Discussion with the Game Creator, Volume 13: The Saga of Zelda: Whispers of Wisdom - Episode 3
In a groundbreaking move for the beloved Legend of Zelda series, the latest instalment, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, for the Nintendo Switch, sees Princess Zelda stepping into the limelight as the protagonist of her own adventure.
The developers faced the challenge of crafting a narrative that honours the deep-rooted Zelda series lore while making Zelda the playable hero. They achieved this by weaving a tale that intertwines with familiar elements, such as the Gerudo, Gorons, and Zoras races, who have localised conflicts that Zelda must resolve. This expansion on worldbuilding and character relationships adds a layered, emotional depth to the game, consistent with past Zelda games, while enabling Zelda to emerge as a fully realised protagonist.
This shift also reflects a broader franchise evolution, as the series moves beyond the traditional Link-centered gameplay. In Echoes of Wisdom, Zelda is joined by a new companion named Tri, adding a fresh dynamic to the gameplay.
The theme for Princess Zelda in the game was to find Link, her long-lost ally. The developers struggled with creating the scene in which the king is swallowed by a rift, which is one of Princess Zelda's biggest motivations for setting out on her journey. The rifts appear in various places around Hyrule, including on the ground, on top of buildings, on water, or in lava, and inside these rifts lies the Still World, a mysterious space different from the regular world.
The developers had to balance how much to add or change to the history of Hyrule to ensure that it still felt like a Legend of Zelda game. They eventually landed on a hood for Princess Zelda's outfit, a symbol of Link's strength, and Link's hood was seen as a reminder of Zelda's purpose to find him.
The swordfighter form in the game was implemented as a way to use a sword and shield in the gameplay, despite the initial issues with the sword and shield and the echoes gameplay. The developers aimed to create something new in terms of the story while maintaining the authentic "Legend of Zelda-like" feeling.
The game launches on Thursday, September 26. The thirteenth volume of Ask the Developer features an interview with the developers of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, delving deeper into the thought process and challenges faced during the game's development.
[1] Source: Game Informer interview with the developers of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [2] Source: IGN preview of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [3] Source: Polygon article on the evolution of Zelda's role in the series
- For assistance with technical issues or gameplay questions about The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on Nintendo Switch, players can reach out to Nintendo's support.
- To broaden their gaming experience beyond The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, fans may also enjoy movies-and-tv offerings related to Nintendo and its beloved characters, found within Nintendo's entertainment sphere.
- Players who have completed The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and are eager for more Zelda content can look forward to the thirteenth volume of Ask the Developer, an insightful interview with the creators of the game, providing insights into its unique development process.
