Summary
- Echoes of the Wisdom's Tri Rod could shape magical abilities in future Zelda games.
- The Tri Rod in Echoes of Wisdom offers new combat solutions in addition to its puzzle-solving mechanics.
- Going forward, magical items in Zelda could also double as weapons, as it's easy to imagine the Ocarina or Wind Waker being used as a means of self-defense.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom's approach to combat could have a ripple effect on magical abilities in the series' future. With Zelda finally taking the lead for the first time on a Nintendo console, the game is destined to be a trailblazer one way or another. Even in the first trailer, it's clear that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will be a different experience than most titles. Zelda's magic looks to drive a lot of the gameplay of Echoes of Wisdom. Not only that, but it could be a harbinger for magic in the series' future.
With Zelda being Echoes of Wisdom's protagonist, the game is already set to be something special for the series. After all, aside from her rapier in Hyrule Warriors, Zelda has rarely been a swordswoman. Rather, her talents have traditionally been more focused on the magical arts. While she has had plenty of opportunities to show off how her magic can be applied in a fight in the Super Smash Bros. Series, Echoes of Wisdom will be the first time in her home series where she gets a full adventure to show her skills. It should be a distinct experience compared to Link's many adventures, and that could make it something that future games keep an eye on.
Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Looks Like It Will Bring Back A Longtime Series Tradition
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom looks like it will finally bring back the longtime tradition of companions aiding the hero through the game.
The Tri Rod in Echoes of Wisdom Could Lead to More Magical Combat Solutions in Later Zelda Games
Echoes of Wisdom's Tri Rod Aids in Puzzles and Combat
As Zelda wields the Tri Rod in Echoes of Wisdom, she has access to a remarkable power. The Tri Rod can replicate almost any item that Zelda uses it on, allowing her to create copies of it at will. In addition to being an incredible mobility tool and useful for solving puzzles, the Rod also has combat abilities. Zelda can use some echoes, such as rocks, to obstruct or attack enemies, and she can even create echoes of monsters to fight alongside her. It will be interesting to see just how many options the Tri Rod grants Zelda in terms of combat.
Future Zelda Magic Items Could Have Their Own Combat Properties
Zelda's combat style could be a significant way for Echoes of Wisdom to influence future Zelda games. A lot of magical items in the series have existed for the purpose of solving puzzles or granting Link new mobility options. Meanwhile, Link's actual weapons have been straightforward in their design. Thanks to Echoes of Wisdom, future magic items could have additional uses for self-defense. While solving puzzles with magic items is series tradition, the developers could find more ways for certain items to do double duty as improvised weapons. A little ingenuity could find ways for several items to be useful in a fight.
Items From Past Zelda Games Already Have Potential in Battle
The Tri Rod could be a trailblazer, but it might not require a massive rework. After all, many past Legend of Zelda items are easy to imagine being used for combat. For instance, the Wind Waker could stagger opponents with wind or create tornados to send them flying. The Dominion Rod could send objects like chairs and jars flying at enemies as impromptu projectiles. The Ultrahand from Tears of the Kingdom also has amazing potential, from detaching enemies from their weapons to remaking structures around them. The Legend of Zelda already has a lot of items and magic powers that are ready for battle.
Thanks to Echoes of Wisdom, future magic items could have additional uses for self-defense.
Echoes of Wisdom's combat formula will be something new, but it doesn't have to be forgotten afterwards. There is still more to see from Echoes of Wisdom, likely including several abilities of the Tri Rod. While the Tri Rod itself doesn't necessarily need to become a series mainstay, it could encourage some more creative use of magic items in the future beyond their previous uses as puzzle solvers. While Link and Zelda do need magic items to pass dungeons, Echoes of Wisdom could show their merit in battle.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Released
- September 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Save Hyrule—this time with the wisdom of Princess Zelda!
The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts—and with a certain swordsman among the missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom in the latest adventure in The Legend of Zelda™ series!
Team up with the ethereal creature Tri and use the Tri Rod to create “echoes,” which are imitations of things you find in the environment—then recreate those echoes whenever you like to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Use echoes like water blocks to reach new heights, make bridges out of old beds, throw rocks at foes, or find your own combination of echoes to do things your way. You can even make echoes of monsters to fight at your side in combat!
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
