The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is going to be a significant release not only because it’s a new Zelda game, or because it’s a new traditional entry (something few expected to see again), but also because it will be the first mainline entry in the series to star the eponymous Princess Zelda as the main playable protagonist. But though she is obviously going to be the star of the show, it seems like she will still be at least partially sharing the spotlight with Link, who’s usually the series’ main protagonist.
That’s per the game’s recently published ESRB rating, which reveals that Link will still be playable in the upcoming action-adventure title.
The game’s ESRB summary reads, “This is an adventure game in which players assume the role of Zelda as she attempts to dispel rifts throughout Hyrule and rescue Link. From a ¾-overhead perspective, players explore various environments while fighting stylized enemies (e.g., humans, creatures). As Link, players use a sword and arrows to defeat enemies; Zelda can use a magic wand to summon creatures (e.g., wind-up knights, pig soldiers, slime) for battle. Some enemies can be defeated by being set on fire; other creatures dissolve into mist when defeated. Battle sequences are somewhat frenetic, with several enemies attacking/fighting at once.”
Obviously, there’s not much in there that offers specifics on how significant Link’s playable role will be in the game. Presumably, we’ll start out playing as him in the prologue, before shifting gears to Zelda, who will be the protagonist for the rest of the entire experience, which she spends trying to rescue Link in a reversal of roles. This is, however, just speculation, so keep that in mind.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom launces for the Nintendo Switch on September 26.