The newest addition to The Legend of Zelda saga, Echoes of Wisdom, has officially found its spot in the ever-expanding Zelda timeline. Nestled between Tri Force Heroes and the original Legend of Zelda, Echoes of Wisdom draws its artistic cues from the Link’s Awakening remake, yet stands as its own narrative rather than following directly from any predecessor. This entry fits within the intriguing “Hero is defeated” timeline, a path that unfolds in an alternate reality where Link was unable to overthrow Ganon in Ocarina of Time.
Whenever a new Zelda installment makes waves, fans are quick to theorize about its place within the beloved franchise’s lore. Although Nintendo provides an official timeline, it’s a topic of much debate among players, with many fan theories often contending against the canonical order. The series’ director himself has prioritized gameplay over story, suggesting that perhaps the narratives aren’t as tightly interwoven as we might think. Nonetheless, for avid followers of Link’s adventures, knowing where Echoes of Wisdom fits is a significant piece of the puzzle.
After its release on September 26, Echoes of Wisdom’s position in the timeline was somewhat of a mystery. Now, with Nintendo updating its Zelda history page, it’s confirmed: Echoes of Wisdom forms part of the “Hero is defeated” universe, specifically set after Tri Force Heroes, and several games precede it before the iconic Link’s Awakening, which lends to its visual style.
Taking its rightful place as a precursor to the 1986 Legend of Zelda, Echoes of Wisdom doesn’t sit immediately before it. The timeline references a “decline of Hyrule” period situated between Echoes and the original game. This period had already been established in the lore, suggesting Echoes leads into this decline—a fitting piece to the franchise’s narrative puzzle, clarifying its position in the overarching story just as Hyrule begins to fall.
Fans might not be entirely shocked by where Echoes of Wisdom lands since initial speculations anticipated such an arrangement. However, it isn’t without its inconsistencies. The portrayal of the Triforce as an enigma feels more akin to themes present in the adult timeline versus the downfall path. Despite this, such discrepancies are quite common in Zelda’s storytelling, where gameplay frequently takes the front seat. Yet, one positive takeaway is that there’s no longer any debate regarding the game’s canonical position.
In Echoes of Wisdom, players are thrust into an engaging Hyrule narrative yet again, but this time, the stakes lie with Princess Zelda. With Link mysteriously absent, Zelda teams up with a mystical entity named Tri, wielding the Tri Rod to produce “echoes.” These unique echoes mimic the world around them, providing inventive ways to tackle puzzles and battle foes. Whether it’s creating water blocks for elevation or crafting echoes of formidable monsters to turn the tide in combat, the mechanics offer a fresh twist that allows players to navigate challenges in their personalized style.
Launched on September 26, 2024, Echoes of Wisdom showcases a collaboration between Nintendo and developer Grezzo, powered by the Havok engine and suited for players aged 10 and up. With an estimated playtime of 20 hours and a “Mighty” rating from OpenCritic, Echoes of Wisdom promises another immersive journey into the ever-mystical realm of Hyrule.
