New Fire Emblem Game Heads to 3DS in May With Free-Roaming and 3D Dungeons

During its Fire Emblem-focused Nintendo Direct today, Nintendo announced a surprise new game in the series for 3DS.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia appears to be either a game heavily inspired by or a remake of Fire Emblem Gaiden "on a grander scale." Gaiden is the second game in the Fire Emblem series, but it never saw release outside of Japan. It consisted of some unique elements that Nintendo says will be represented here.

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Those include a world map you can navigate and 3D areas you can wander around. Combat looks to still resemble that of Fire Emblem Awakening and Fates. Character progression is described as "flexible."

Surprising as it is to see a new Fire Emblem so soon after last year's Fates, what might even be more surprising is how soon it's coming. Shadows of Valentia launches for 3DS on May 19. Alongside it, a two-pack of Amiibo figures with the game's two protagonists, Alm and Celica, will also be released.