Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Zelda-led game has creative problem-solving, light combat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
What's It About?
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: ECHOES OF WISDOM is a unique Legend of Zelda game where players get to play as Princess Zelda instead of Link, the usual hero. The story starts with mysterious purple rifts appearing across Hyrule (the fantasy world in which the game takes place), pulling innocent people—including the king and Link—into them. With the kingdom in danger, it's up to Zelda to save the day. She sets out to explore a small, open world filled with secrets, treasures, dungeons, and bosses. Armed with a magical rod and aided by a fairy named Tri, Zelda gains the ability to summon "echoes" of objects and creatures to solve puzzles and defend against enemies. For example, she might stack echoes of furniture to reach higher places or summon echoes of creatures to fight for her. Though she primarily uses her magic, Zelda can also transform into a swordfighter for short periods to engage in combat herself. As the game progresses, Zelda becomes stronger and more skilled, growing into a true hero.
Is It Any Good?
This one's for players who love the retro vibe of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and the creative puzzle solving of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and always wanted a Zelda game that lets them play as the princess herself. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a wonderful amalgamation of old and new. Its world is undeniably inspired by earlier games in the series, featuring a colorful, labyrinthine overworld full of secrets to find and familiar foes to fight, plus some nostalgia-inducing dungeons that Zelda explores room-by-room, finding hidden paths and battling memorable bosses.
But it also provides some clearly modern and creative play elements. There's rarely just one solution to the problems Zelda faces. If she needs to get past a gap, for example, she might summon spiders to create web strings she can climb across, use her binding power to move an object in the environment, or use items like crates and rocks as platforms. Encounter a flying enemy? Summon a moblin to throw spears, or transform into Zelda's swordfighter form at just the right time to land a sword attack when it dives. There are so many different ways to do things that growing bored of repetition isn't really an option. Throw in some fun side activities—like collecting ingredients to experiment with in delicious and empowering smoothie recipes—and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom makes for a fun, timeless entry worthy of the franchise's venerable name.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about screen time. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom isn't really broken into discrete levels, so it's up to players to pick appropriate spots to take breaks from playing. What physical signs does your body give you when it wants to get up for a stretch?
Talk about Zelda's roles in video games. Most games in the Legend of Zelda series make the titular princess a non-playable character, and often place her in distress. Why might it be important that this game gives players a chance to see her as a smart, capable hero?
There are strong themes of compassion shown by Zelda in the game. Why is this an important character strength? Can you think of a recent experience where you were compassionate or experienced compassion from someone else.
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo Switch
- Pricing structure : Paid ($59.99)
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Nintendo
- Release date : September 26, 2024
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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