Zelda: EoW Channels The Lesser-Known Side of the Classic Series

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Zelda: EoW Channels The Lesser-Known Side of the Classic Series

As a gamer who has traversed through countless hours within the expansive sandboxes of the Zelda universe, I must say that with Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Nintendo has managed to bring me back to my roots. This game is like a time machine, transporting us back to the classic 2D side-scrolling adventures that were once the staple of this beloved franchise.

Following years of delving into colossal sandboxes, the Legend of Zelda series has made a slight retreat with Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Although the game incorporates some thrilling mechanics reminiscent of sandboxes, it also functions as an amazing throwback to the franchise’s roots. Notably, gamers are welcomed back to a strategy-focused action-adventure game featuring dungeons to conquer, adversaries to vanquish, and riches to discover. Interestingly, what sets Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom apart is its nods to the hardcore fans.

In essence, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom re-enters the 2D side-scrolling genre and incorporates top-down views for a short span. Notably, this gameplay style was last observed in Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. In this installment, the 2D aspect of Hyrule returns to the forefront, adding a fresh twist to the narrative. Although these sections may not be the most thrilling parts of Princess Zelda’s saga, they contribute significantly to Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, giving it a unique flavor and honoring the series’ history.

Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Feels Like a Blast From the Past in More Ways Than One

Legend of Zelda Has Dabbled in the 2D Space

Initially, the first ‘Legend of Zelda’ game was a top-down adventure, but the sequel shifted focus significantly towards 2D side-scrolling. Although there was a larger top-down world map, the main playstyle revolved around side-scrolling. In towns, combat encounters, and cave exploration, players switched to this mode. This marked a substantial change from previous installments, and since then, the series has not revisited this style extensively.

In Zelda: Link’s Awakening, there were brief side-scrolling parts, but the game was mostly a top-down action-adventure. Similarly, Zelda: A Link Between Worlds incorporated 2D side-scrolling sections into its narrative, allowing Link to transform into a 2D painting with a magical bracelet. Since that classic period, the series seldom explored this idea, and with Breath of the Wild’s release, it seemed like the franchise had moved away from this concept entirely.

Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Fully Embraces the Franchise’s 2D Side

As a dedicated fan, I’m absolutely thrilled about the arrival of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom! It’s not just reintroducing the classic top-down adventure format to the mainline series, but it’s also incorporating 2D segments into the mix. Although these segments don’t dominate gameplay, they add a unique twist as the game seamlessly switches between its top-down perspective and a 2D side-scrolling mode. These transitions are frequent, particularly in dungeons, tunnels, or hidden treasure spots. The brief forays into this forgotten dimension of the franchise offer players a fresh and exciting way to engage with the series.

A 2D side-scroller Legend of Zelda game seems like a strange prospect in the modern day. That being said, side-scroller mechanics actually seem to fit really well into a game like Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. It can help shake up the gameplay a bit, provide players with a whole new perspective, and let the studio experiment more outside the standard top-down experience the series has become accustomed to. Plus, if players don’t take well to them, this version is so brief many may not even think about it.

It’s enjoyable to notice how Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom acknowledges both the traditional top-down style and the side-scrolling era of gaming. Although this could be the last time we experience such gameplay, it was given a final, beautiful showcase on the Nintendo Switch. On the positive side, this might be a hint of what’s to come in the upcoming installments of The Legend of Zelda.

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2024-10-05 22:34