Ever since the firstLegend of Zeldagame, there have been three main staples across almost every single entry. Link has to save Princess Zelda from the clutches of Ganondorf by any means necessary. While there are often other antagonists or characters thrown into the mix, it usually boils down to the eternal conflict of those three. But it seems likeZelda: Echoes of Wisdommay be shaking things up a bit.
Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomseems to be changing a lot of things. Not only does it bring the series back to its roots, but it has also put players in the shoes of Princess Zelda for the first time in the mainline series. That has led to a pretty unique experience, yet Nintendo did not stop there. Along with those massive changes, the game’s story has also seen the vile Ganon take a backseat in favor of a completely different antagonist. And even when the game is coming to an end, the franchise’s primary antagonist is seemingly absent from the fight.
Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Does Not Seem to Rely on Ganon Anymore
Ganon Has Been the Primary Antagonist for Years
While only appearing in his monstrous form,Ganondorf has existed within theLegend of Zeldafranchise since its inception. His first true appearance was inZelda: Ocarina of Time, where he took on one of his most iconic looks. Across countless games, he has either served as the primary antagonist or manipulated things behind-the-scenes. Players have come to know his vile ways as they constantly put an end to his dastardly plans, and many have grown to love just how great of a villain he is.
Much like howMario always needs to defeat Bowser, Link and Ganon have become inseparable since their inception. Ganon is such an iconic villain that he has even made his way to crossovers likeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateand spin-offs likeHyrule Warriors. Because of that, it would have made complete sense for him to appear withinZelda: Echoes of Wisdom, especially as the game puts players in the shoes of his primary captive. But that does not seem to be the case.
Ganon Has Taken a Backseat This Time Around
WhenZelda: Echoes of Wisdomstarts, playerscontrol Link as he heads off to defeat Ganononce more and save Princess Zelda from whatever plot the villain has devised that week. It all feels like a pretty standard affair as players take him out, but then things rapidly change. Once Ganon is defeated, Link gets sucked into a mysterious rift, leaving it up to Princess Zelda to save Hyrule from whatever is threatening to destroy it.
While players may think they will see Ganon play a major role in this tale, he really has nothing to do with it. He does crop up again later in the game, but only as an obstacle. Additionally, that obstacle is not really Ganon, as it is simply an impostor. Once Zelda is able to beat the impostor and save Link, the two of themset their sights on Nulland the ever expanding rifts, with Ganon feeling like nothing more than an afterthought.
Although Ganon will forever be Zelda and Link’s arch-nemesis, it is nice to see another villain take center stage. Not only that, but the fact that the game’s events are not being manipulated by Ganon is a refreshing change of pace. Of course, the villain will likely return in some form in the next chapter, with there being a strong chance he is the primary antagonist again. But for now, players get to enjoy a different type ofLegend of Zeldaadventure.
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 may even make echoes of monsters to fight at your side in combat!
