Editing Princess Zelda (section)

== Reception and legacy ==
Critics and gamers consider Zelda to be a significant video game character in [[popular culture]]. The book ''Female Action Heroes'' described Zelda as "perhaps one of the most well-known princesses in video game history", though acknowledged that her role in the games was to serve as a damsel in distress.<ref>{{cite book |title=Female Action Heroes: A Guide to Women in Comics, Video Games, Film, and Television |page=62 |isbn=978-0-313-37612-2 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |author=Knight, Gladys L. |year=2010}}</ref> In 2009, she was voted the third greatest female character in games on Nintendo systems by the ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'', which appreciated her as "a strong woman who, with her sword and bow and arrow, is capable of holding her own in a fight".<ref>{{cite web|date=2009-09-12|title=Leading Ladies|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/11431/features/leading-ladies/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615225616/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/11431/features/leading-ladies/|archive-date=2012-06-15|access-date=2009-09-12|publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine}}</ref> In 2016, [[Digital Spy]] ranked her as one of the "most iconic female game characters of all time".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Sam|date=2016-08-08|title=Most iconic female game characters of all time, ranked|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a803948/most-iconic-female-game-characters-of-all-time-ranked/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=[[Digital Spy]]|language=en-GB|archive-date=2021-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027131017/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a803948/most-iconic-female-game-characters-of-all-time-ranked/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, readers of ''[[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition]]'' voted her as one of the top video game characters of all time.<ref>{{cite news|last=Marchiafava|first=Jeff|date=February 16, 2011|title=Guinness Names Top 50 Video Game Characters Of All Time|newspaper=[[Game Informer]]|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/16/guinness-names-top-50-video-game-characters-of-all-time.aspx|access-date=February 2, 2018|archive-date=February 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201201521/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/16/guinness-names-top-50-video-game-characters-of-all-time.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Readers of the Japanese publication ''[[Famitsu]]'' chose her as their favourite ''Tears of the Kingdom'' character in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=2023-10-29 |title=Zelda Voted 'Favourite' Tears Of The Kingdom Character In Recent Famitsu Survey |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/zelda-voted-favourite-tears-of-the-kingdom-character-in-recent-famitsu-survey |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029200408/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/zelda-voted-favourite-tears-of-the-kingdom-character-in-recent-famitsu-survey |url-status=live }}</ref> Alex Huebner of ''[[iMore]]'' said that she is a "badass", illustrated by her various alter egos as a fighter in disguise, a pirate leader and a goddess.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huebner |first=Alex |date=2021-02-13 |title=All of Zelda's alter egos and their back stories |url=https://www.imore.com/all-zeldas-alter-egos-and-their-back-stories |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=iMore |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202173956/https://www.imore.com/all-zeldas-alter-egos-and-their-back-stories |url-status=live }}</ref> Ozzie Mejia, writing for ''[[Shacknews]]'', chose Zelda as one of the best characters in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', emphasising her increased speed and dash attack with additional knockback. He also praised her character development within the ''Zelda'' series for developing from a passive princess to a strong heroine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mejia |first=Ozzie |date=19 November 2018 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Character Profiles: Zelda |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/108619/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-profiles-zelda |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=[[Shacknews]] |language=en |archive-date=2023-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417214439/https://www.shacknews.com/article/108619/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-profiles-zelda |url-status=live }}</ref> Eric Ravenscraft of ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' commented that despite not being the playable character in the mainline series, Zelda is often the driving force behind the story as the embodiment of wisdom and light, and opined that Link is "simply the sword Zelda wields".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ravenscraft |first=Eric |title=What We Want Out of a 'Legend of Zelda' Movie |language=en-US |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |url=https://www.wired.com/story/legend-of-zelda-movie-what-we-want/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |issn=1059-1028 |archive-date=2023-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109181808/https://www.wired.com/story/legend-of-zelda-movie-what-we-want/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Zelda's character development in ''Ocarina of Time'' was praised by Richard George and Audrey Drake of ''[[IGN]]'', who commented that it was the first time in the series that she was given more depth. They particularly enjoyed seeing her develop from a carefree child to the warrior Sheik as a result of the game's time shifts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drake |first=Richard George and Audrey |date=2011-04-30 |title=Hyrule Times: The Impact of Ocarina of Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/30/hyrule-times-the-impact-of-ocarina-of-time |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=2021-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206093319/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/30/hyrule-times-the-impact-of-ocarina-of-time |url-status=live }}</ref> Maddy Myers writing for ''[[The Mary Sue]]'' considered Zelda and Sheik to be two halves of a flawed, complex character, but felt that the game "doesn't seem to respect her much".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Maddy |date=2015-11-18 |title=I Love Linkle. But Linkle Is Not Enough. |url=https://www.themarysue.com/the-linkle-backlash/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=[[The Mary Sue]] |language=en |archive-date=2019-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529014942/https://www.themarysue.com/the-linkle-backlash/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Wind Waker'' was a highlight for Chad Concelmo of ''[[Destructoid]]'', who commented on its rare gaming moment of creating a plot reveal in which the pirate Tetra is revealed to be Zelda, which was considered particularly rewarding due to the notoriously repetitive nature of the ''Zelda'' series.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Concelmo |first=Chad |date=2007-08-30 |title=The Memory Card .14: The legend of Tetra |url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-memory-card-14-the-legend-of-tetra/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410034446/https://www.destructoid.com/the-memory-card-14-the-legend-of-tetra/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tetra was recognised by ''[[The Guardian]]'' as one of 30 "interesting female game characters", with the comment, "Tetra demands respect and gets it".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-01-25|title=Beyond Lara Croft: 30 truly interesting female game characters – part one|url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jan/25/beyond-lara-croft-30-truly-interesting-female-game-characters-part-one|access-date=2021-11-01|website=[[The Guardian]]|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104234449/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jan/25/beyond-lara-croft-30-truly-interesting-female-game-characters-part-one|url-status=live}}</ref> When reviewing ''Spirit Tracks'', Abbie Stone of ''[[GamesRadar+|GamesRadar]]'' praised Zelda's role as a ghost that can possess enemies, as it places her in the position of co-lead throughout the game, and opined that this proves "action and femininity aren't mutually exclusive".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Abbie |date=2021-06-24 |title=Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks was a flawed series entry that shined a long-overdue spotlight on its title character |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-retrospective/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |language=en |archive-date=2023-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417204246/https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-retrospective/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Oli Welsh of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' commented that for most of the game she fulfils a similar role to [[Navi (The Legend of Zelda)|Navi]] or [[Midna]] by providing hints and comments, but praised the close romance between her and Link that replaces her usual position as a distant ideal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=2009-12-08 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-review |access-date=2023-10-19 |archive-date=2023-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206221142/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-review |url-status=live }}</ref> Tom Mc Shea writing for ''[[GameSpot]]'' focused on the "endearing rapport" between Zelda and Link in the story of ''Skyward Sword'', noting that rather than being a damsel in distress, Zelda is presented as Link's equal and that both characters must make a sacrifice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mc Shea |first=Tom |title=The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-review/1900-6345839/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107204206/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-review/1900-6345839/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jonathan Holmes writing for ''Destructoid'' highlighted a particular scene in ''Skyward Sword'' in which Zelda communicates her love for Link through her eyes and body language, describing it as "beautiful" and opined that Nintendo had made it an unforgettable moment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Jonathan |title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728040921/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Zelda (character).png|thumb|right|alt=Artwork of Zelda wearing a blue riding outfit |Zelda's updated design, character development and prominent story arc in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]'' received widespread praise from critics.]]
Speaking for ''[[Nintendo Life]]'', Alex Olney appreciated the human traits and flaws displayed by Zelda in ''Breath of the Wild'' and considered this to be her best incarnation, citing the pressure of her responsibilities, her determination to protect her kingdom and Link, her strength and power, and her ability to match Calamity Ganon and restrain him for 100 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olney |first=Alex |date=2017-03-22 |title=Video: Here's Four Solid Reasons Zelda: Breath of the Wild has the Best Princess Zelda to Date |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/video_heres_four_solid_reasons_zelda_breath_of_the_wild_has_the_best_princess_zelda_to_date |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418065601/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/video_heres_four_solid_reasons_zelda_breath_of_the_wild_has_the_best_princess_zelda_to_date |url-status=live }}</ref> Gita  Jackson writing for ''[[Kotaku]]'' considered her blue adventuring outfit to be a "cool departure from the norm" of the traditionally pink Hylian princess and illustrated her prominent story arc within the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Gita |date=2017-03-24 |title=Princess Zelda's Breath of the Wild Outfit Helps Tell Her Story |url=https://kotaku.com/princess-zeldas-breath-of-the-wild-outfit-helps-tell-he-1793604469 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016130438/https://kotaku.com/princess-zeldas-breath-of-the-wild-outfit-helps-tell-he-1793604469 |url-status=live }}</ref> Madeline Carpou of ''[[The Mary Sue]]'' listed her ''Breath of the Wild'' incarnation as one of the most inspiring female characters in video games, stating that although she is "a living representation of the people's salvation" and struggles under the pressure of expectation, she refuses to give up on her responsibilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carpou |first=Madeline |date=2022-05-17 |title=10 of the Most Inspiring Women in Video Games |url=https://www.themarysue.com/the-10-most-inspiring-female-characters-in-video-games/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107110438/https://www.themarysue.com/the-10-most-inspiring-female-characters-in-video-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Laura Dale of ''[[Syfy]]'' expressed delight at having the ability to play as Zelda throughout the entirety of ''Cadence of Hyrule'', despite not being an official ''Zelda'' title. She said that exploring dungeons and fighting enemies as Zelda felt "absolutely awesome" and was made more enjoyable for a female gamer due to having something in common with the hero.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Dale |first=Laura |date=2019-06-27 |title=Cadence of Hyrule shows it's time for a playable Princess Zelda |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/cadence-of-hyrule-shows-its-time-for-a-playable-princess-zelda |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=[[Syfy Wire]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107103651/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/cadence-of-hyrule-shows-its-time-for-a-playable-princess-zelda |url-status=live }}</ref> Patricia Hernandez writing for ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' said that ''Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity'' had transformed Zelda into a "total badass" and a capable fighter, which was particularly welcome after seeing her lamenting her inability to contribute more to the fight against Calamity Ganon in ''Breath of the Wild''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=2020-11-20 |title=Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a must-play for Zelda fans |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2020/11/20/21583411/age-of-calamity-hyrule-warriors-breath-of-the-wild-prequel-zelda-review-nintendo-koei-tecmo-switch |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110082943/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2020/11/20/21583411/age-of-calamity-hyrule-warriors-breath-of-the-wild-prequel-zelda-review-nintendo-koei-tecmo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref>

Steve Watts of ''GameSpot'' felt that the story in ''Tears of the Kingdom'' belongs to Zelda, not only because she is the focus of the main quest line, but also because the mystery of discovering her location slowly unravels throughout the game and leads to an "incredible, stirring revelation".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=11 May 2023 |title=The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-review/1900-6418063/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-05-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511120925/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-review/1900-6418063/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He also praised the game for inverting the story trope of Link being the prophesied hero and making Zelda the strategist who makes him the hero by helping him in the distant past, thereby being the author of the prophecy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=25 May 2023 |title=Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Inverts One Of The Oldest Story Tropes |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-inverts-one-of-the-oldest-story-tropes/1100-6514567/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528232022/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-inverts-one-of-the-oldest-story-tropes/1100-6514567/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zelda's story in ''Tears of the Kingdom'' was particularly praised by Matthew Byrd of ''[[Den of Geek]]'', who described it as an "emotional and engaging arc", highlighting her sacrifice for those she loves and her memorable reveal as the Light Dragon. He praised her altruism for being dependable and aspirational, saying that it "doesn’t feel like some cheap emotional ploy designed to drum up sympathy".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=2023-05-17 |title=Princess Zelda Is the Real Star of Tears of the Kingdom |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/princess-zelda-tears-of-the-kindom-best-character/ |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=[[Den of Geek]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623073947/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/princess-zelda-tears-of-the-kindom-best-character/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zelda's performance as a "solution-based thinker" in ''Echoes of Wisdom'' was well received by Todd Martens of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', who felt that the game benefited by having better character development and more inventiveness in Zelda than has previously been shown in Link.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martens |first=Todd |date=2024-10-01 |title=Princess Zelda is the year's most butt-kicking childless cat lady |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2024-10-01/legend-zelda-echoes-wisdom-nintendo-video-game-review |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209032412/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2024-10-01/legend-zelda-echoes-wisdom-nintendo-video-game-review |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Analysis ===
In ''Destructoid,'' Timothy Monbleau wrote that while Zelda was mostly a plot device and a player goal in the first three ''Zelda'' games,  [[Yoshiaki Koizumi]]'s involvement in writing ''Link's Awakening'' caused a fundamental shift in the series by producing stronger storylines. He opined that by giving the female character [[Marin (Legend of Zelda)|Marin]] a more intimate relationship with Link, Koizumi effectively impacted Zelda's role in subsequent games by giving her a more active role in the  narrative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monbleau |first=Timothy |date=2023-05-13 |title=Link's big date in Link's Awakening marked a sea change in the franchise |url=https://www.destructoid.com/links-awakening-big-date-with-marin-opinion-nintendo/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119045517/https://www.destructoid.com/links-awakening-big-date-with-marin-opinion-nintendo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Brendan Main for ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' magazine commented that Zelda's alter-ego Sheik in ''Ocarina of Time'' broke the conventions of the character's role because "Sheik is everything Zelda is not". He commented that while Zelda's elegance and femininity had restricted her to being a captive, Sheik's ambiguous gender gave the character freedom, but noted that once Zelda is revealed to be Sheik, she is immediately returned to a captive again.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Main|first=Brendan|date=2009-10-06|title=Dude Looks Like a Lady|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/dude-looks-like-a-lady/|access-date=2021-10-24|website=The Escapist|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121165320/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/dude-looks-like-a-lady/|url-status=live}}</ref> Zelda's evolution from the "princess in peril" was noted by Kyle Hilliard of ''[[Game Informer]]'' who commented that in most games she is simply a goal for the player to acquire, but in more recent titles she has grown into a more fleshed-out character.<ref name=":12" /> Jason Guisao of ''Game Informer'' said that although Zelda has the potential to be equal to Link, "Nintendo is attached to tired scenarios where she is captured or immobilized". He opined that she had been sidelined in ''Breath of the Wild'' and should instead be leading a new era of fully integrated co-operative play.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|last=Guisao|first=Jason|title=The Legend Of Zelda: The Princess Deserves Her Own Game|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2021/07/16/the-legend-of-zelda-the-princess-deserves-her-own-game|access-date=2021-10-24|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160603/https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2021/07/16/the-legend-of-zelda-the-princess-deserves-her-own-game|url-status=live}}</ref> Jacob Kastrenakes for ''[[The Verge]]'' opined that switching Link's and Zelda's roles could be possible without requiring Link to be absent, but highlighted that Aonuma confirmed that this idea had been rejected.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kastrenakes|first=Jacob|date=2016-06-14|title=Nintendo offers really stupid reasons why you can't play as a woman in The Legend of Zelda|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/6/14/11939552/nintendo-has-dumb-reasons-for-not-making-a-link-a-woman|access-date=2021-10-26|website=[[The Verge]]|language=en|archive-date=2023-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602172322/https://www.theverge.com/2016/6/14/11939552/nintendo-has-dumb-reasons-for-not-making-a-link-a-woman|url-status=live}}</ref> Sara Gitkos of ''iMore'' opined that Zelda deserved her own game due to being "a scholar, a leader, and a fierce princess who takes charge of her own destiny".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gitkos |first=Sara |date=2021-02-18 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Why she should be the hero |url=https://www.imore.com/legend-zelda-why-she-should-be-hero |access-date=2021-10-24 |website=iMore |archive-date=2023-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404114938/https://www.imore.com/legend-zelda-why-she-should-be-hero |url-status=live }}</ref> Jay Castello writing for ''Polygon'' described the ending of ''Tears of the Kingdom'' as a tragedy for perpetuating the status quo of Zelda's repetitive role in the series, commenting that the gendered elements "appear to skate by simply because this has been going on so long that mentioning them feels blasé".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castello |first=Jay |date=2023-07-22 |title=Tears of the Kingdom's ending is its own kind of tragedy |url=https://www.polygon.com/legend-zelda-tears-kingdom/23802993/loz-totk-ending-zelda-dragon-master-sword-ganondorf |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723015844/https://www.polygon.com/legend-zelda-tears-kingdom/23802993/loz-totk-ending-zelda-dragon-master-sword-ganondorf |url-status=live }}</ref> Heather Wald of ''GamesRadar+'' highlighted that ''Tears of the Kingdom'' had reignited the longstanding debate about the possibility of Zelda becoming a [[playable character]] in the series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wald |first=Heather |date=2023-04-14 |title=We only need to know one thing after the final Tears of the Kingdom trailer - can we play as Zelda? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/we-only-need-to-know-one-thing-after-the-final-tears-of-the-kingdom-trailer-can-we-play-as-zelda/ |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |language=en |archive-date=2023-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417173851/https://www.gamesradar.com/we-only-need-to-know-one-thing-after-the-final-tears-of-the-kingdom-trailer-can-we-play-as-zelda/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[NME]]'' writer Ali Shutler said it was a "bold move forward" by finally making Zelda a playable character in ''Echoes of Wisdom'' and praised her capabilities of exploring dungeons and fighting bosses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shutler |first=Ali |date=2024-09-06 |title='Echoes Of Wisdom' is another bold step forward for Zelda |url=https://www.nme.com/features/gaming-features/the-legend-of-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-3789185 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=2024-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203235225/https://www.nme.com/features/gaming-features/the-legend-of-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-3789185 |url-status=live }}</ref> Liv Ngan of ''GamesRadar+'' described the game as "bittersweet disappointment" after finding that Zelda had to step aside to make way for Link in the final battle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ngan |first=Liv |date=2024-12-21 |title=2024 was the year The Legend of Zelda lived up to its name, and the result was a bit like mixing rock salt and floral nectar |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda/2024-was-the-year-the-legend-of-zelda-lived-up-to-its-name-and-the-result-was-a-bit-like-mixing-rock-salt-and-floral-nectar/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=2024-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221123733/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda/2024-was-the-year-the-legend-of-zelda-lived-up-to-its-name-and-the-result-was-a-bit-like-mixing-rock-salt-and-floral-nectar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ashley Bardhan of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' commented that Nintendo was finally recognising the female characters in its franchises and that the game redefines the role of the Nintendo princess by giving Zelda the ability to save herself.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bardhan |first=Ashley |date=2024-09-27 |title=Nintendo Is Finally Letting Its Princesses Be People |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/zelda-princess-peach-nintendo-women-1235110692/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109023601/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/zelda-princess-peach-nintendo-women-1235110692/ |url-status=live }}</ref>