Zelda’s Protagonist Role in Echoes of Wisdom Should Open the Floodgates

Zelda's Protagonist Role in Echoes of Wisdom Should Open the Floodgates

Key Takeaways

  • Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom showcases a refreshing narrative shift in the Zelda franchise.
  • Future Zelda games should consider featuring non-Link protagonists like Impa and Tetra.
  • Unique characters like Ganondorf and the Skull Kid could offer intriguing perspectives in lead roles.

As a longtime Zelda fan who’s seen Link traverse Hyrule countless times, I have to say that the recent release of “Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” has truly brought a breath of fresh air into the franchise. The narrative shift, with Princess Zelda taking the lead role, is nothing short of refreshing and shows that the Zelda universe is not limited to Link’s adventures alone.


Following the expansive worlds in Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, there has been a welcome shift in pace with the release of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. This latest addition to the series provides an immersive storyline that has been somewhat missing from recent installments. Moreover, Princess Zelda herself, stepping into the role of lead character, demonstrates that stories centered around characters other than Link can be equally compelling within the Legend of Zelda universe. Thus, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom may pave the way for future installments to feature a variety of distinctive characters as main protagonists.

Instead of always starring Link or Zelda as the main characters, it could be an opportunity for “The Legend of Zelda” to rejuvenate itself. Nintendo has always been careful to make each “Zelda” game unique from the previous one, but perhaps it’s time to take some more daring steps now instead of later to keep the series fresh and maintain its position as a trendsetter in gaming.

Future Zelda Games Should Consider Featuring More Non-Link Protagonists

There Are a Couple of Great Non-Link Characters Who Could Lead a Compelling Zelda Game

Since Zelda has shown that others besides Link can take the lead in a main series game, it’s worth considering other significant characters for future roles. Impa, one of the series’ most recognizable figures, could be a strong candidate for a leading role due to her frequent appearances and intriguing personality. A game akin to Ninja Gaiden might suit the battle-hardened and stealthy Sheikah, even though she often appears as a non-combat character in the series.

The character Tetra from “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” might have her own pirate-themed prequel story, given her background and hidden identity. Before the events of “The Wind Waker”, Tetra sailed the open seas as a pirate captain, seeking treasure with her crew. As the game’s plot unfolds, it is disclosed that Tetra is actually the reborn form of Zelda. With this twist in mind, a prequel focusing on Tetra’s life before “The Wind Waker” could make for an intriguing tale.

More Unconventional Zelda Characters Could Offer Unique Perspectives in a Lead Role

In a unique twist, a “Zelda” game might center around the main characters being good, but also explore alternate viewpoints through characters like Ganondorf and Skull Kid. A story with Ganondorf in the lead role would delve deep into darker themes, providing players an intimate look at timelines where he defeats Link. Moreover, a game focusing on Skull Kid, famously known from “Zelda: Majora’s Mask,” could reveal his past before being influenced by Majora’s Mask and trace his gradual descent into madness.

Some Zelda Characters Might Even Offer Intriguing Sim Experiences

Steering away from its traditional narrative structure, The Legend of Zelda could potentially delve into simulation genre by focusing on certain characters such as Beedle and Dampe. Beedle, a character who’s been around for quite some time in the series, often pops up selling various goods like potions, arrows, and other crucial items. Therefore, it might be intriguing to develop a shopkeeping simulation where players manage Beedle’s business, traveling across Hyrule to sell items to Link and other Hylians. Similarly, Dampe, who frequently serves as the gravekeeper, could star in a game similar to Lazy Bear Games’ Graveyard Keeper within the realm of The Legend of Zelda.

In the world of Zelda, several intriguing figures like Impa, Tetra, Ganondorf, and Skull Kid could each star in their own compelling tales. Moreover, characters such as Beedle and Dampe might steer the series towards simulation games, offering a new take on its established gameplay mechanics. Here’s hoping that Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom sets a precedent for Nintendo to highlight more non-Link characters in future releases.

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2024-11-06 04:05