Marth has been a character in the Super Smash Bros. series. Now, we finally get to play the game he is from with Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon. Shadow Dragon is actually a remake of the very first Fire Emblem game for NES. And, it definitely has that old school feel. The gameplay is very simplistic compared to other Fire Emblem titles such as Radiant Dawn. But I found that simplicity to be refreshing. All the Fire Emblem games use a "rock paper scissors" style of gameplay, and Shadow Dragon is no exception. Swords beat axes, axes beat lances, and lances beat swords. However, a unit that is strong enough can overcome an opponent with a better weapon. Units level up as they fight, and become stronger. Shadow Dragon is the first Fire Emblem game to introduce a reclass system, in which units can swap classes. For example, cavaliers can become mages, and warriors can become generals. This allows the player to tailor his units to meet the challenges of the current chapter. It's perfectly possible to beat the game without reclassing, though. So if you don't want to bother with it, you don't have to.
The game has six difficulty levels to choose from, with the normal difficulty being very easy and the highest difficulty being almost impossible. Newcomers to Fire Emblem are able to learn the game without being punished, while veterans can find a challenge that will make their palms sweat. The game probably won't take more than 30 hours for a single runthrough, but there is a lot of replay value to be found in unlocking events or trying the game with different units. The story of the game is basic, but that's to be expected from a game that was originally for the NES. Shadow Dragon is very easy to learn, but it's deep enough to allow players to form complex strategy. I would definitely recommend it for those who are itching to give Fire Emblem a try.
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