Fire Emblem : Ch-Ch-Ch-Changing

Nintendo recently shared some updates on the upcoming 3DS game Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. This new entry is a remake of the 1992 release Fire Emblem Gaiden.

At this years PAX East, Nintendo gave a good look at the upcoming game ahead of its May 19th release date. The preview offered some insight into the upcoming remake and its major new features. New to the series is a world map structure that allows player to have more freedom in their mission selection.

One of the biggest new additions fans will find on the world map are dungeons. These introduce a new look for the game by abandoning the over the top camera and having the perspective switch to 3rd person. Much like a traditional RPG dungeon, these explorable areas offer destructible objects and treasure chests that contain items and gold. Enemies of course wander the dungeons and when engaged, the fight will occur much like a traditional Fire Emblem fight. Players can attack enemies before the fight to gain an upper hand, this also works for the enemy if they manage to hit the character before a fight. Dungeons behave like a side mission with access to your squad and abilities and the opportunity to fight multiple enemies.

Another big departure from the traditional Fire Emblem structure is the introduction of pre-set main characters. Instead of designing their own characters players, will switch between two protagonists, Cecilia and Alm. Both have an overarching objective of saving their country but their approach is very different. Because of these differences players will be able to swap between two whenever they want or forced swapped at specific points in the story. Echoes is also noteworthy for being the first game to have full voice acting for all the characters.

Poor Mages

Some changes to the units themselves will also be making their way to the game. Archers can now counter attack from only one tile away, making them more viable for fans of an aggressive strategy. Opposite to the archer buff, mages are being nerfed in a serious way, now when casting spells this popular unit will have to expend a portion of their health bar.

Weapon durability will also not be included in Fire Emblem Echoes after being taken out of Fire Emblem Fates. The game is also sticking true to its source material by not including a support system or a weapon triangle, but the developer assures that there will still be a way to gain an advantage.