The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomshows off an idea that many of Nintendo’s other franchises could adopt for themselves. There are several elements that makeThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomone of the most unique games in the series so far. In experimenting with new concepts, the developers at Grezzo have come across something that doesn’t have to be contained toThe Legend of Zeldaalone.Echoes of Wisdomalready rocked the status quo of theZeldaseries, at least temporarily. In the future, some of Nintendo’s other IPs could see a similar change of pace.
The fact thatLink isn’tEchoes of Wisdom’s protagonistwas a big surprise in the trailer. Instead, Zelda took the reins as the hero of the adventure while wielding a new set of magical powers. This set the game up to stray from the series' usual formula straight away. Zelda hadn’t had a solo starring role in decades, and never in a properLegend of Zeldatitle. Considering that Zelda is the series' namesake, a proper adventure of her own has been a long time coming. WhileTears of the Kingdomgave Zelda a huge role,Echoes of Wisdommade her the star.
Zelda Made a Splash as Echoes of Wisdom’s Protagonist
Through Grezzo’s work, Nintendo may have stumbled upon an excellentchance withEchoes of Wisdomand its premise. Considering Zelda’s increasing prominence in recent games, it’s a fitting move to finally make her the protagonist. However, Zelda is far from the only supporting character in a Nintendo franchise that could take on this opportunity. Most of Nintendo’s more famous IPs have characters that could also step into the protagonist’s role in their own games. The main question is when the opportunity will arise for such a game’s release.
Nintendo’s IPs Have Several Possible Protagonists Waiting in the Wings
The casts of Nintendo’s franchises are full of potential. Even thoughStar Foxhasn’t had a Switch gameoutside of Nintendo Switch Online, it has more possible protagonists than just Fox: for example, Falco’s time going solo, or one of Star Wolf’s assignments could provide some interesting quests. Any ofSplatoon’s idol groups could probably anchor a rhythm game, or perhaps a side adventure similar toSplatoon 3’s Side Order. EvenF-Zerohas characters with interesting backstories that could make for great games, like the Arrows and Samurai Goroh. Nintendo has plenty of valid protagonists who just need their chance to shine.
Giving a supporting character the spotlight can lead to its own successful series, as shown by theLuigi’s Mansionseries.
Echoes of Wisdom Shows How Nintendo Can Keep Innovating
Just like howEchoes of Wisdomshifted gears forThe Legend of Zelda, its approach could change thefuture of other Nintendo IPsas well. By giving themselves more options for protagonists and stories to tell, many Nintendo franchises would have a wealth of new opportunities. For major franchises, it can give their already-robust fanbases a new angle to experience the series' world from. Meanwhile, one of Nintendo’s less prominent IPs could use a supporting character as a springboard for an innovative game that could revitalize its home franchise. A good idea with a good hero behind it could boost any Nintendo IP.
Nintendo could have uncovered a brilliant new strategy withEchoes of Wisdomthat other games could employ for themselves. IfEchoes of Wisdomestablishes a trend, then plenty of Nintendo games could experiment with new protagonists as well. Characters like Falco, Deep Cut, and Meta Knight could establish themselves as quality leads alongside the likes of Mario, Link, and Samus. Experimentation and innovation have historically been among Nintendo’s strong suits.The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdommay have provided the latest approach that could elevate many of Nintendo’s iconic IPs.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
WHERE TO PLAY
Save Hyrule—this time with the wisdom of Princess Zelda!The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts—and with a certain swordsman among the missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom in the latest adventure in The Legend of Zelda™ series!Team up with the ethereal creature Tri and use the Tri Rod to create “echoes,” which are imitations of things you find in the environment—then recreate those echoes whenever you like to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Use echoes like water blocks to reach new heights, make bridges out of old beds, throw rocks at foes, or find your own combination of echoes to do things your way. you’re able to even make echoes of monsters to fight at your side in combat!
