To most gamers, the Fire Emblem series truly took off when Awakening was released for the 3DS in 2013. But the franchise has its roots deeply embedded in the origins of Nintendo, first appearing in Japan on the Famicom in 1990 and following up with a sequel in 1992. Now, 25 years after its initial release, Fire Emblem Gaiden gets a full-scale remake for the 3DS in what could be seen as aswansong for the handheld with Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia.
The nation of Zofia, dedicated to the Goddess Mila, and the nation of Rigel, following the Dark God Duma, are pitted against one another in conflict. At the heart of this conflict are two childhood friends in Alm and Celica, forced to take up arms against one another and lead their armies into war. Further worsened by Zofia’s General Desaix and Rigel’s King Rudolf, the battle threatens to leave the continent of Valentia in ruin, and to destroy the friendship held so dear to Alm and Celica.