Review: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

I’ve said this before, but I can’t believe what an amazing year Nintendo is having.

While the Switch’s peers are struggling to launch critically acclaimed first-party games, Nintendo seems to be churning them out by the month and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom continues this amazing streak.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom takes the iconic franchise in a fresh direction, with Princess Zelda finally stepping into the protagonist’s role.

Shifting the spotlight from Link to Zelda opens new gameplay mechanics that emphasise puzzle-solving and strategic combat over the usual hack-and-slash approach. While this shift introduces a refreshing change of pace, it does bring some uneven aspects to the experience.

The gameplay is where Echoes of Wisdom distinguishes itself. Armed with the Tri Rod, Hyrule’s favourite monarch can summon a variety of echoes, ranging from objects to creatures, allowing for inventive approaches to exploration and combat.

The sheer number of options encourages creativity; whether using a bed as a makeshift bridge or summoning Moblins to assist in battle, there’s always room for experimentation.

However, the game’s overly long list of echoes can be cumbersome, with too much time spent scrolling through menus. It’s a minor yet persistent issue that disrupts the otherwise fluid experience.

A weapon wheel of some sort might have been helpful, like a Ratchet and Clank game. This is the second review in a row that I’ve praised Ratchet and Clank. Check out my Star Wars Outlaws review to see how it fared against the mighty Lombax.

Combat is enjoyable but tends to skew on the easier side, which is all good for me – Johannesburg traffic is hard, I don’t need my games bashing me too. With a few favourite echoes, most battles can be won without much variation, which leaves a large portion of your arsenal potentially gathering digital dust.

This is less of a problem during boss fights, where the game strikes a better balance between puzzle-solving and combat, often requiring a more nuanced use of Zelda’s abilities. Still, the lack of challenge in regular encounters is worth noting if you enjoy your games a bit chewier.

Visually, Echoes of Wisdom adopts a ‘shiny plastic’ aesthetic reminiscent of Link’s Awakening on the Switch. While not pushing any graphical boundaries, the bright colours and playful art style suit the game’s tone.

The world feels open and inviting, with fewer invisible barriers than previous top-down Zelda titles. Zelda’s built-in jump and the ability to creatively reach distant areas make Hyrule feel more accessible than ever. This sense of freedom adds significant depth to exploration, encouraging players to experiment and discover.

The soundtrack delivers classic Zelda charm with new compositions that capture the spirit of adventure. The overworld theme is a standout, leaving a lasting impression and setting the perfect backdrop for Zelda’s journey.

I also appreciate the length of the campaign, roughly 25 hours or so. While Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will take much longer, I didn’t felt cheated with this length.