The Legend of Zelda is treading familiar territory.
We’ve had a week to digest the most recent Nintendo Direct and one of the more surprising announcements was the Princess Zelda-centric Echoes of Wisdom.
There has been much rejoicing among the Zelda community as Princess Zelda finally takes her place as protagonist in the series that has bared her name since 1986. Despite the jubilation of some, there is also skepticism.
Let’s focus on some of the more worthwhile criticisms rather than the nonsensical ones. For me, a point of consternation I saw among fans was the Chibi art style.
These complaints centered on a look that is “too cartoony” and “not befitting of the franchise.” Some of the complaints seemed centered in a good place as some wanted Zelda’s first solo adventure to get a similar grandiose presentation as Tears of the Kingdom.
Whether people like it or not, Echoes of Wisdom will release in Chibi art, continuing Nintendo’s embrace of the style that emerged in the Link’s Awakening remake.
What made these complaints most interesting was how similar they were to 20 years ago when The Wind Waker was set to release. Granted, circumstances were different as many felt a bait-and-switch after the 2000 GameCube tech demo.
The circumstances may be different but the complaints are the same. This is setting Echoes of Wisdom up to be the new The Wind Waker of this generation.
Now, when I say that I mean in terms of criticisms of the art style. Many players hated the cel-shaded look of The Wind Waker after two then-realistic games released on the Nintendo 64.
It wasn’t until over a decade later that The Wind Waker got its dues. Fast-forward to today and the game is at the top of many wishlists for ports on the Switch. Time aged The Wind Waker like fine wine.
And yet, here we are with Echoes of Wisdom and the same complaints are here. There’s nothing wrong with disliking the art style of a game, but fans dismissing it completely because of its look is not fair.
In fact, I could see this game lasting the test of time for decades to come. The major caveat there is if the gameplay is good. Time will tell on that assessment.
I’ll go on the record and say I’m not the biggest fan of the cartoon looks. I enjoy the look of Twilight Princess more but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating these different looks.
In fact, after a while of playing The Wind Waker when it came out, I stopped focusing on the art style and just enjoyed the game. Now, the cel-shaded look just adds to the charm of the game.
Give Echoes of Wisdom a chance if you’re not a fan of the art style. Fans have clamored for a more traditional game since Breath of the Wild and this one appears to be closer to that format than others.
If you’re planning to write-off the game, that’s fine. Everyone has their tastes and preferences. Not every game will appeal to every fan.
If you’re a fan of the series, however, don’t let the art style scare you away. Judge the game on its overall presentation and not just a subsection of it.
Who knows? You may enjoy channeling your inner “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to conjure up a chair to defeat the evils in Hyrule.
What about you? What are your thoughts on Nintendo using the Chibi art style for Echoes of Wisdom? Will it affect your decision to purchase the game sooner rather than later? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: Nintendo (via Polygon)
Pow Block Podcast – A Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush
Pow Block Podcast is the Nintendo podcast for The Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, Edward Varnell, Corey Dirrig, and their friends from around the internet discuss the week that was in the world of Nintendo, including news, rumors, new and upcoming games, NSO, answer listener questions, discuss their weekly snacks, and more. New episodes now release on Tuesdays for everyone.
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