is vibrant, expanding beyond the confines of Link’s Awakening’s island setting.

Echoes of Wisdom features diverse biomes, rich lighting, and a wealth of side quests, mini-games, and collectibles.

Echoes can also serve as allies in combat, allowing you to summon creatures you’ve defeated to fight by your side, while Zelda’s Swordfighter Mode provides brief but thrilling moments of direct action reminiscent of Link’s moveset. Exploration is further enriched by the Still World—a fragmented realm evoking the surreal design sensibilities of classic Nintendo.

Here, players encounter bite-sized challenges and rescue lost companions to enhance Zelda’s abilities.

Customization options like costumes and accessories add depth and variety, while familiar difficulty modes—including the challenging Hero Mode—offer flexibility for all playstyles. Aesthetically, Echoes of Wisdom adopts the beloved toy-like visuals of Link’s Awakening on Switch but expands to a much larger, more intricate map.

Enthusiasts will appreciate nods to previous games alongside new locales, brought to life with orchestrated music and dazzling effects, especially on the Switch OLED model.

Performance is generally stable; the game’s use of blur to maintain framerate may be noticeable at times, but it does little to detract from the overall experience. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom succeeds as a bridge between tradition and innovation.

By inviting both old fans and newcomers to experience Hyrule through Zelda’s perspective, Nintendo delivers a genuinely fresh take while honoring the series' roots.

This review concludes that no matter your experience with the franchise, Echoes of Wisdom is a must-play addition to the Nintendo Switch library. A press copy for review purposes was provided by Nintendo UK.

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