The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdommadesome big changes to Nintendo’s popular franchisebutit almost went even further by breaking one of the series' oldest rules. The reveal that players would finally have an opportunity to step into the role of Zelda rather than Link was enough of a surprise to shake up the status quo but the lack of a speaking protagonist left the development team with some problems. While Zelda is known to speak, the series has never had a talking hero.
Speaking toFamitsu, series producer Eiji Aonuma explained thatZelda no longer speaking pushed the developer to consider giving Link a voice, breaking one of the longest-standing rules of theLegend of Zelda: Link doesn’t speak. While the Hyrulian Hero may have spoken during early builds of the game, Aonuma admits that it was ultimately scrapped because the team couldn’t figure out what he’d actually say.Echoes of Wisdomdirector Satoshi Terada quipped that whatever Link said “didn’t feel right” so he went back to being the mute character everyone knows.
Link Speaking Would Have Been Odd
It Just Doesn’t Seem Right
Link is a strange character since he’s generally rather bland: He’s not particularly three-dimensional or layered and exists largely as a surrogate for the players' experiences. Having said that,there is something compelling about his stalwart courage and his silent confidence during his many, many quests. Terada makes a good point that after being around for nearly 40 years and having said little more than a grunt or groan, it’s tough to imaginehow Link would speakif given the opportunity.
Nintendo ultimately got around the need to have a speaking guide by implementing Tri, an “ethereal being” that’s able to communicate with Zelda and provide insight into the world and story. Removing Zelda’s ability to speak may seem odd given her roles in previous games but playing as a protagonist who can talk in aLegend of Zeldadoes, admittedly, sound odd. It’s a small feature of the franchise that one doesn’t usually consider but when it’s altered it’s difficult to ignore.
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Echoes Of Wisdom Is A Fantastic Game
No Speaking Parts Required
Despite Nintendo’s early struggles with dialogue,I think it ultimately landed on a great solution in the form of Tri.I lovedThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomand I’m glad the studio plans on developing more “2D” games in the series.As fun asBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomare, I much prefer the puzzle box elements of the top-down games, even if the protagonists are especially unchatty.
