After over 40 years, The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is shaking up the franchise by having the protagonist now be Zelda herself. The game follows Zelda as she must rescue the kingdom and Link for the very first time as the main character. This breaks with the traditional Legend of Zelda story set-up: an event occurs, and then players take on the role of Link to go on an adventure and save the kingdom of Hyrule.
Players have to shift from using Link’s sword and shield, instead having to familiarize themselves with Zelda and Echo magic to help navigate through the different levels of the game. And while Zelda is a welcome change as the protagonist, especially after having never been the lead before, players may be curious to know if Link is playable in Echoes of Wisdom.
You Can Play As Link In Echoes Of Wisdom
Link Is Playable In The Tutorial
Link makes his playable appearance in the tutorial for Echoes of Wisdom, where he comes fully stocked with all the weapons a player could hope for. After Link saves Zelda during the initial mission, the perspective will shift, and the player will remain as Zelda for the rest of the game.
The switch almost acts as a tutorial period in itself, acting as a way to help players shift from playing as Link to the new playable character of Zelda. Shortly after this transition, Link is taken by the rifts, and it is up to Zelda to save him.
This is not Link’s only appearance in the game, though it is the only time he is a playable character. Link will make a few appearances as Echo Link, whom Zelda must combat in order to progress in the game. As Link, he makes a brief appearance ss himself, and then again he appears at the end. While the player can’t be him, they can count on his support. He will assist Zelda during the final boss battle and help clear the path to victory against Null.
Link Is Not Playable Outside The Tutorial
Hyrule’s Hero Still Gets Plenty Of Screentime
Link is fondly referenced throughout Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, especially in the attire department. There are plenty of opportunities for Zelda to wear outfits that pay tribute to Link. Zelda is seen sporting his hood throughout the story, a move that was very deliberate by the creators.
It’s nice to see hints of Link throughout the game as well, illustrating his importance as a character in the franchise while also giving Zelda space to shine.
Grezzo’s Satoshi Terada, designer and director, discussed how, after lots of discussions, it was the perfect ensemble, stating, “That’s the hood that Link wears at the beginning of the game, and it’s there to represent Link, who has become strong after many adventures.” Link’s spirit is present in the game, even if his physical form is absent.
Playing as Zelda is definitely a change in Echoes of Wisdom, especially for longtime fans who are used to playing as Link. However, using Echoes and seeing combat through a different character’s perspective deepens the lore and makes the story much more impactful as a result. It’s nice to see hints of Link throughout the game as well, illustrating his importance as a character in the franchise while also giving Zelda space to shine.
Source: Satoshi Terada/Nintendo
