**Interview with Keza MacDonald on The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom**
**Interviewer:** It’s fantastic to see Zelda taking the lead in this new game. What’s your take on playing as her, especially since she’s not traditionally a fighter?
**Keza MacDonald:** Playing as Zelda in Echoes of Wisdom is a distinct experience, particularly because she’s such a strong character in the series. Unlike Princess Peach, who often needs saving, Zelda has harnessed magical powers from the outset. In this installment, we witness her stepping into a more proactive role as she navigates perilous rifts in Hyrule. However, finding ways to contribute without engaging in direct combat can be quite challenging.
**Interviewer:** That sounds interesting! How do Zelda’s abilities differ from Link’s in this game?
**Keza MacDonald:** The key difference is that Zelda doesn’t engage in direct combat like Link does. Instead, she uses a magical staff to conjure “echoes” of objects from thin air, such as crates or even a piece of meat to distract enemies. This means that when players come across familiar foes, they can summon creatures to take on the fighting for them, though it can sometimes feel less immersive than directly taking action themselves. I enjoyed the fresh take, yet I found myself wanting the ability to wield a weapon more directly.
**Interviewer:** Were you satisfied with the alternative combat mechanics?
**Keza MacDonald:** To some extent, yes, but there were times when waiting for summoned creatures to engage felt tedious. Although the developer Grezzo introduced a feature that allows Zelda to transform into a Link-like swordsman temporarily, that ability comes with a limited energy meter, so you can’t depend on it for most encounters. This limitation can make the combat feel less fluid.
**Interviewer:** It seems like there are some challenges in gameplay. How does the puzzle-solving aspect hold up compared to previous titles?
**Keza MacDonald:** That’s where it gets a bit tricky. While the game presents some interesting mechanics for puzzle-solving, they don’t always flow as easily as expected. I often found myself forgetting that Zelda can move objects telepathically. In moments when I got stuck, I felt more frustrated than clever when I finally figured out a workaround. The puzzles often miss that satisfying “aha!” moment that we cherish from previous games, leaning more towards trial and error.
**Interviewer:** Given all these complexities, what was your overall impression of the game experience?
**Keza MacDonald:** I managed to adapt to the new mechanics over time, but I can’t say I completely loved them. There are certainly charming aspects, like the adorable, toy-like aesthetic of Hyrule and Zelda’s charming horse, which adds a whimsical flair to the game. While Echoes of Wisdom introduces new concepts and is a good game overall, I hope future titles let us feel more empowered as players when we step into Zelda’s role.
**Interviewer:** Any final thoughts before the game’s release?
**Keza MacDonald:** The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom launches on September 26. Although it has its quirks, I think it provides a refreshing perspective on the series. I’m really looking forward to seeing how players respond to it!
