Fire Emblem Direct

Nintendo aired its Fire Emblem Direct today, presenting news and updates on its franchise. WIth the Nintendo Switch Conference not even a week in the past, Nintendo gears up to give insight to what it has in store for its popular tactics RPG series. It announced two Fire Emblem games for Nintendo Switch, a new entry for 3DS, and gave a first-look at the new Fire Emblem smartphone game.

The Direct opened with an illustrated reintroduction of Fire Emblem, giving the backstory of sibling gods Duma and Mila and the clash between them that divided Valentia. This was the setup of what Nintendo announced as Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, a reimagining of Fire Emblem Gaiden from Famicon on the new 3DS title. Dual protagonists Alm and Celica will join others locked in the tragic war dividing the continent. The game has classic Fire Emblem tactical fights paired with explorations outside of battles. The title is coming to the Nintendo 3DS on May 19, 2017.

Amiibo figures for Alm and Celica will also be available as a 2-pack May 19.

Fire Emblem: Warriors was also introduced. Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors crosses over with Fire Emblem in this entry for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch. It arrives Fall 2017.

Later, Nintendo announced another brand new Fire Emblem for Nintendo Switch. It will mark the series’ first return to consoles with a full game since 2008’s Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn. No other details were given other than it’s release window, which is slated for 2018.

The mobile entry was confirmed as Fire Emblem Heroes. Nintendo promised strategic battles on the go with Fire Emblem characters from previous games. Each map is designed to fit on a smartphone, and actions and menus use simple touch controls. Characters will have attributes with different colors, presenting the signature weapon triangle system. You can summon heroes to be your allies with orbs that you can achieve while playing or through in-game purchases. Heroes can be leveled up in combat in the main quest or through the Training Tower feature. New skills, improved star ratings, and higher stats will help strengthen heroes. Battles are timed, and you can acquire new heroes by defeating those in battle.

Fire Emblem Heroes debuts February 2 on Google Play and soon on iPhone and iPad.

Nintendo has also opened a Fire Emblem Heroes website where fans can “Choose Your Legends.” Browse through characters through the franchise and vote for the ones you’d like to see appear in Heroes. The hero and heroine with the most votes will be featured in the game. Nintendo account holders receive a platinum point bonus for voting.

The full Fire Emblem Direct streamed live on Nintendo’s YouTube channel, but can still be viewed below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YstgofOhG_w