Many people had some issues with Fire Emblem Fates’ localization, handled in house by Nintendo’s own Treehouse. While I felt the game was enjoyable in its own right there were certainly some alterations and changes that could have been handled a bit differently, and more tellingly the spark that lit up nearly every inch of its immediate predecessor, Fire Emblem Awakening, wasn’t as present in the script.
Unlike Fates, Awakening’s localization was a joint effort between Nintendo and 8-4, an independent company that handles plenty of titles on Nintendo platforms and beyond. Anyone concerned about the upcoming Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia’s own localization may be able to rest a little easier depending on their preferences, as 8-4 will be returning to work on the game. The news comes from a recent Twitter exchange featuring company co-founder John Ricciardi.
@theprinceofiris Yep! Hope you like it!
— John Ricciardi 花見準備 (@johntv) March 15, 2017
Other localizations they’ve done include Xenoblade Chronicles X, both Azure Striker Gunvolt games, NieR: Automata and Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon back on the DS. With the added polish in nearly every area of Echoes’ presentation, the fact the script’s going to be in the hands of 8-4 is only more good news for what’s set to be one of my must-have games of the year.
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Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
