Impressions - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

 Available on Nintendo Switch

Thoughts on the Story & Gameplay

In this game, Zelda takes center stage after Link falls into a mysterious rift that has been forming all over Hyrule. The story is simple Zelda meets Tri, the companion character, and is bestowed the Tri Rod that allows her to create 'echoes' of just about everything, if we're being honest. This ability allows her to fight and solve puzzles and she uses this ability to save Hyrule. 

The gameplay is a little different from the usual Legend of Zelda formula and in my opinion it works as Princess Zelda should NOT play like Link does. On the visual side of things the game looks a lot like the Link's Awakening Remake and also has a few of the issues that came alone with that game which leads me to believe those issues lie with the game engine itself. I think the puzzles are creative and like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom there are multiple ways to come up with a resolution. There are also dungeons! I love dungeons and these are varied and can have some puzzles that are head scratchers. There are a number of side quests and in general a lot of things to do. It's also pretty cool that the map is pretty much the A Link to the Past map as far as everything is placed and things of that nature.

Thoughts on the Good

I love the gameplay and the look of the game. The story isn't convoluted and I don't think it needs to be. Its straight forward and to the point. The music is also very well done. It has a whimsical nature to it and I enjoy how the Echoes are implemented and the sheer amount. The developers really did think of just about everything. Also, for those fans that missed the dungeons in the Zelda series, they are back and they are really well done. 

Thoughts on the Bad

There are some points in the game where there are some noticeable dips but that's where I think the issue is with the engine more than the game. Also, while I love the Echoes there are so many that there needs to be a better way of sorting. Its pretty much the same way its done in Tears of the Kingdom. The more stuff you acquire it gets harder and harder to sort what you need. Other than that I enjoy this game so much, a truly fun time. 

For Parents

Its a Zelda game so if you have played any game in the series before then you should have an idea of how this plays. With Princess Zelda being playable this time the focus is more on the puzzles and inventive ways using what you have to resolve issues/puzzles. The game is about 35 hours and more than likely longer if you try to find everything. Perfect holiday gift as it will take some time to beat and is a fun time overall. Also, this game probably has the best opening to a Zelda game ever, in my humble opinion.

Overall Thoughts/Is the Game FUN?

Overall, I think this game is a great addition to the Zelda franchise. It does kind of make me want a Ganondorf action game. I love the visual style, the music, and the gameplay. I found the game to be a lot of fun even though I am not the biggest fan of the puzzle genre, I did find these to be enjoyable. Also, I love the boss fights in this game and the love of smoothies. Have you played Echoes of Wisdom? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. 

Trailer/GamePlay

Trailer

Gameplay

Fresh Take - Clock Striker Vol 2 Thoughts

 Available now wherever books are sold

Thoughts On The Story

This volume picks up right where volume 1 left off with Cast and Ms. Clock mounting a rescue of Klaus, a runaway Prince. The Demon Bandits bring Klaus back and find out quickly how things work in that kingdom. I have to say that I enjoyed learning more about the Kingdom of Alter. The King, for lack of a better word, is a complete and total piece of garbage. That being said the things he is able to do shows he is very formidable. We also get to see although briefly another Smith and his Striker that are currently tracking Cast and Ms. Clock. They have a funny interaction that is par for the course in Shonen manga but still funny. Overall, I like where the story is going. The King of Alter feels like a very dangerous villain, actually the whole kingdom does, well the knights at least. The story in this volume does deal with the whole "resistance" trying to make a stand against the tyrant. I know you may be thinking that's been done to death before. For me, though, it works especially the cliffhanger at the end of the volume. I am very interested in seeing where the next volume goes. 

Thoughts On The Artwork

The artwork is very clean. You can clearly tell what is going on in each panel. I love how the action is portrayed. I honestly can't find anything I didn't like as far as that is concerned. There are some colored pages in there that I thought went well with what they were detailing. I would say what it was but that's a spoiler and I don't want to spoil that but I liked how that turned out as well.

For Parents

This is an awesome manga. I loved the first volume and this volume is just as good in

my humble opinion. I think this is perfect for everyone in all honesty. Yes it is Shonen

which is comparable to say, super hero comics and it is a great and easy read. The

characters are memorable, especially Cast and the world that has been crafted is

fun.

Overall Thoughts

This book is a must have if you are a fan of manga, especially Shonen style manga.

It is such a fun read and one of my favorite from the SaturdayAM line. My only issue

is that the wait between volumes is pretty rough. It is a fun read and one that I think

everyone young and old would enjoy. Have you read Clock Striker Volume 2? Have

you read any of the SaturdayAM books? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. As

always thanks for reading and feel free to share it out if you like my content.