Update: Echoes of Wisdom’s Japanese Website Features New Gameplay Videos, Screenshots

Update: The official Japanese Echoes of Wisdom website was updated Thursday to include more information about the game’s story, world, and gameplay features. Until yesterday, the site’s sections titled “Story,” “Wisdom,” and “World” were said to be “coming soon.”

The “Wisdom” portion of the website includes even more information on Princess Zelda’s Echo and Sync abilities, including new screenshots and gameplay footage. Gaming outlet Perfectly Nintendo has collected the various gameplay clips into a single video uploaded to YouTube, which you can watch below.

Original: A second trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom released yesterday, and it shows off a ton of new content, including Gorons, horses, and more. Along with that trailer, Echoes of Wisdom‘s Japenese website has been updated with a batch of new images and information, some of which was not seen in the trailer. Exclusive gameplay footage is also on full display, showing off some of Zelda’s Echo abilities.

First off, and arguably the biggest reveal from the Japanese website, is an expanded version of Echoes of Wisdom‘s cover art. We’ve all seen this picture a hundred times over already, so who would have thought that a massive detail would be hidden in the periphery? If you look to the right-hand side, you’ll see Princess Zelda’s face plastered on a wanted poster! We previously speculated this plot point from the announcement trailer, which showed Zelda in a jail cell with Tri and seemingly being rescued by a mysterious Sheikah. What crimes is Zelda wanted for? Who is searching for her? While this detail doesn’t answer all of our questions, it at least confirms that, like Link in A Link to the Past, Zelda is an outlaw (and just like Flynn Rider, they just can’t get the nose right).

Less significant but also interesting is the little man in the top-left corner of the image. He’s flying on a hang glider and appears to have a round crest on his chest… or maybe a clock. There are only two people that are famously known to wear clocks around their necks: Flavor Flav and Tingle. Now, of course this Hylian doesn’t have all of the hallmarks of a certified Tingle, but who else in Zelda is known to take to the skies in dubious flying contraptions with a clock adorning his neck? While it is purely speculation, I suspect this flying Hylian may have more in common with the wannabe fairy than we think.

Another image gives us a first look at the king of Hyrule. He appears older than in other entries, though he still dons that iconic white beard and those red kingly robes. This image shows the king conversing with Princess Zelda, along with a bearded guard and a woman with blue hair carrying a book (possibly Impa).

This next image shows Link’s battle with Ganon, presumably from Echoes of Wisdom‘s intro. The angle of this shot is consistent with those shown in gameplay, which suggests that Link will be playable for at least this portion of the game, as implied by the ESRB back in July.

In another screenshot, we get a glimpse at a rock enemy with an obvious weak spot at its base. It appears to be possessed by the same energy that is behind the rifts that are popping up around Hyrule, as evidenced by the purple glow radiating from within its rocky form.

Another image from the website shows what appears to be a coastal village, made up of docks and houseboats. The culture is almost reminiscent of Papuchia Village from Spirit Tracks or Stardew Valley‘s Night Market. A keen eye will also notice one of the Sea Zora standing in the top-right corner of the screen. The Sea Zora’s presence indicates that this village may be on an ocean’s coast, and not on one of Hyrule’s freshwater lakes or rivers.

The Japanese website also gives us a few more glimpses of Hyrule’s non-Hylian races, like the Gerudo, the Zoras, and the Gorons. The first image shows a few Gerudo, one of which is donned in white garb similar to Nabooru from Ocarina of Time, gathered at a desert oasis. It looks like there may be a Deku Scrub planted in the ground beside them as well. The next image is of a Gerudo shopkeeper. She is selling smoothie ingredients, as well as a Red Potion (indicated by the heart on the side of the pot) and an accessory which Zelda can equip to gain special abilities.

Next we see Zelda conversing with presumably the leader of the River Zora. The diorama-like presentation seems to place this scene within a round hut or perhaps a hollow tree trunk, decorated with large clover leaves. If this River Zora does actually live in a waterlogged tree trunk, then this screenshot may point towards the River Zora living in some kind of swampland, where trees grow out of the water.

Another welcomed sight is the Gorons, who receive a fair amount of screen time in the recent trailer. It isn’t often that they make an appearance in a 2D game, but when they do, it’s sure to leave an impact. The screenshot shown above features a few different Gorons, including a child in the back, as well as a Goron to the left of Zelda who has unique, almost ambiguous features.

The other images, as seen below, show off horseback riding, Travel Waypoints, Echoes in action, and more.

You can see these images, as well as exclusive gameplay footage, on Echoes of Wisdom‘s Japanese website here.

Echoes of Wisdom releases September 26th, 2024 and is currently available for pre-order. Be sure to check out the pre-order bonuses available at select retailers as well.

So, what do you think of these new screenshots? Who do you think the high-flying Hylian is? Why is Zelda wanted and who is looking for her? What locations are you most excited to explore? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Nintendo