Fire Emblem Direct Recap: Fire Emblem Heroes, Echoes, and Warriors Announced for Nintendo Fans

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Published on: January 18, 2017

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Nintendo’s latest Fire Emblem Direct delivered a host of major announcements for fans of the beloved tactical RPG series, with new games spanning the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, and mobile devices.

The presentation provided significant updates for long-time followers as well as newcomers, confirming a continued commitment to supporting the Fire Emblem franchise across multiple platforms. One of the headline announcements was the reveal of Fire Emblem Heroes, marking the debut of the franchise on smart devices.

Fire Emblem Heroes will be available for both iOS and Android platforms, and centers on summoning classic heroes from throughout the series history.

According to information shared during the stream, gameplay will feature an accessible tactical grid format, with each map designed as an 8×9 grid and gameplay reminiscent of traditional Fire Emblem battles.

Players will assume the role of a summoner, calling upon legendary characters such as Marth, Roy, and others. Distinctive features of Fire Emblem Heroes include a simplified version of the series’ weapon triangle system, now enhanced by intuitive color-coding for ease of play.

The game also features heroes that are both voiced and illustrated by a variety of artists, offering a fresh visual and auditory experience for fans.

Notably, Nintendo confirmed the presence of microtransactions, allowing players to purchase orbs used to summon new heroes, a model similar to many successful mobile strategy titles. Nintendo unveiled a new website dedicated to Fire Emblem Heroes, where fans can participate in voting for their favorite characters to appear in upcoming in-game events.

Integration with the My Nintendo program means members can earn Platinum Points for casting votes, further connecting Nintendo’s ecosystem. Regarding the Switch and 3DS platforms, Nintendo delivered several exciting updates.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia was officially announced for the Nintendo 3DS.

Inspired by the Famicom title Fire Emblem Gaiden—previously only available in Japan—Echoes promises to modernize classic gameplay and story elements for a new generation.

Echoes is scheduled to launch on May 19, 2017, expanding the robust library of the 3DS.

Complementing the launch, Nintendo will release new Fire Emblem amiibo figures, offering additional content and features for collectors and players alike. Switch enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that a new mainline Fire Emblem title is now in development for Nintendo’s latest console, with a targeted release window in 2018.

Meanwhile, the crossover action title Fire Emblem Warriors is set to release in Fall 2017 for both Nintendo Switch and the New Nintendo 3DS family, blending the tactical universe with the fast-paced mechanics fans have come to expect from the Warriors series. With these announcements, Nintendo continues to reinforce Fire Emblem as a central pillar in its portfolio, embracing both established hardware like the 3DS and new frontiers like mobile gaming and the Nintendo Switch.

For further updates, visit the official Fire Emblem Heroes website or the Nintendo eShop for new releases.

Nintendo Fire Emblem Heroes Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Fire Emblem Warriors Nintendo Switch 3DS My Nintendo amiibo

Fire Emblem Direct live blog and stream