Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is set to bring the tactical series back into 3DS owners’ hands in just a few weeks. If you feel like you need a briefing on what the game has to offer, Nintendo’s launched the official website for the game in order to prepare us for the battles ahead.
The Overview section will fill you in on the story and characters of the game. With the kingdoms of Zofia and Rigel at each other’s throats there’s plenty of strife and turmoil brewing not just on the battlefield, but behind the scenes as well. You can meet Alm, Celica and the allies they’ll make across the game along with those that stand against them. The artwork on display really captures a different feel than the style more common to 3DS Fire Emblem games and deserves a look even from those not intrigued by the game’s plot just yet.
Curious about what might set this one apart from other Fire Emblem games? The Gameplay section’s for you. While the core of the game is what you’d expect and want from a Fire Emblem title, there’s plenty of twists to the formula that reflect just how different Fire Emblem Gaiden (the original version of Shadows of Valentia) was on the Famicom. You can learn about the game’s traversable dungeons, get a few hints on game mechanics, and even take a look at some of the classes on offer for you to use as they’ll appear in game.
The amiibo section goes over the features of the Alm and Celica amiibo launching alongside the game. We can’t recommend these ones enough for collectors, but if you’re just after what they bring to the game you’ll learn about summoning them as illusory heroes to assist you in battle, saving their strength to their corresponding figure, and even accessing exclusive dungeons. The other Fire Emblem amiibo will also have their own illusory heroes, so fans of Robin, Roy and all the others can have them fight beside you in some form. Even non-Fire Emblem amiibo have some use, being able to summon a monster ally to help you during battle. Just know all these forms of summoning will cost a bit of Alm or Celica’s health depending on who you’re playing as. Plan those carefully.
The last section covers the game’s DLC, including screenshots and pricing schemes. There’s a lot to take in, but the various packs will bring you more maps, more classes, more chances for gold and experience, and even a special prologue story. Buying them all together will save you a bit of money, or you can choose each piece individually to get exactly what you want, if you want. There’ll also be free DLC gifts for all players, so even if you’re not out to spend more definitely check into the DLC menu every now and then when the game releases.
There’s a lot to look at on the website in terms of art, videos and information. I definitely suggest having a go yourself if you’re at all excited for Fire Emblem’s latest title. Even if you’re not sold yet, this may just be the last push you need leading up to the game’s release on May 19th.
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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.
