Zelda’s Future: 2D and 3D Games Continue to Thrive

Zelda’s Future: 2D and 3D Games Continue to Thrive

The debate about whether classic, top-down The Legend of Zelda games are superior to Link’s 3D adventures in Hyrule is a timeless one. However, Nintendo seems content to continue developing franchise installments in both genres.

In an interview with the BBC, Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma discussed the series’ future following the recent release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. “And so we will also have those dynamic 3D Zeldas (like Tears of the Kingdom) as well,” Aonuma said. “But in addition to that, we’re also hoping that we can continue with these 2D top-down Zeldas.”

A New Direction for Top-Down Zelda

Aonuma’s statement came after Echoes of Wisdom led him to “realize that there’s still a lot of possibility for these top-down Zelda games as well.” Prior to this, the Zelda producer questioned whether top-down games could incorporate new elements. As demonstrated by Echoes of Wisdom, which doesn’t even feature Link because his sword “got in the way,” they undoubtedly can.

This departure marks the first time Zelda has taken center stage in the series (ignoring any CDi games). Furthermore, the recent Switch exclusive boasts other innovative features. Echoes of Wisdom features the franchise’s first female director, Tomomi Sano, and Shigeru Miyamoto was not credited on the game, a first for the mainline series.

A Glitch-Filled Adventure

In a surprising twist, Echoes of Wisdom can actually be completed in under an hour due to a glitch. For a more in-depth look at the game, check out GameSpot’s The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom review.

As Nintendo continues to explore new avenues for the Zelda franchise, the future looks bright for both 2D and 3D titles. With Echoes of Wisdom showcasing the potential for top-down Zelda games, it’s clear that the series is in capable hands.