The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom released to critical acclaim and revitalized the classic Zelda formula with a handful of innovative tweaks. It ushered in a new wave of fans while entertaining those who longed for the days of traditional dungeons in a Zelda game. Yet although there is so much to love Echoes of Wisdomthere is a disappointing element behind this.
Of course, it’s hard to deny that Echoes of Wisdom is a great game as it was not only rated very highly but also showcased the best of Nintendo’s gameplay design, at least when it was more traditional Zelda games are concerned. However, while it’s certainly a strong entry in the series, it feels like a weak send-off for the Switch itself, especially when the console’s launch titles and first major releases are considered. While it’s definitely worth the praise it’s getting, it’s hard not to feel like the Switch deserved a better ending than it did Echoes of Wisdom.
The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom doesn’t feel like a strong farewell
Doesn’t compare to the end of PS4
The Nintendo Switch was launched with Breath of Naturea truly remarkable and revolutionary title that influenced open world game design in virtually every title and led to the wonderful Elden Ring. You also saw incredible titles like Splatoon 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 2a comprehensive 100-hour JRPG released in its first year. It was truly a great start for a console that would see the emergence of miracle ports, indie darlings and yet another innovation in the open world format with Tears of the Kingdom.
Then, It’s disappointing that one of the Switch’s last major titles is Echoes of Wisdoma strong one, but back to basics Zelda title that lacks the epic scope and scale of the first Switch releases. This is especially true when compared to the PlayStation 4’s final list of first-party games, which included the extraordinarily well-reviewed Ghost of Tsushima and The Last of Us Part 2not to mention the wonderful Dreams. Where these games felt like a final push to prove how far the PlayStation 4 had come, Echoes of Wisdomin some ways it feels like a step backwards.
It seems a little disappointing that one of the Nintendo Switch’s latest flagship titles is Echoes of Wisdom.
Of course, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is not the last original Nintendo Switch game, as players are also receiving Mario and Luigi: Brotherhood, Metroid Prime 4: Beyondand Pokémon Legends: ZA. However, Mario and Luigi: Brotherhood Likewise, it feels like a regression in many waysrevisiting an old series and updating it for a modern audience. Additionally, Pokémon Legends: ZA is a nebulous entity as no gameplay was shown and Game Freak’s track record with poor results Pokémon games is getting bigger.
Nintendo Returning to Basics for the End of Change Feels Like a Mistake
Should have been bolder in his final games
Nintendo should have ended the Switch’s life with forcereleasing an experience comparable to Breath of Nature instead of Link’s Awakening. The console deserved a final push to prove just how powerful this little piece of hardware has been, a celebration of everything that made the open world of Hyrule or the Wizard 3 on such an amazing little screen. It deserved something that simultaneously recalled all the progress made and ushered in the new era of the Switch 2.
Of course, This is not to discredit the incredible work and passion involved Echoes of Wisdomnor label it as an unworthy title. Furthermore, that’s not to say that there haven’t been a plethora of amazing games on the Nintendo Switch, nor that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond it won’t deliver a next-gen experience – at least as far as the Switch is concerned – that fans have wanted for so long. After all, it looks like it could be the Nintendo Switch’s answer to its competitors’ first-person shooters like Halo.
However, It’s strange that Nintendo’s final offerings for the Nintendo Switch, the console that launched with genre-defining video games, are more traditional, scaled-down entries in old franchises. Despite the console starting off with such a strong foundation, its final original entries reflect more of Nintendo’s recent philosophy when it comes to the Nintendo Switch, like its constant ports of old games or HD remasters that cost a fortune. The Nintendo Switch will have left a lasting legacy, but its final scene won’t be the one most remembered.
Echoes Of Wisdom Is Still A Great Example Of Why Change Is Awesome
Nintendo’s trend of innovative gameplay continues
While The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom probably won’t be remembered as fondly as the record Breath of NatureIt’s still an incredible game that delivers what’s left of Nintendo’s innovative spirit. It gave Zelda fans who disliked open-world games, a more traditional experience, while also finally giving Zelda the game she deserves. While it’s not as bombastic or breathtaking as some of Nintendo’s previous efforts, it’s still a great game.
Perhaps that’s what makes it such a disappointing ending, as it deserves to be remembered as fondly as those more impressive titles, and if it had been released alongside the console, or even in the middle of its journey, it might have had a better chance. However, now it feels like a rude awakening that Breath of Nature was released a long time agoand Nintendo’s penchant for pushing the needle when it comes to innovative game design appears to be coming to an end. Echoes of Wisdomcan sometimes do Breath of Nature I feel like lightning in a bottle.
Metroid, Pokémonand Mario and Luigi fans will enjoy this last series of original Switch games before the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, but for those looking for that final spark – the kind that sent Zelda from recognizable brand to system seller – these games simply aren’t enough. Of course, the Switch 2 could always launch with another game that will define the industry and influence developers for years to come, but at the very least, that will only serve to overshadow the Switch’s ultimate achievements. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom It’s an amazing game, but ultimately it feels a little disappointing.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube