This time, it's not just Link who is the last line of defense.

In Echoes of Wisdom, Nintendo's latest installment in the Legend of Zelda series available for Switch, Princess Zelda is no longer just part of lore or the lady Link must save.

The video game, which Nintendo confirmed is a mainline entry in the long-running series, is the first one to focus on Zelda, allowing players to control the titular princess instead of the usual hero of the series.

Echoes was unveiled in a surprising announcement in Nintendo's Direct showcase in June. There is also a Hyrule edition of the Nintendo Switch Lite releasing this week, tied to the new game.

What is Echoes of Wisdom about?

It's just another day of unrest, monsters and mayhem in Hyrule.

Rifts are opening up around the kingdom, with people being "stolen away" by the eerie openings. With Link also missing after a face-off with perpetual villain Ganon, Princess Zelda takes up the hero's mantle (literally − she dons Link's hood) and sets off to save her kingdom.

Of course, the task isn't simple. Zelda faces challenges such as escaping from jail, learning to fight a variety of foes and solving puzzles. She must also venture into the "still world" of the rifts to free those stolen and restore villages.

More:The 8 best video games of 2024 (so far)

Armed with a Tri Rod − and a new fairylike sidekick, Tri − Zelda investigates the strange happenings. The Tri Rod allows the princess to create "echoes," or copies of objects, such as tables or beds. She can even copy enemies she comes across to help her in battle or navigate an area.

Legends and lore

The return to Hyrule in Echoes, with the game releasing a little over a year after the bestselling Tears of the Kingdom, may have been unexpected, but is certainly welcome. And the focus on Zelda is a long-awaited shift.

But is a rod mightier than the Master Sword? Zelda actually does wind up wielding a sword and more in her "Swordfighter form," as was revealed in a trailer a couple of weeks before the game's release. The Swordfighter abilities and the echoes really are the best of both worlds, as the Tri Rod is relatively overpowered and fun to experiment with.

Those who found themselves overwhelmed or intimidated by the sheer breadth of, well, Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom shouldn't be quick to shy away from Echoes. It's a straightforward game with a lot to enjoy.

Echoes has a charming cartoon-like styling, similar to the Link's Awakening 2019 remake for Switch, with some mechanics reminiscent of Breath of the Wild (2017) and its sequel, Tears.

There are some familiar faces, places and even tunes in Echoes − as is true of many Legend of Zelda games − but there's a lot that's new around Hyrule for Zelda's adventure.

The game is relatively linear, which those who have played Breath of the Wild and Tears may find restricting at times, but fans who have had more experience with Zelda games shouldn't be too surprised by. Between fetching items, speaking with villagers, receiving (optional!) side quests and trekking through dungeons, there is plenty to explore, though more to discover certainly would have been welcome.

The dungeons in Echoes start simply and grow longer − though not more complicated − as the game continues. It's a return to the more familiar format of dungeons in older Legend of Zelda games, as if the developers were listening to some of the criticisms of the relative lack of dungeons for temples in Breath of the Wild and Tears.

Some puzzles or areas are very specific, some test your stealth game abilities, but pretty much all of them are open to anything you can think of to get past or solve. If at first you don't succeed, try Tri again.

More:7 best cozy games to check out now on Nintendo Switch, including 'Endless Ocean Luminous'

Echoes does share a couple of issues with Tears: Too often, rewards don't quite match the work they take to achieve, and some tasks require repetition in a way that feels more shoehorned in than intentional.

Unique to Echoes, it would be great to see more for our title princess to take on. She has proved she has the power, courage and wisdom and deserves an epic saga to go with. Echoes is a pretty fine start, though.

After all, Echoes of Wisdom is a reminder of some of the best parts of The Legend of Zelda games: fun puzzles, moving music, fascinating lore and an all-around sweet story. Hopefully it's the first of many for the princess.

Recommendations are independently chosen by USA TODAY editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.