The First Fire Emblem Finally Gets an Official English Localization (NES)

Nintendo surprised everybody earlier this week, by announcing a new localization for Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light. The game will release in December.

The version being localized is the NES version which is already a part of the Japanese Switch Online's Famicom Classics. The upcoming English version will be standalone and not a part of NES Classics.

The NES version of the game is the one that started the whole series, and it recieved two remakes throughout the years: Mystery of the Emblem for Super Famicom, which includes the original story and a sequel. Shadow Dragon for Nintendo DS. I emulated the latter years ago but I didn't go far into it.

Looking at the the store page of this localization. It seems that Fire Emblem is pretty long for a NES game. It has 25 levels after all. The store page succeeds in making it look appealing despite being more than 30-years old game.

This localization is the first time the NES Fire Emblem got an official English release, but fans have already made their translation of the game years ago.

One of my concerns is the price of this game. Compared to the Japanese release which comes with the Online Service at around $4 a month. This standalone release is going to be sold at more than the price of all the classics combined. I know it's not fair to compare the two! It's a new localization though, and the purchase isn't a subscribtion, but I can't help my feelings.

One thing Nintendo is definitely doing right with this release though, is the Limited Edition! Nintendo's Limited Editions are always great, and for a game this old to recieve a revival treatment as if it's an 2020 game? What more do we need? Also the box art looks amazing!

I'm not going to get the limited edition. I probably won't buy the game or even put it on my wishlist. If I'm going to play this Fire Emblem, I'll probably go with the Famicom route. I already have Switch Online anyway and my Japanese is getting better... I think. #ahmadLearnsJapanese indeed.

While I'm not new to Fire Emblem franchise, I never got far into any of the games. (I only played the series via emulation.) There's no reason for me to stop and I'm waiting for an opportuinity to buy one of the latest entries in the franchise. (Looking at you Three Houses.)

So, what do you think?

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All screenshots are from the store page of the game. Limited Edition image is granbbed from the announcement video.