Nintendo is going in a new and bold direction with its iconic "Fire Emblem" series in the form of "Fire Emblem Shadows," an iOS and Android free-to-play mobile game.
In contrast to the series' established tactical RPG heritage, "Shadows" introduces a unique gameplay of role-playing and social deduction that we haven't seen from previous installments.
New 'Fire Emblem' Experience With a Twist
Fundamentally, "Fire Emblem Shadows" combines the standard strategy and narrative of the series with gameplay drawn from titles such as "Among Us," according to Nintendo Everything. All battles involve three comrades fighting together, but among them is a "disciple of shadow," a spy who wants to mislead and disrupt the team.
Players can align themselves with either the disciples of light, who aim to progress through labyrinth-style battles, or the disciples of shadow, who must conceal their true identity to manipulate the outcome.
Experience 'Among Us' Gameplay Inside 'FE' Universe
The subterfuge is not over after combat. After the battle is over, players cast votes on the person they believe is the traitor. These votes have a profound impact on the next battle: identifying the disciple of shadow correctly makes the next battle simpler, and a mistake swings the tide in the deceiver's favor.
This system of voting guarantees that each choice matters, introducing an element of mind games into the tried-and-true strategy Fire Emblem is famous for. Victory depends not just on ability, but on being able to read your allies and your foes.
Free-to-Play with In-App Purchases
"Fire Emblem Shadows" has a free-to-play model with in-app purchases offered voluntarily. Although the extent of monetization has not been explained yet, it's bound to be similar to how Nintendo handled "Fire Emblem Heroes," which was among the most lucrative mobile titles from the company following its launch in 2017.
Watch the trailer below:
