Nintendo revealed its latest slate of coming titles during a showcase on Tuesday. One of the biggest announcements was for a new game in the Legend of Zelda series, Echoes of Wisdom.
Apart from the cutesy aesthetic, which is a contrast to recent games in the series, Echoes of Wisdom will allow players to play as Zelda throughout for the first time.
The Legend of Zelda series, to the confusion of many parents and non-gamers over the years, traditionally features a character named Link as its main protagonist. The titular Zelda is Princess Zelda, whom the young adventurer Link attempts to rescue in most of the games.
Princess Zelda is a central figure in the series, having evolved significantly since her debut in 1986. Initially portrayed as a damsel in distress, her character has grown into a multifaceted and occasionally playable role, reflecting broader trends in video game storytelling and character development.
Here’s a look through the character’s evolution leading to her own game Echoes of Wisdom, which is set for release on September 26 on the Nintendo Switch.
1986 to 1993: Damsel in distress era
Princess Zelda first appears in The Legend of Zelda (1986) as the titular character Link's primary motivation: to rescue her from the evil Ganon.
The portrayal sets the archetype of Zelda as a princess in need of rescue, a common trope in early video game narratives. Throughout the NES and SNES console eras, she remains a largely passive figure, appearing briefly at the beginning and end of games to drive the plots forward.
1998 to 2002: Sheik and other alter egos
In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998), Zelda disguises herself as a seemingly male character named Sheik who is part of the Sheikhah clan, a shadow folk who serve to protect her. The character of Sheik is not revealed to be Zelda until the end of the game, shrouding her in mystery.
In The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002), Zelda takes on the alter ego of Tetra, a swashbuckling pirate captain. This interpretation emphasises her adventurous spirit and leadership qualities outside her royal role, further expanding her character beyond a mere princess.
2009 to 2017: Cameos of playability
Wii-era Twilight Princess (2006) and Skyward Sword (2011) continue to deepen her characterisation, presenting her as a more proactive and integral figure in Link's journey.
From The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (2009), she takes on more directly playable roles. In this game, she assists Link by possessing phantoms and directly aiding in puzzles and combat, showing her capabilities beyond being a passive character.
In Hyrule Warriors (2014) and its sequels, Zelda is a playable character, wielding magic and combat skills alongside Link and others in fast-paced action gameplay. These spin-off games provide a taste of what she can do as well as the special abilities she possesses.
In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017), Zelda's character undergoes a profound evolution. As the game's narrative unfolds, players witness a vulnerable yet determined character struggling with her destiny as the princess and her duty to the kingdom of Hyrule.
Her story arc in this game emphasises her growth, wisdom and the burden of her royal lineage, presenting her as a complex and fully realised character.
2024: Zelda writes her legend
The Legend of Zelda series has been experiencing a surge in popularity after the release of the last two games, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The series won over a new generation of fans, with more becoming interested in the lore and origins of each character.
With the release of Echoes of Wisdom, players will be able to experience the story of a character who has, despite her development, mostly been relegated to cut scenes and minor contributions. From the trailer shown during the showcase, Zelda’s main weapon will be a staff that can generate copies of items and creatures.
Using this magical staff, she will be able to traverse levels and combat enemies to reach the goal of the game – rescuing Link. The turning of the tables in this game illustrates Nintendo's creative attempts to subvert expectations and give new purpose to its most famous characters.
RESULTS
Welterweight
Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) beat Mostafa Radi (PAL)
(Unanimous points decision)
Catchweight 75kg
Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR) beat Leandro Martins (BRA)
(Second round knockout)
Flyweight (female)
Manon Fiorot (FRA) beat Corinne Laframboise (CAN)
(RSC in third round)
Featherweight
Bogdan Kirilenko (UZB) beat Ahmed Al Darmaki
(Disqualification)
Lightweight
Izzedine Al Derabani (JOR) beat Rey Nacionales (PHI)
(Unanimous points)
Featherweight
Yousef Al Housani (UAE) beat Mohamed Fargan (IND)
(TKO first round)
Catchweight 69kg
Jung Han-gook (KOR) beat Max Lima (BRA)
(First round submission by foot-lock)
Catchweight 71kg
Usman Nurmogamedov (RUS) beat Jerry Kvarnstrom (FIN)
(TKO round 1).
Featherweight title (5 rounds)
Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) v Alexandru Chitoran (ROU)
(TKO round 1).
Lightweight title (5 rounds)
Bruno Machado (BRA) beat Mike Santiago (USA)
(RSC round 2).
If you go:
Getting there:
Flying to Guyana requires first reaching New York with either Emirates or Etihad, then connecting with JetBlue or Caribbean Air at JFK airport. Prices start from around Dh7,000.
Getting around:
Wildlife Worldwide offers a range of Guyana itineraries, such as its small group tour, the 15-day ‘Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience’ which features Georgetown, the Iwokrama Rainforest (one of the world’s four remaining pristine tropical rainforests left in the world), the Amerindian village of Surama and the Rupununi Savannah, known for its giant anteaters and river otters; wildlifeworldwide.com
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Jebel Ali Dragons 26 Bahrain 23
Dragons
Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
Cons: Love
Pens: Love 3
Bahrain
Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
Cons: Phillips
Pens: Phillips 2
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Biography
Favourite Meal: Chicken Caesar salad
Hobbies: Travelling, going to the gym
Inspiration: Father, who was a captain in the UAE army
Favourite read: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Favourite film: The Founder, about the establishment of McDonald's
Ruwais timeline
1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established
1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants
1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed
1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.
1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex
2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea
2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd
2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens
2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies
2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export
2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.
2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery
2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital
2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13
Source: The National
What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
3%20Body%20Problem
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