Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, a reimagining of the Japan-only Famicom title Fire Emblem Gaiden, will be releasing on May 19 for an expected retail price of $39.99. However, if you happen to have some change to spare, you can now consider copping the Limited Edition bundle for $59.99. In addition to including a physical copy of the game (you can never be too sure these days), you'll also find a hardcover artbook, a pin set with pixelated versions of Marth, Cecilia, and Alm, and a reversible case cover that resembles the original packaging of the Famicom release of Fire Emblem Gaiden from 1992. You'll also receive a Sound Selection CD, which sounds like a sampling of tracks rather than a full-fledged soundtrack. So, considering Nintendo's record of being literal with its limited edition offerings, pre-ordering is a must should you want to secure a copy for yourself.
In addition to the Limited Edition bundle, you can amplify your experience with two Amiibo figures of the main protagonists Celica and Alm, which will be sold together for $24.99. When used with the game, you can explore exclusive dungeons with items and EXP to increase your odds. These can also be used to summon an "illusory hero" during any battle by using goddess Mila's turnwheel in the overworld. However, this comes at the cost of depleting some of Alm or Celica's HP. Considering their amiibo figures and all of the Fire Emblem amiibo for Super Smash Bros. Wii U summon powerful doppelgängers, the additional help seems worth the risk. All other amiibo figures work with the game as well, but they will summon varying types of monsters that can assist as well, which will prove interesting to experiment with. Reusing Celica and Alm's amiibo figures will allow their summons to grow in strength, but it remains unclear if this effect carries over to all of the rest.
While you can expect permadeath for party members, building and managing an army, and the usual strategic RPG battle scenarios the franchise is known for, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia alters the grid-based battlefield with dungeons that you can fight in and explore in 3D. It's a clever way to mitigate repetitiveness with two gameplay styles as you seek to reunite a continent split by religion and war.
Do you think this spruced up version of Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is worth the extra $20? What are your thoughts on this re-imagining of one of the more controversial, outlying titles in the series? Plan out your thoughts and execute them in the comments below!
