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The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Item: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableSep 26, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperNintendo

Overview

The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts that have appeared, and with a certain swordsman among those missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom. Team up with the mysterious fairy, Tri, and use the power of the Tri Rod to learn how to create echoes, imitations of things found in the environment. You can then recreate those echoes whenever you like to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Create echoes like water blocks to reach new heights, make bridges out of old beds, throw rocks at foes, or find your own creative combination of echoes to do things your way. You can even create echoes of monsters to fight at your side in combat!

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for its unique twist of having Princess Zelda as the protagonist, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional Zelda formula. Critics like The New York Times, who described the story as special and engaging, highlighted the game's focus on Zelda's journey to close sinister rifts across Hyrule by conquering dungeons, showcasing her growth and development as a character. Additionally, critics such as IGN Benelux and Trusted Reviews appreciated how the game introduced new gameplay mechanics like creating copies of objects and enemies called Echoes, adding depth and innovation to the storytelling experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the story of Echoes of Wisdom. Wccftech noted that the narrative lacked emotional stakes and significant character development for Zelda, which hindered the overall impact of the story. VG247 highlighted that the latter half of the story felt one-paced and padded, with frustrating mechanics introduced in later dungeons, impacting the pacing and overall enjoyment of the narrative. Metro GameCentral also mentioned missed opportunities, such as the lack of dialogue for Zelda and the need for Link to transform into combat, which could have enriched the storytelling experience further. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. The game's innovative approach of placing Princess Zelda at the forefront of the narrative was widely praised for breathing new life into the franchise and offering players a fresh perspective on the beloved characters and world of Hyrule. Critics appreciated the engaging storyline, the introduction of new gameplay mechanics, and the growth of Zelda as a character throughout the game. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing and character development, the majority of reviewers found the story to be captivating, unique, and a welcome addition to the Zelda series, making Echoes of Wisdom a standout title in the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for its fresh take on having Princess Zelda as the protagonist, praising the engaging storyline and innovative gameplay mechanics. While some critics found shortcomings in emotional depth and pacing, the majority agree that the game breathes new life into the franchise, making it a standout title in the Zelda series.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for its innovative mechanics and creative approach to puzzle-solving and combat. Critics like Trusted Reviews and Gamepressure highlighted the inventive use of the Tri Rod and Echoes system, providing players with a variety of ways to approach challenges. The freedom to experiment and strategize, as mentioned by IGN Benelux and GIGA, added depth and replay value to the gameplay experience. The introduction of new mechanics like the Swordfighter Form and Bind, as noted by Player 2 and Shacknews, offered players unique ways to engage with the game world. However, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay. VGC and Guardian mentioned that while the Echoes mechanic was initially engaging, combat with echoes could become repetitive over time. TechRadar Gaming and VG247 also pointed out issues with managing summoned creatures and frustrating mechanics in later dungeons and boss battles. These criticisms indicate a potential lack of variety and depth in certain gameplay elements, which may impact long-term enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. The game's focus on creativity, problem-solving, and strategic thinking resonated well with reviewers, as seen in comments from GamingBolt and COGconnected. The blend of traditional Zelda gameplay with new mechanics like the Tri Rod and Echoes system provided a fresh and engaging experience, as highlighted by Dexerto and Nintendo Insider. The innovative gameplay mechanics, coupled with the freedom to explore and tackle challenges in unique ways, contributed to the game's overall appeal and success, making it a standout title in the Zelda series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for innovative gameplay elements like the Tri Rod and Echoes system, offering variety and depth. Some concerns about repetitive combat and frustrating mechanics were raised, but overall, the game blends traditional Zelda gameplay with new mechanics, providing a fresh and engaging experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics unanimously praise The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for its stunning and visually appealing graphics and art style. Critics like But Why Tho?? and Daily Star commend the game for its beautiful and creative character designs, vibrant colors, and charming aesthetic reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening remake. CGMagazine and Gamer.no highlight the toy-like aesthetic that adds a fun and playful feel to the visuals, while GINX TV and GIGA appreciate the attention to detail in creating diverse environments and dungeons. The game successfully blends traditional top-down Zelda visuals with modern Switch-era graphics, creating a visually captivating experience that bridges old and new styles effectively. On the downside, several critics mention performance issues affecting the overall visual experience of the game. Gamepressure and TechRadar Gaming note occasional frame rate drops, especially during intense moments, impacting the gameplay immersion. VG247 criticizes the game for rough edges, muddy textures, blurry assets, and choppy frame rates during scene transitions, detracting from the otherwise charming art direction. TheSixthAxis and IGN also point out frame rate stutters similar to the Link's Awakening remake, which can be a hindrance to the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the critics' consensus on The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom's Graphics and Visual Design is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising its beautiful and charming art style that pays homage to classic Zelda games while introducing new elements. Critics like Trusted Reviews and VGC highlight the stunning toy-box style design that brings Hyrule to life, while RPG Site and Siliconera appreciate the blend of past Zelda entries in the visual design. Despite some performance issues mentioned by critics like TechRadar Gaming and VG247, the game's overall visual appeal, creative character designs, and vibrant world design make it a visually captivating experience that resonates with both old and new fans of the Zelda franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom's stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and charming art style reminiscent of classic Zelda games. The game expertly blends traditional and modern visuals to create a visually captivating experience. However, some critics highlight performance issues like frame rate drops and rough edges that can detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these setbacks, the majority of critics praise the game for its beautiful design that appeals to both old and new fans of the Zelda franchise.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, highlighting various positive aspects. CGMagazine appreciated how the music added a whimsical yet adventurous tone to the game, maintaining a sense of danger. COGconnected singled out standout tracks, with the overworld theme being particularly memorable. GamesRadar++ and IGN Benelux both commended the orchestral soundtrack, with GamesRadar++ noting how it introduced new and pleasant melodies for each biome, enhancing the overall experience. Nintendo Insider described the soundtrack as magical and enchanting, capturing the spirit of Princess Zelda's adventure. However, there were a few critics who had some negative feedback regarding the Sound Design and Music of the game. Twinfinite mentioned that the music was repetitive and lacked an option to turn it off, which could be frustrating for players. They also noted that the aim feature was frustrating during boss fights. VG247 felt that while the opening sequence showcased Nintendo's ability to remix classic motifs into something fresh and atmospheric, the overall experience lacked a 'wow' factor. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. The music was praised for striking a clever balance between tradition and originality, enhancing the overall experience of the game, as noted by Digitally Downloaded. The incorporation of familiar Zelda melodies, as mentioned by Gamepressure and IGN Brasil, provided a nostalgic experience for players while introducing new elements to the game. The varied and well-crafted musical score, as highlighted by Nintenderos, enhanced the gameplay experience, contributing to the sense of embarking on a grand adventure, as stated by GIGA. Despite a few criticisms, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music significantly added to the immersive and enjoyable experience of exploring the reimagined Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for its whimsical, adventurous tones and memorable tracks. While some critics found the music repetitive and lacking a 'wow' factor, the general consensus is highly positive. The soundtrack cleverly balances tradition and originality, incorporating familiar Zelda melodies while introducing new elements, contributing to an immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience in the reimagined world of Hyrule.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

93%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo Switch received a mix of positive and negative feedback regarding its technical performance. Critics like Nintendo Insider and My Nintendo News praised the game for running near flawlessly on the Switch, with only rare frame rate stutters mentioned. IGN Adria also noted improved optimization for the Switch hardware compared to the Link's Awakening remake, despite minor frame rate drops in the open world. Additionally, GIGA mentioned few technical issues overall, with minimal impact on the gameplay experience, aside from occasional framerate drops when multiple Echoes are active. On the downside, several critics highlighted performance issues that hindered the overall experience. GameSpot reported a game-breaking bug that required starting a new save file, impacting the player's progress. VG247 criticized the choppy frame rates and slowdowns during scene transitions, which they felt did not befit a main series entry like The Legend of Zelda. Vooks and Gamepressure also mentioned frequent frame rate drops and occasional issues affecting the Switch's performance, respectively. These technical issues, such as frame rate drops, stuttering, and occasional performance hitches, were consistent complaints across multiple reviews, including those from GamingBolt and TechRadar Gaming. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo Switch leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the game's improved optimization and minimal impact of technical issues on gameplay, others were critical of the persistent frame rate problems and occasional performance hitches that detracted from the overall experience. Critics like Trusted Reviews acknowledged the minimized frame rate issues after the opening section, suggesting that while there were drawbacks, they did not significantly affect the enjoyment of the game. The varying opinions on technical performance indicate that while some players may find the issues manageable, others may be more sensitive to the disruptions caused by frame rate drops and stuttering, ultimately impacting their immersion in the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo Switch received mixed reviews on its technical performance. Some critics praised its near-flawless gameplay with minimal issues, while others criticized persistent frame rate problems and occasional performance hitches. Overall, opinions vary on how these technical issues affect the overall gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has garnered praise from several critics for its strong replay value. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and Gamer.no highlight the game's abundance of side quests, collectibles, and optional activities like mini-games, providing players with ample content to explore beyond the main story. This variety in gameplay elements, along with the freedom to experiment with different strategies and solutions, as noted by Digitally Downloaded and IGN Benelux, contributes to the game's replayability. The inclusion of diverse gameplay modes like Sword Mode and Hero Mode, as mentioned by Dexerto and Noisy Pixel, offers players new challenges and experiences during subsequent playthroughs. On the downside, some critics express concerns about certain aspects affecting the game's replay value. Cubed3 mentions disappointment in the simplicity of side quests and rewards, which could potentially diminish the motivation for players to engage in repeated playthroughs. Additionally, Gaming Age points out that players may find themselves relying on the same items repeatedly, potentially leading to a lack of variety in subsequent experiences. GamesRadar++ also notes the lack of echo sorting options, which could result in echo fatigue and limit the game's replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom offers a substantial amount of content and diverse gameplay elements that contribute to its replay value. Critics like GameSpot and Nintenderos appreciate the game's generous amount of side quests, collectibles, and exploration opportunities, while Pocket Tactics and Shacknews highlight the lengthy playtime and potential for varied experiences based on player choices. Despite some concerns raised by critics regarding certain gameplay aspects, the general sentiment leans towards the game providing an engaging and rewarding experience for players looking to delve into the world of Hyrule multiple times.

TL;DR

replay value

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom impresses critics with its strong replay value thanks to abundant side quests and diverse gameplay modes, offering players ample content beyond the main story. However, concerns about simplistic side quests, repetitive item use, and lack of echo sorting options may impact long-term enjoyment for some players. Overall, the game provides a rich and engaging experience for those seeking multiple adventures in the world of Hyrule.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom received high praise from the majority of critics for its positive aspects. Critics like GamesHub and The New York Times highlighted the game's fresh ideas, delightful protagonist, beautiful world, and engaging gameplay experience. The innovative gameplay mechanics, vibrant visuals, and dungeon design were also commended by reviewers such as Gamepressure and GIGA. The game successfully modernized the classic 2D Zelda experience while maintaining the core essence of the franchise, as noted by Trusted Reviews and Digitally Downloaded. Additionally, the inclusion of Princess Zelda as the main character was seen as a refreshing and welcome change by Cubed3 and Nintenderos, adding a new layer of depth to the series. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. TechRadar Gaming and Vooks mentioned performance issues, unwieldy UI, and underwhelming boss fights as areas needing improvement. GamesRadar++ and Shacknews highlighted pacing issues, inconsistent plot, and technical performance problems that hindered the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the general sentiment was that the game's positives outweighed its negatives, with many reviewers acknowledging its flaws but still appreciating the unique gameplay mechanics and blend of old and new elements that Echoes of Wisdom brought to the Zelda series. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. The game is celebrated for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, nostalgic charm, and fresh take on the Zelda formula. Critics like Gamer.no and Dexerto praised the game for successfully blending classic Zelda elements with modern mechanics, creating a nostalgic yet refreshing experience. Despite some technical issues and minor flaws, Echoes of Wisdom was widely regarded as a delightful addition to the Zelda franchise, appealing to both newcomers and series veterans alike. The game's ability to offer a memorable and enjoyable adventure while pushing the boundaries of the series was a common theme in the reviews, solidifying its position as a must-play title for fans of the legendary franchise.

TL;DR

Critics laud The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for its fresh ideas, charming protagonist, beautiful world, and engaging gameplay. While some critics point out performance issues and underwhelming boss fights, the game's innovative mechanics and blend of old and new elements outweigh its flaws. Overall, reviewers celebrate its nostalgic charm, successful modernization of the series, and delightful gameplay experience, making it a must-play for Zelda fans.

CRITIK

Reviews

176 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is praised as the perfect Legend of Zelda game that seamlessly fits with the series' traditions while introducing a more whimsical and creative gameplay system.

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100

Siliconera

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Innovative, unique, and fresh entry in the Zelda series, providing players with freedom to tackle situations in different ways and explore at their leisure.

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100

Daily Star

Nintendo Switch

Sep 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fresh and innovative Zelda game that combines classic gameplay with modern visuals, offering a joy to play and a well-crafted mashup of gaming ideas.

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100

Dexerto

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Echoes of Wisdom is described as a big step forward for classic Zelda, blending old school elements with modern mechanics to create a nostalgic yet fresh experience, earning a 5/5 rating.

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100

Player 2

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer praises The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for its fresh take on the series, new protagonist, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the blend of old and new elements. The game brings joy and is seen as a positive addition to the Zelda series.

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100

Shacknews

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is praised for its engaging gameplay, outstanding music, and surprises, offering a unique experience in the Zelda franchise with a few technical performance issues.

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Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a standout title that combines the creativity of 3D Zelda games with classic 2D Zelda elements. Playing as Princess Zelda offers a fresh experience, and the game is entertaining, imaginative, and a must-play for Zelda fans.

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My Nintendo News

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is praised for blending old and new elements, creating a familiar yet refreshing experience that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers, making it a highly recommended title for all players.

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Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Oct 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom offers a fun and engaging experience with a high level of freedom in gameplay, staying true to the iconic Zelda lineage.

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IGN Italia

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom successfully blends classic Zelda elements with new mechanics, offering a high-quality experience with excellent artistic direction and engaging gameplay.

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