Fire Emblem Released

News From <a href="http://www.yesasia.com/?/news.php?artc=3619&&lsaid=219793" target="_blank" >Lik Sang</a>

<BLOCKQUOTE>These days if it isn't on a portable console, turn based RPG's are hard to come by. Since the SNES for example, there hasn't been any home editions to Nintendo's famous Fire Emblem series, just several handheld versions. GameCube owners are already deprived of RPG's in general, but now they get not just one, but a turn based strategy game at that. From the developers of Advance Wars, Fire Emblem puts you in the role of the blue haired swordster, Ike. Across the many war stricken states of Tellius, Ike strives to become a full member of his fathers Grail Mercenary Group.

You'll lead your band of loyal mercenaries against mages, monsters and madmen of the rival kingdom, Daein, and gone is the old 2D look, replaced by 3D and impressive in battle effects. If you'd prefer to keep the pace of the classic titles however, you can always turn those close up attack cut scenes off. Intelligent Systems have also included more nods to the series rich linage, such as fonts you'll recognize, and even some sounds from the classic SNES title. Meanwhile there's a new skill system, letting you select what your troops learn, secret skills, new units that can change form mid-battle, and more upgrades. But do the changes pay off? Famitsu's impressive 34/40 Gold Award would say they sure did!</BLOCKQUOTE>