Fire emblem
| Fire emblem | |
|---|---|
| Original title | フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム |
| transcription | Faiā Emuburemu |
| developer | Intelligent Systems |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Designer | Shōzō Kaga |
| First title | Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990) |
| Last title | Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) |
| Platform (s) | NES , SNES , Game Boy Advance , GameCube , Wii , Nintendo DS , Nintendo 3DS , Nintendo Switch , Android , iOS |
| Genre (s) | Strategy RPG |
Fire Emblem ( Japanese フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム , Faiā Emuburemu ) is the generic term for a coherent series of strategic role-playing games for various video game systems that have been around since 1990 and for which new titles have been released to this day. The individual parts are developed by the Japanese Nintendo studio Intelligent Systems . Shōzō Kaga was originally responsible for many parts of the series as the main designer, but he founded his own company in 2001 and has not been involved in the development of any new Fire Emblem publications since. Yuka Tsujiyoko is responsible for the musical background of almost all games in this series .
So far, the series has consisted of 16 different titles, almost all of which have only appeared on one system and have not been ported to other systems. The only exception to this are implementations for the Virtual Console , an online service for the Nintendo Wii in which older Super Nintendo titles can be downloaded for a fee . In the English-speaking world, games of this series have only been published since 2002, until then all parts were only published in Japan, where the games had a very strong influence on gaming culture. Developments and releases have so far been made for the NES (2 parts), the Super Nintendo (4 parts, one of which is only available via satellite view ), the Game Boy Advance (3 parts), the Nintendo GameCube (1 part), the Nintendo Wii (1 Part), the Nintendo DS (2 parts), the Nintendo 3DS (5 parts), the Nintendo Switch (1 part) and for iOS and Android (1 part).
The chronological order of the individual parts is not tied to the order of publication, in the English-speaking countries due to the large gaps in the publications, in Japanese due to the remakes contained in the series and extended versions that appeared in between. Likewise, there is no continuous connection of all parts through recurring characters or locations, instead there are small cycles (two to three games long, presented as prehistory or events afterwards) that relate to each other, otherwise each part is in a different time and settled in another location. Since the majority of the games never appeared outside of Japan, but were very popular with the players, there is a large number of fan projects for unofficial translation into English, which, however, were often discontinued during the project phase.
Gameplay
The basis for this series of games was Famicon Wars , a turn-based military strategy game for the Famicom , which had been developed a year earlier by Intelligent Systems . Building on this game, the most important mechanics and decisions for Fire Emblem were adopted and adapted to the fantasy setting. The player himself represents a kind of military advisor / strategist who makes decisions for a group of individual characters. Most of the game is shown in a plan view of a map divided into square fields, in which the fights and sometimes smaller actions take place. The underlying story and the background of the respective game are told in cutscenes, often only represented by simple conversations between the characters in the game and small animations. Sometimes free travel is possible between the fixed fights, which allows additional options in equipment and story development. Due to the partly literary narrative style, the games are often divided into individual chapters, which separate certain focal points or levels of action from one another.
The characters that can be controlled during the game are each individual people, often introduced into the game with a small background, and built around one or more main characters of the game. Especially in later parts, there is a compulsion to decide between several possible alternatives when recruiting as well as the existence of hidden, i.e. significantly more difficult to find colleagues. Each of these characters has a class that illustrates their behavior during combat. In addition to classic fantasy roles such as fighters, magicians or healers, mythological backgrounds (pegasi, falcon men) are also represented. Depending on their role in combat, a certain affinity for different branches of weapon is given, which plays an important role in the combat system of the Fire Emblem series. Outside of combat, the main task of the player is usually the equipment and further development of his currently controlled characters. Particular attention is paid to further development (referred to in the game as promoting). Depending on the specific game, there are different requirements, after which you can be promoted (sometimes with the choice of which subsequent class you want to take on), which leads to a strong improvement in the character in terms of play.
Combat system
In the battles, which are fought on a round-based basis on a chessboard-like field, you control the companions currently belonging to your own group. Depending on the size of the group and the specifications of the map, it may be necessary to select the participating figures beforehand, which enables tactical decisions. Each figure can be moved independently of the others, their playful values and their class determine the concrete options available for movement and fighting. The map on which the confrontations take place has an influence through different types of terrain, which can affect different characters differently, and the presence of objects such as villages, temples or other points that allow additional interaction. The objectives of the individual fights are usually the victory over the opponent and the protection of the main character. Especially in later parts there is more variety in the mission specification, ranging from protecting certain objects or units, surviving or winning a certain time, eliminating certain opponents or reaching certain points.
Combative arguments between two characters are shown in a simple animation with a side view of the fighters involved. In addition to the usual influences on these fights such as the level of the fighter, their values and their class, a very strong focus is placed on the type of weapon being wielded. There is a stone, scissors, and paper system with three basic branches of weapon, sword, ax and lance. Each of these genera is strong against one of the others and weak against the other; they are equal to each other. In later parts, this system is also applied to the magicians, and alternative weapons are also offered that can circumvent the classic principle. In ranged combat, this system is implemented with the inclusion of certain classes (flying units) that are particularly susceptible to it. If a character dies in combat, that death is final and irreversible.
An additional aspect, especially in later parts, is the relationship system that exists in various Fire Emblem games. Different characters have the opportunity to build a deeper bond with each other through conversations or joint fights, which unlocks additional bonuses in fights and can influence the game plot. Relationships between same-sex characters in the form of friendship, admiration or allegiance are possible, as well as between different-sex characters, where romance can come in addition to the forms already mentioned. Also to be found especially in later parts is a further development of the individual character skills through their use or the learning of new skills through special objects. Restrictions on the usability of weapons are also not always there. These often have a certain shelf life, after which they break and can no longer be used.
Publications
Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light
- Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 暗 黒 竜 と 光 の 剣 , Faiā Emuburemu: Ankoku Ryū to Hikari no Tsurugi , dt. "Fire Emblem: The Shadow Dragon and the Sword of Light") was launched on April 20th Published in Japan in 1990 for the NES. In this first game, many of the mechanics that would later become standard are absent. The interplay between the types of weapons is missing, as is the possibility of transporting many figures, and object management and figure control are still very cumbersome. The plot of the game revolves around Marth, a prince of Altea who is looking for a magical sword and the Fire Emblem to free his sister Ellis. This was kidnapped by the dark priest Garnef, who does everything in his power to awaken the shadow dragon Medeus.
Gaiden
- In 1992 Fire Emblem Gaiden ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 外 伝 , Faiā Emuburemu Gaiden , German "Fire Emblem subplots") was published again for the NES. This game is an expansion of the first part, but this only becomes clear due to the common world and individual recurring characters. In terms of play, there have been significant enhancements, various promotion options have been introduced for almost all classes, the magic system has been made more accessible for the player and free movement on a map has been made possible between fights. This time the plot revolves around two friends since childhood, Alm and Celica, and the experiences of their youth. During the game it is gradually revealed that both of them are the descendants of the rulers of two countries.
Mystery of the Emblem
- The first part for the Super Nintendo was 1994 with Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 紋章 の 謎 , Faiā Emuburemu: Monshō no Nazo , dt. "Fire Emblem: The riddle of the coat of arms") as the first 24-Mbit module ever published for this system. Divided into two separate books, it is by and large a remake of the first part, to which a sequel in the form of the further narration of the events was attached. In this expansion you follow Marth again, who after his victories against Garnef and Medeus is exposed to new dangers and ultimately to the persecution of former allies, who detour him during his search for the parts of the Star Orbs and later the Light Orbs Lead main opponents of the first part. In terms of play, there were only minor innovations, most noticeably the possibility (and sometimes also a necessity) for mounted units to fight on foot. This title has been available for the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console since 2006 .
- In 1996 it was adapted as a 2-part original video animation (OVA) by Studio Fantasia .
Genealogy of the Holy War
- Two years later Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 聖 戦 の 系譜 , Faiā Emuburemu: Seisen no Keifu , dt. "Fire Emblem: The Family Tree of the Holy Wars") was completed for the Super Nintendo. It was the first game in the series, which was set in a completely new environment, and offered several special features that are only partially present in other parts. In addition to the first appearance of the weapon system, which makes the strengths and weaknesses of individual weapon types against each other an important strategic aspect of the game, the novel system is introduced for the first time. In this game it is important for the game development that you accompany two generations of characters, in which the development of the second generation can be influenced by the formation of pairings within the first generation. This happens on the one hand through the passing on of inherited family weapons, and on the other hand through special, class-dependent skills, which appear for the first time in a Fire Emblem part and which can also be inherited. Rather unusual for the series is the decision to allow people to be resuscitated, to allow weapons to be repaired and to prevent any transfer of items between the characters. This title has been available for the Wii's Virtual Console since 2007.
Thracia 776
- The last part for the Super Nintendo, Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム ト ラ キ ア 776 , Faiā Emuburemu: Thracia 776 , German "Fire Emblem: Thracia 776") was first released in 1999 as part of the Nintendo Power Distribution . These were empty, writable modules for the Super Nintendo and the Game Boy , which could be populated with a selection of games in certain shops. A free-for-sale version was released in 2000 and was one of the last titles officially released for Super Nintendo. The game itself begins towards the end of Genealogy of the Holy War and depicts a parallel plot about Prince Leif who wants to restore his kingdom. Significantly improved graphically, this part once again introduced new game elements into the series. The fog of war was used for the first time, which could be influenced with the help of torches and magic, and there was also a war fatigue that accumulated when one and the same figure was used frequently, so that when a certain limit was reached it would not be in the next Combat could be used. In the battles themselves you could now capture and rob opposing figures and save certain of your own figures by picking them up like an object. The game has been available for the Virtual Console since 2008.
The binding blade
- 2002 Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade ( ファイアーエムブレム封印の剣, FAIA Emuburemu: Fuin no Tsurugi , dt "Fire Emblem: Seal sword.", Originally called ファイアーエムブレム暗闇の巫女, FAIA Emuburemu: Ankoku no Miko , dt. " Fire Emblem: Die Miko der Dunkelheit ”), published for the Game Boy Advance (GBA). Again there is a new environment in which the events take place and a new series of characters around which the plot is built. In this part you mainly pursue Roy, who was originally only supposed to lead an army against the invasion from the Kingdom of Bern under the command of Zephiel, but in the course of history he has to bear more and more responsibility. There are no major innovations in terms of play.
The Blazing Blade
- A year later, Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 烈火 の 剣 , Faiā Emuburemu: Rekka no Ken , dt. "Fire Emblem: The sword of the blazing flame") was the next part. In terms of content, this part is a predecessor of the first GBA title and takes place around 20 years earlier. You follow the experiences of three main characters, Lyn, Eliwood and Hector, in two separate main storylines, which later unite and at the end lead to the requirements for the subsequent game. The main objective of the game is to prevent the opening of the dragon gate, an access to the world of dragons, in order to protect the home of the protagonists. As you play through, more game options are unlocked, an innovation in the series that is already known from other games. This title was the first part officially published outside of Japan.
The Sacred Stones
- The final part for the GBA was published in 2004. In Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 聖 魔 の 光 石 , Faiā Emuburemu: Seima no Kōseki , dt. About: "Fire Emblem: The holy-demonic light stones") there is a change of the place of action once again. You follow the events of Ephraim and Eirika, two heirs to the throne, whose storylines later merge, as in earlier games. If the story initially revolves around an enemy invasion and a lost prince, later you fight to preserve the sacred stones that protect the world from the demon kings. Elements from earlier games are used in a playful way, so for a long time you have once again found a freely accessible map of the world, and there is again a choice between various transport options. In addition, there is now a basic class before the first real class, which can best be described as an apprentice class, and enables accelerated development.
- Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones was released on December 16, 2011 in the eShop of the Nintendo 3DS mobile console , where it can be downloaded free of charge for first-time buyers as part of the so-called ambassador program . First-time buyers will be compensated because of the sharp price reduction of the handheld in mid-August 2011 by providing them with 20 NES and GBA games free of charge. A Virtual Console version for the Nintendo Wii U was released in Japan on August 6, 2014 and in Europe on January 1, 2015.
Path of Radiance
- With the switch to the Nintendo GameCube (GC), the next title in the series was released in 2005, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 蒼 炎 の 軌跡 , Faiā Emuburemu: Sōen no Kiseki , dt. "Fire Emblem: The remains of the blue flame "). This is the first title that deviates from the previously used plan view, and uses a three-dimensional representation as known from Final Fantasy Tactics . The three-dimensional maps have no influence on the fights themselves, but only serve to loosen up the look. The cutscenes and dialogues were also adapted to the possibilities of the new technology, and replaced by FMVs and fully spoken texts (only in the Japanese version). The system change in turn resulted in a change of location. You follow Ike, the son of a mercenary leader, and the arguments that such a life entails. Ike tries to find and catch his father's murderer and to stop the war that was started by the neighboring state of Daein. For the first time in the series, the change of location also brings with it non-human playable beings, the laguz, a race of shapeshifters who can take the form of animals. Here, too, the strength / weakness system was taken into account and implemented through the vulnerability to certain elements. Innovations in the game system include, among other things, the now automatic transport without player influence, the introduction of an additional experience system and the weapon smithing.
Radiant Dawn
- In 2007, after another system change to the Wii Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 暁 の 女神 , Faiā Emuburemu: Akatsuki no Megami , dt. "Fire Emblem: The Goddess of the Dawn") was published. It is the continuation of the GC title with the reappearance of most of the characters and locations. For the first time you could import your figures from the predecessor with the help of a save status, which opened up additional possibilities. This time, the height differences in the three-dimensional maps also play a role, and a storage option in the middle of a battle has been introduced. In terms of content, you follow the actions of different characters, starting with the two rebel leaders Micaiah and Sothe, who develop differently in the course of the game, later Ike also joins in from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and also becomes a main character. For the first time in the series, they can also compete against each other. Also new is the fact that during the game you play with characters that you have defeated before.
Shadow dragon
- Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 新 ・ 暗 黒 竜 と 光 の 剣 , Faiā Emuburemu: Shin Ankoku Ryū to Hikari no Ken , dt. "Fire Emblem: The new 'The Shadow Dragon and the Sword of Light'") is another one Remake of the 1st part and was released for the DS in 2008. It is a remake of the very first part of the series, which has been expanded to include the mechanics present in current parts of the series, such as the weapon system and free promotions. For the first time in the series, multiplayer games are possible through the use of the WLAN connection; these are fights between two groups of opponents among the players.
New Mystery of the Emblem
- Also the direct sequel to Shadow Dragon, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 新 ・ 紋章 の 謎 ～ 光 と 影 の 英雄 ～ , Faiā Emuburemu: Shin Monshō no Nazo: Hikari to Kage no Eiyū ) appeared for the DS exclusively for the DS in Japan. It is a remake of the first Super Nintendo title in the series. The Satellaview missions are also available for download.
Awakening
- Fire Emblem: Awakening ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 覚 醒 , Faiā Emuburemu: Kakusei , Eng . "Fire Emblem: Awakening") was released on April 19, 2012 in Japan for the 3DS mobile console, on February 4, 2013 in the USA and on April 19, 2013 in Europe. The game supports the StreetPass function of the 3DS, in which two 3DS owners can trade items with each other in the game or compete for each other's characters, as well as the Spotpass function of the 3DS, in which data is received via a wireless Internet connection, that offer additional game content. There is also a two -player co-op mode in which two players can compete together.
Fates: Reign, Legacy and Revelation
- Fire Emblem Fates ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム ｉｆ , Faiā Emuburemu if ) for the 3DS was announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation on January 14, 2015 . It was released on June 25, 2015, and outside of Japan in 2016. There will be two versions of the game in Japan and the US. After initially assuming that there would only be one version of the game in Europe, Nintendo announced in early November 2015 that there would be two games called Fates: Reign and Fates: Legacy . There will also be a DLC called Fates: Revelation .
- The titles Fates: Rule and Fates: Legacy in Europe were published on May 20, 2016 . The corresponding DLC has been available for download since June 9, 2016. Since the Fates series it has been possible to use amiibo in the game.
Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
- Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム Echoes も う ひ と り の 英雄 王 ) is a remake of the 2nd part of the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem Gaiden . It was released in Japan on April 20, 2017 and in Europe and North America on May 19, 2017.
Three Houses
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses ( フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム 風花雪月 , Faiā Emuburemu Fūkasetsugetsu , German for "Fire Emblem: Four Seasons") was first announced at E3 2018. The game was developed by Intelligent Systems and was released on July 26, 2019 for the Nintendo Switch . The game itself is about Byleth (renamed) who has visions of Sothis and later becomes a professor at an academy. There are also 3 factions that you can join. The decision determines the course of the game.
Offshoot
Akaneia Senki
- The four chapters of the 1997 BS Fire Emblem: Akaneia Senki ( BS フ ァ イ ア ー エ ム ブ レ ム ア カ カ ネ イ ア 戦 記 , dt. "BS Fire Emblem: The Tale of the Akaneia Wars") were only available for the Super Nintendo via the Satellaview system, which is only available in Japan . . Set before Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light , much of the mechanics and characters were based on Mystery of the Emblem , without much reference to specific backgrounds. Each chapter was a single map with a very high level of difficulty, which was playable in a 3 hour window during the satellite view broadcast. The last broadcast before the service was discontinued was in April 1999. One of the special features of the game was the continuous spoken dialog, which was made possible via the streaming method of the satellite view, and the lack of a real ending on each card. Instead, the game continued until the end of the broadcast, the main aim of the game was to collect points that were available for various actions in the game. Since the Satellaview system no longer exists today, there is no longer any possibility to play this part in its original form, the few existing memory modules of this game do not have the streamed audio part.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE
- Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE is a role-playing computer game developed by Atlus and published by Nintendo . The game is a crossover of the Fire Emblem series and the Shin-Megami-Tensei series by Atlus and was released for the Wii U on December 26, 2015 in Japan and on June 24, 2016 in Europe . A version for the Nintendo Switch called Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE Encore is due to be released on January 17, 2020 and contains new content.
Fire Emblem Heroes
- Fire Emblem Heroes was released on February 2, 2017 for Android and iOS . The game was developed by Intelligent Systems and belongs to the genre of strategy role-playing games .
Fire Emblem Warriors
- Fire Emblem Warriors is a hack-and-slay game by Omega Force and Team Ninja, two divisions of Koei Tecmo . It will be released on October 20, 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and the New Nintendo 3DS . The gameplay is based on the Dynasty Warriors series by Koei , but its content is located in the Fire Emblem universe.
Unofficial offshoots
Shōzō Kaga , one of the main designers of the series, left Intelligent Systems in 2001 to start his own company, Tirnanog . One of the first games from this company was the TearRing Saga released in 2001 for the PlayStation , which has very strong similarities to the Fire Emblem series. A lawsuit brought by Nintendo against the publisher Enterbrain and Tirnanog ultimately led to a judgment after an initial failure, which obliged the creators of the TearRing saga to pay Nintendo 76 million yen without, as requested by the plaintiff, finding a copyright infringement could be. In 2005, a sequel to the controversial game called Berwick Saga was released for the Playstation 2 .
Fire Emblem in other media
In 1996, the two-part OVA Fire Emblem: Monshō no Nazo was published, which reproduce the first three cards of the game, but the series was not continued. Various mangas have also appeared in Japan for the various parts.
Two of the characters in the series (Marth and Roy) became particularly well known for their playable appearances in Super Smash Bros. Melee for the GC, which also contributed to the spread of the series outside of Japan. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii Marth and Ike are included in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and for Wii U are additionally Daraen, Lucina, and included later in the dlc Roy and Corrin, as there are some stages that originate from the Fire Emblem series. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate , Chrome and Byleth were added.
There was a trading card game for the series, which was published from 2001 to 2006 by NTT Shuppan, and for which a little more than a dozen expansions were made. It was characterized by a very complex gameplay and the retention of the basic game mechanics such as moving in a square grid, but was never released outside of Japan. In the published expansions, different parts of the series were covered without adhering to any particular order or game logic.
Over the course of the entire game series, the soundtracks of the games, most of which were created by Yuka Tsujiyoko, were released on CD. The range of publications ranges from originals to orchestrated versions, newly set and sung pieces to rearrangements and compositions not used in the game.
Remarks
- ↑ a b 剣 can be read as tsurugi or ken . In the first part, no reading was given for the title, but within the game (Chapter 14) the Kana are used for hikari no tsurugi . In the television commercials for the remake, however, the reading ken was used; but no reading mentioned within this game.
Web links
- Fire Emblem at MobyGames (English)
- Fire Emblem World at Nintendo (Japanese)
- Introductory video to the game series at Nintendo.co.uk
- Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon Review Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon Test on consolewars.de
- Fire Emblem Wiki (German)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Andreas Geyer: Nintendo 3DS: Free games for the ambassador program have been determined. In: Computer-Bild. December 15, 2011, accessed April 24, 2019 .
- ↑ Fire Emblem: Fates - Will only one version of the game be released in Europe? ( Memento from November 20, 2015 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ Fire Emblem Fates appears in Europe in two versions + DLC announced ( Memento from November 19, 2015 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ Fire Emblem Fates. In: Nintendo of Europe GmbH. Retrieved May 25, 2016 .
- ↑ Morgan Sleeper: Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Review (3DS). In: nintendolife. May 17, 2017, accessed June 11, 2019 .
- ↑ ntower.de: Some more details about Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑ Nintendo: Fire Emblem Three Houses - Official Game Trailer - Nintendo E3 2018 on YouTube , accessed on July 9, 2018 (E3 Trailer for Fire Emblem: Three Houses) (English)
- ↑ Niels Uphaus: Test of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE - Wii U. In: ntower. June 27, 2016, accessed June 11, 2019 .
- ↑ Adam Hurst Bank: Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore Announced for Nintendo switch. In: IGN. September 5, 2019, accessed December 19, 2019 .
- ^ Fire Emblem Heroes. Retrieved January 22, 2017 .
- ↑ Ilja Rodstein: Fire Emblem Warriors receives Day-One-Patch 1.1.0. In: ntower. October 20, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2019 .
