Nintendo surprised fans by releasing a new trailer for the upcoming Zelda game, Echoes of Wisdom, instead of hosting another Nintendo Direct. The trailer gives players a glimpse of the world of Hyrule that they will get to explore in the game, showcasing various locations and new gameplay mechanics.
In the trailer, players see Zelda interacting with different races in Hyrule, such as the Zora, Goron, and Gerudo. Unlike Link, Zelda can freely enter the women-only village this time around. Additionally, players will be able to ride a horse that can jump over ledges and fast travel between waypoints discovered during the journey.
The game features a retro-chibi art style but offers a modern take on the overworld maps of older Zelda games. Players will traverse through Hyrule Castle, the surrounding city, the desert with the Gerudo village, the aquatic homes of the river Zora and sea Zora, and the fiery mountains inhabited by the Goron. Along the way, Zelda will encounter numerous side-quests that require players to use her wand duplication magic, known as echoes, to solve puzzles and help other characters.
Players will have the opportunity to engage in various activities, such as visiting smoothie shops to mix ingredients collected during their travels for status buffs. Zelda can also change outfits to enhance not only her appearance but also her abilities. Another highlighted mechanic in the trailer is Zelda’s bind ability, allowing her to summon echoes of objects and bind them to herself for various purposes.
Scheduled for release on September 26, Echoes of Wisdom appears to build on the success of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom by offering open-world exploration and freeform puzzle-solving elements. Fans have been eagerly anticipating Zelda’s return as a playable character in the series, and based on the trailer, the game seems to deliver on their expectations. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and rich world design, Echoes of Wisdom promises to be a captivating addition to the Zelda franchise.
