While Fire Emblem has become one of this generations staple franchises for Nintendo, this was not always the case. Many long-time gamers were first introduced to Marth in Super Smash Bros. Melee on the GameCube, with no way to access the game he was first introduced to Japanese gamers in. From early-December 2020 this is set to change, with Nintendo announcing that the 8-bit Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light will be localised and released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on 4 December 2020.
The very first chapter in the Fire Emblem franchise which planted the seed for a series which spans three decades of content, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light follows the adventures of Prince Marth. Throughout Marth’s perilous journey, players can shape their armies to execute a range of strategies by carefully selecting from dozens of characters with unique attributes that can turn the tide of every battlefield skirmish. Will Marth be able to acquire the sacred Falchion sword and obtain the mystical Fire Emblem on his epic expedition to restore peace to the Kingdom of Archanea?
The new release for the Nintendo Switch is more a port than a remake or remaster of the original release. For the first time in its history however, it will feature English language localisation. Other features include the ability to rewind, fast forward and retain save states.
In the same vein as the Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary celebrations, Nintendo has made the unusual decision to offer this release for a limited time. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light will be available via the Nintendo eShop priced at AU$9.00 / NZ$9.99 until 31 March 2021 only.
For super fans of the Fire Emblem franchise, you may wish to head down to your local EB Games Australia store and pre-order the physical Fire Emblem 30th Anniversary Edition. This collector’s edition of the game will include a nostalgic, stylised physical NES box and a replica NES Game Pak art piece with a protective sleeve that transports owners to the era of the original game’s release.
The collector’s edition also includes a colourful, 222-page Legacy of Archanea deluxe hardbound art book and a game download code. It will be accompanied by an NES instruction manual, newly localised from the original Famicom release, along with a fold-out world map and a Mini Nintendo Power retro collectible.
