A pair of NPCs found inThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdompose the perfect premise for a quest, which can make the fact that no such quest actually exists somewhat disappointing. Hyrule is full of interesting characters with their own lives, and the side quests in recent titles expand on both these characters and the world around them, making the world as a whole feel more alive. However,Echoes of Wisdomhas arguably missed at least one brilliant opportunity when it comes to its own side quests.
TheNPCs inEchoes of Wisdomare often strange in one way or another, displaying the quirky mannerisms that have become characteristic ofThe Legend of Zelda’s minor characters. These can often tie into the requests they make to Zelda, such as the young Zol-loving boy in Castle Town who must be shown Echoes of the various Zol varieties found in the game. But despite all theinteresting side quests inEchoes of Wisdom. The game arguably deserved at least one more.
One Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom NPC Story Deserves To Be A Quest
A Budding Romance Story Goes Nowhere
As the main narrative progresses,a small love story begins to unfold in Castle Town. It is aneasily missed detail inEchoes of Wisdom, but If Zelda speaks to a woman standing beside the well, she will be told about the woman looking down into the well only to be met with somebody with “nice eyes” looking back. If Zelda investigates, she will find a guard slacking off at the bottom of the well, whose own story parallels the woman’s. However,although the beginning of romance is clearly implied here, nothing ever comes of it.
A side quest would have provided the perfect way to progress this romancebetween the two NPCs. There are many ways in which Zelda could have provided the push needed for the pair to become closer, from acting as a go-between to providing gifts for each to give the other. But for whatever reason, the developers elected to not include such a quest. Because of this, the could-be lovers are left perpetually musing over what may be, with no hope of moving forward within the confines of the game.
Echoes Of Wisdom Should Have Fleshed Out NPC Stories
Many Potentially Interesting Characters Are Left Underdeveloped
AlthoughEchoes of Wisdomcontinues the approach to quests established inBreath of the Wild, just likeTears of the Kingdombefore it,not every interesting NPC in the latestZeldatitle has a related side quest. The well duo is only one example of this problem, with other NPCs across Hyrule similarly lacking the depth that could be achieved inBOTWandTOTK. As a result, the apparent personal stories of these characters can be left underdeveloped, which can be frustrating.
Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’s Lueburry Continues A Fun Sheikah Tradition
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’s Lueburry is the latest member of the Sheikah tribe to follow a fun tradition that gives them a common theme.
Examples of these characters include the listless Gerudo found in Gerudo Town, a victim of Null’s rifts who was rescued by Link. Although the ending ofEoWsuggests that Null’s death allows her to recover regardless, it would have been nice for Zelda to receive a quest to attempt to cheer her up before this point, perhaps by showing the Gerudo Echoes related to happy memories. Even if such an attempt failed, this would only underscore how the world ofEchoes of Wisdomis affected by Null, and its terrible impact on the people of Hyrule.
Some Side Quests Could Be Better In Echoes Of Wisdom
The Simplistic Emphasis On Echoes Can Be Repetitive
Furthermore,what side quests there are inEoWdo unfortunately tend towards the same structure, often tasking Zelda with simply producing the correct Echo to fulfill an NPC’s specifications. While it only makes sense for a few quests to follow this structure, given the game is based around the mechanic, its sheer pervasiveness can become boring. More side quests with more unique goals and solutions would undoubtedly have helped to further build up the game’s world.
Echoes of Wisdom Shines Terrifying New Light On This Zelda Location & Lore
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’s additions to the Zelda series has wider implications for at least one previous setting’s own lore.
Of course,not every NPC’s side quest is necessarily a disappointmentin this area. For example, the “From the Heart” side quest involves giving a “happy clover” to Zelda’s father, and leads to one of several heartwarming scenes betweenZelda and the king inEchoes of Wisdom. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that there are not more quests in the game with genuinely emotional moments, whether in addition to those already present in the game or by such events extending these canonical quests.
The woman and guard in Castle Town may hint at a romance on the brink of blooming, but the player never gets to see this come to fruition. It is one of many missed opportunities inThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomfor side quests that could have provided much more depth to the NPCs that populate its world. It is a disappointing side to the generally excellent title, leaving people only able to simply wonder about the game’s many untold stories.
