Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
Preview
Fire Emblem makes its DS debut.
by Professor Layton
previewed on NDS
And the Sword of Light
It’s been nineteen years since this game was first released. Since then, the franchise has evolved and improved on numerous concepts. One of these new features is the weapon triangle, which was absent from the original, as well as some new class types. In the remake, there’ll be over twenty character classes ranging from armoured knights to airborne Pegasus knights.
Following with past games in the series, Fire Emblem DS provides players with an opportunity to select a difficulty level before starting the game. Be warned, though, normal may be the easiest mode that appears but at heart, it can get pretty brutal. The bulk of Fire Emblem DS is broken up into chapters in which you can save your progress only after completing it. You can however save during a chapter using the new “Save Point” feature. In general, save points are usually located before a boss fight or before a dangerous event. Each Save Point can only be used once, despite being able to reload data there as long as the save file isn’t overwritten.
Getting in Touch
Thanks to the DS’ touchscreen, Fire Emblem DS allows players to control the battle by using touch-based controls. Tap the character you want to move, and then drag a line to the square you wish to move to. Upon arrival, three options will appear; attack, wait, and item. After selecting which one you want to do, the character’s turn will end.
Plot Summary
Like previous entries in the series, Fire Emblem DS contains a massive amount of text and with that, an intriguing story. In a nutshell, Fire Emblem DS tells the story of how the continent of Akanea was invaded by the Doluan Kingdom. Leading the invasion was the Shadow Dragon, Medus. Anri, a youth from Altea, equipped with the Falchion Sword, destroyed the Shadow Dragon, and returned peace to the land. 100 years later though, Medus is resurrected. Joining forces with the Demon King, Garnef, they launched another attack on Akanea. Cornelius, the king of Altea and successor of Anri, left to battle the monsters, equipped with the Falchion Sword.
Staying in Japan?
Seeing as Fire Emblem games released in the past five years have managed to make their way overseas, it really shouldn’t be a surprise if this Fire Emblem managed to see a worldwide release. A hint is provided by the fact that the German USK board has already rated the game, hinting also that the English name could be Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon. Combining great gameplay that Fire Emblem veterans have come to love with the DS’ innovative abilities and you got yourself one awesome game. The Japanese have already experienced Fire Emblem DS, and by the sounds of things, it doesn’t disappoint.
