Summary
The Legend of Zeldahas gone through a myriad of art styles over its lifespan of nearly four decades, from the 8-bit pixel art of the first two games in the series to the more realistic style of installments likeTwilight PrincessandSkyward Sword. However, oneLegend of Zeldaart styleis arguably one of its most charming, andEchoes of Wisdommakes a strong case for the series to return to said art style again in the future.
Of every art styleThe Legend of Zeldahas featured, none quite compare to the “toon” style of entries likeThe Wind WakerandFour Swords. While other art styles utilized throughout the series are often meant to portray a sense of realism or dark fantasy,The Legend of Zelda’s toony art style generally evoke much warmer, cozier feelings, just as the latest installment in the franchise,Echoes of Wisdom, has been able to accomplish. This showsEchoes of Wisdomnot only keeping this art style alive, but also paving the road ahead for future games to do the same.
Zelda Should Return to Its Toon Style After Echoes of Wisdom
Zelda Games Like Wind Waker Are Known for the Charm Conjured by Their Toon Art Style
When it comes toThe Legend of Zelda’s toony art style,The Wind Wakeris by far the most iconic example. While its cel-shade graphics and exaggerated character models were initially divisive, they have since helped makeThe Wind Wakerone of the series' most beloved titles, now being celebrated for its timeless charm and accessible nature. The toon art style tends to make anyZeldagame that uses it feel more childish than anything else, but since Link is often portrayed as a child, it ultimately works both in favor of Link’s character and the narrative itself.
The Wind Waker’s art style started a massive tidal wave in theLegend of Zeldaseries, with many subsequent titles later adopting it and being well-received.
AlongsideThe Wind WakercameFour Swords, a multiplayer-focusedZeldagame that used cartoonish imagery befitting the Game Boy Advance’s capabilities. Shortly after that cameFour Swords Adventures, which once again used the whimsical, cartoon-inspired look to foster a much warmer and inviting gameplay environment for group play.Phantom HourglassandSpirit Trackscame in the years ahead ofFour Swords Adventures, both of which continued the cartoonish art style, withTri Force Heroesthen capping offThe Legend of Zelda’s toon legacy in 2015.
Echoes of Wisdom Opens the Door for Future Zelda Games to Feature the Toon Art Style Once More
For all intents and purposes,Echoes of Wisdomis a product of thecartoon art style thatThe Wind Wakerbrought into theZeldamainstream. It doesn’t use the same design principles as the more toony games in the series, likeThe Wind WakerandPhantom Hourglass, and instead adopts the “toyish” design of installments like the 2019Link’s Awakeningremake. Nevertheless, its heartwarming and comforting visuals effectively open the door for the series to return to the cartoonish art style that once divided its fans but has since become one of the best parts of its legacy.
WithEchoes of Wisdomembracing and evolvingThe Legend of Zelda’s toon art style through its “toyish” design, it shows how these art styles can bridge the past and future of the series. By leaning into its more playful, warm aesthetic, the series has an opportunity to recapture what made titles likeThe Wind Wakerso beloved, no matter how divisive they were initially. Hopefully,The Legend of Zeldafans get to see more ofToon Linkin future installments.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
WHERE TO PLAY
Save Hyrule—this time with the wisdom of Princess Zelda!The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts—and with a certain swordsman among the missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom in the latest adventure in The Legend of Zelda™ series!Team up with the ethereal creature Tri and use the Tri Rod to create “echoes,” which are imitations of things you find in the environment—then recreate those echoes whenever you like to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Use echoes like water blocks to reach new heights, make bridges out of old beds, throw rocks at foes, or find your own combination of echoes to do things your way. you’re able to even make echoes of monsters to fight at your side in combat!
