Surprise Fire Emblem

You know what? I like Nintendo dropping things outta nowhere. They did it with that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity reveal and they are at it again. OK, so this time, it isn't as huge as the aforementioned game, but it was still a pleasant surprise. 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Nintendo's Fire Emblem series and unlike some of the company's other franchises, they actually seem to give enough of a fig about this one to celebrate. Sorta. Kinda. Maybe. I really don't know if translating the NES version of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light for western audiences is Nintendo's way of really celebrating FE's 30th anniversary, but giving gamers in the west the NES version that started it all is something I really can't knock. And for the low price of $5.99, too.

Screenshot by The Verge

Nintendo did release a remade version of this game on the DS in 2008 under the name Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon. That game now goes for quite a high asking price so, $6 for an officially translated version of the original 1990 game is a steal. This Switch eShop release will come with new quality of life features such as stave states, rewind and fast forward. Purists will no doubt scoff at these new features, but I saw screw those players. If you want to enjoy a FE game without worrying about permanently losing characters, have at it.

If you want to spend a little more than $6, you could opt for the Fire Emblem 30th Anniversary Edition for $49.99 at select retailers. You get a download code for the game and a 220 plus page art book, a NES replica box and what looks like a Nintendo Power pullout poster, among other things. The 30th Anniversary Edition is definitely for the diehard FE fan so I doubt I'll be handing over 50 clams, but it does look really, really, cool.

Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light is not only the game that kicked off the whole FE series, it is also the game that Marth made his debut in. A good chunk of gamers would be introduced to Marth in 2001's Super Smash Bros. Melee and it was cute that the reveal trailer for this game begun with Marth losing a match to Roy followed by one of the players trying to explain to the other what the first FE game was/is.

Am I going to be picking up Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light? Absolutely. I've been wanting to take a trip back in time and experience some of the earlier FE games and while I wish I could play the DS remake, I'm down to play the OG version. Like I said early on, this was a pleasant surprise and I like how Nintendo has stayed on that surprise game lately.

What I don't like is the game being hit with the same limited availability stick that has struck Super Mario Bros. 35 and Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Once April 1, 2021 rolls around, if you haven't bought it yet, you're outta luck. Nintendo, why are you the way you are? 

Favorite Tunes #191: Soy Sauce for Geese

Favorite Tunes on Sunday again? Yeah, buddy. This should be the last time you see this feature up on Sundays as I'm moving it back to Saturday this week. Anyway, we've got music from two Fire Emblem games, Bomberman 64 as well as two Street Fighter titles.

Comrades - Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (GBA)

Sacred Stones was the second game in the long running Fire Emblem series to be released outside of Japan and is the eighth game in the mainline series. This excellent character recruitment theme was arranged in Super Smash Bros. Wii U and I've got it cranked up to play very often.

Staff Roll - Bomberman 64 (N64)

People often make the mistake of assuming a game is easy because it has a cute, childlike visual style. Bomberman certainly looks adorable in his first 64 bit outing, but this is a seriously challenging adventure. Even if you aren't going for 100% by getting all the gold cards, this game will beat you up over and over. If you are going for the best, true ending, then you've got some grueling final fights ahead of you. Sometimes a jovial staff roll theme at the end is one of the best rewards a game can give you.

Where the Wind Rustles - Fire Emblem Echoes -Shadows of Valentia- (3DS)

2017 is shaping up to be an excellent year for remakes. There's Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap, the Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy as well as Fire Emblem Echoes, which is a remake of the Famicom/NES game, Fire Emblem Gaiden, the second game in the whole series, which was originally never released outside of Japan. Years ago I was exposed to this game's original chiptune soundtrack and I think it ranks among some of the best audio the NES has to offer. Having finally started my copy of Echoes, I like quite a bit of the remake's tunes. Where the Wind Rustles was always a top favorite of mine and it keeps the joyful march of the original while making it seem more grand with an orchestral performance. 

Cammy's Theme - Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers (NS)

If the upcoming Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite wasn't enough to give Capcom a higher place on fan's and critic's hate list, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is another. What is essentially an updated version of 2008's Super Street Fighter II: Turbo HD Remix, Final Challengers has a $40 price tag attached to it, which is way too rich for a lot of people's blood. While a number of things in Final Challengers is questionable, I can't fault Capcom for the new arrangements. 

Rashid's Theme - Street Fighter V (PC, PS4)

Moving on from one controversial Street Fighter game to the next, Street Fighter V was released at full price with missing features like a story mode and arcade mode, the later being a fighting game staple and left many bewildered as to why it was not included from the get go. While hating on Capcom has become increasingly popular over the years, I'm a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due. So I applaud Capcom for the new characters and sick beats SFV has to offer. I admit that I'm a bit late to to party with Rashid's jam, but I love.

Soy Sauce for Geese (Fateful Battle BGM 1) - King of Fighters XIV (PC, PS4)

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're well aware that Geese Howard, one of the poster boys for SNK bosses, is going to be joining the roster of Tekken 7 as DLC. With all the crazy outfit combos you can make in this game, I can't wait to see all the crazy get-ups players are going to dress him in.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #172: Tipping the Scales

Holy balls of yarn! Did you catch that Fire Emblem Direct on the 18th? I'm not even the world's biggest Fire Emblem fan and I'm stoked for all that content! This Favorite Tunes is sprinkled with a dash of Fire Emblem music, Transformers: Devastation and some Metal Gear.

Battle Theme (Opponent) - Fire Emblem Gaiden (NES)

Usually I don't post music from a game that was mentioned in a previous Favorite Tunes, but I decided to make an exception for since Fire Emblem Gaiden is getting a beefy remake on the 3DS under the name Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. I'm more familiar with the game's soundtrack than I am the actually game, with the music being some of the best composed on the NES. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to the remake's arranged score. I recommend listening to Gaiden's original soundtrack to familiarize yourself with the themes for the upcoming game.

Motormaster - Transformers: Devastation (Multi)

Platinum Games licensed offerings haven't always been the best. 2016's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turltes: Mutants in Manhattan, a title I was really looking forward to, ended up being another mediocre Turtles game. Thankfully, their Transformers 2015 outing was a lot better, featuring a killer '80s style rock soundtrack.

Splattack! - Splatoon (Wii U)

The original Splatoon was a huge success for Nintendo, so much so, that it really isn't too surprising that Splatoon 2 will be landing on the Nintendo Switch just two years after the original. I cannot wait to ink turf and listen to Splatoon 2's soundtrack. In the meantime, Splatoon's original tunes will stay fresh in my mind. Pun, not intended.

Hell Field (Overworld Theme) - Gargoyle's Quest (GB)

Firebrands are some of the most annoying enemies in the Ghost 'n Goblins series and back in 1990, Capcom gave these life drainers their very own game. Regardless of your feelings towards these flying pests, Gargoyle's Quest is a standout title on the original Game Boy and you should definitely hop on the 3DS eShop and download it if you haven't yet. The game's soundtrack was handled by Yuki Iwai and Yoko Shimomura. Man, this theme is freaking beautiful.

-!- Alert - Metal Gear (NES)

For years the NES version of Metal Gear was the only way to legally play the first installment of the Metal Gear Saga. This all changed in 2006 when Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, an updated version of MGS3 was released on the PS2  and included the MSX2 version of Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake as bonuses. The NES version of MG is often bashed by Hideo Kojima and fans for being an inferior port of the MSX2 game. It may not be perfect, but the NES music definitely trumps the MSX2 tunes. Alert just sounds so much better on the NES and this theme really needs to be arranged.

Draven's Valley Pass - Arcana (SNES)

Developed and published by HAL, Arcana is a dungeon crawling, card based RPG. Before Jun Ishikawa and Hirokazu Ando  worked magic together writing music for the numerous Kirby games, they collaborated on Arcana and one need only listen to a few tracks from this game to hear that Kirby vibe. Draven's Valley Pass is a good example of why short and repetitive, doesn't always mean bad.

Favorite Tunes Database

Game Art #77: Fire Emblem Gallery

The last time Fire Emblem had a spot all to itself in Game Art was back in Game Art #53. With the recent Fire Emblem Direct getting me jazzed for the coming games, I wanted this series to take center stage in this installment of Game Art. Plus, I had been wanting to showcase it again, so here we go.

By Maeka

By Miyuki Ruria

By Senano Yu

By Mami Matsunaga

By Yotsui Inabaro

By Kinoeneko

By tsuaii

By Lowah

By Hisame

By Hiyata

Favorite Tunes #171: Fake Mermaids that are Fake

Did you tune in for the Nintendo Switch Presentation? It had its share of high and low points but I'm even more excited for the system. Some of the games I really, really want aren't available at launch but at least Breath of the Wild will be. The Switch presentation did influence some of my track picks for this week's Favorite Tunes. Enjoy!

Counterfeit Mermaids - Shantae: Half-Genie Hero (Multi)

I just started playing Shantae: Half-Genie Hero and I freaking love it! This is actually my first Shantae game and I'm very pleased to start with this one. Jake Kaufman has never turned in a bad soundtrack and his work on Half-Genie Hero is of exceptional quality. I was temped to listen to the music before starting the game up but I'm glad I waited.

BGM 1 - Super Bomberman 2 (SNES)

There were a total of five Super Bomberman games on the SNES, but only two of them were released outside of Japan. Those two Super Bomberman titles were among some of the most fun I've ever had on Nintendo's 16-bit baby. Regrettably Super Bomberman 2 dropped the two player support that the single player mode offered from the first game, but the multiplayer mode was still excellent.

Pleather for Breakfast - No More Heroes (Wii)

Travis Touchdown is making a return! OK, so the translator completely botched that Suda 51 segment, but hey! Another No More Heroes game! Anyhoo, No More Heroes were some of the best third party offerings on the Wii and the music was to die for.

In Pursuit - Final Fantasy Tactics (PS, PSP)

I'm losing count of how many times I've gushed over this game's glorious music. It is just that dang good. Final Fantasy Tactics is an often praised praised game in spite of having a story that can be quite the convoluted mess while still being intriguing. The deep tactical gameplay system certainly doesn't hurt.

Midna's Lament - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (GCN, Wii, Wii U)

Sassy and bossy, Midna has gone on to become one of the most popular characters in The Legend of Zelda series. Fans were all too excited to play as her in Hyrule Warriors (she is SO good) and she's a cool assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Speaking of which, her very somber theme was included as stage music. Nothing like knocking someone off the stage to this theme.

Fight 1 - Fire Emblem Gaiden (NES)

Fire Emblem Warriors? As in Fire Emblem in the style of Dynasty Warriors? Yes, please! I thought it was a good idea for The Legend of Zelda to take that route, but with Fire Emblem, it is even more fitting. You may be listening to this track and thinking "Hey, I've heard this before!" Yup, this track was arranged for the Super Smash Bros. Wii U score.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #137: Like the Wind

Console variety is the name of the game in this week's Favorite Tunes. There's tunes from Jazz Jackrabbit (remember him) to Capcom's controversial Street Fighter V.

Let's Dance Boys! - Bayonetta (360, PS3, Wii U)

I missed out on Bayonetta when it first released in 2010. Fortunately, the 2014 release of Bayonetta 2 on the Wii U came bundled with a copy of the first game. Now I just need to get around to playing it. The first and second Bayonetta have a ton of great tracks with some of the best ones making into into the Umbra Clock Tower stage. She was certainly given better treatment than Cloud in that regard.

Lost in Thoughts All Alone - Fire Emblem Fates (3DS)

Fire Emblem Fates was recently released and even with Corrin being added to the Super Smash Bros. 3DS/Wii U roster, I had completely forgotten that the game was due out this month. I haven't decided which version of the game I'm going to pick up, but Corrin is a really fun character to use in Smash. Corrin also brought with him/her an outstanding vocal track from Fates.

Jazz Jackrabbit - Medivo (PC)

In the late 1990s, my family and I were joining the PC race and I was all about the video games. I played a demo of Jazz Jackrabbit, becoming really engrossed with the few levels the demo offered. The platforming was solid and the music was really freaking good. I feel like I'm dancing in the club when I hear this. Well, actually, I don't go to clubs, but still!

Theme of Vega - Street Fighter V (PS4, PC)

The release of the long awaited Street Fighter V has been met with mixed reactions. On the one hand, it has a really solid fighting engine with some excellent controls. But on the other hand, a good chunk of content that should be in the game is not. How does a company launch a fighting game with no arcade mode? Another plus is the game brings some incredible remixes. This may very will be the greatest version of Vega's theme. It's not enough to make me forget that Vega is a total d-bag, but still a sexy theme, nonetheless.

Kiss Me Sunlights - Zone of the Enders (PS2, PS3)

Often called ZOE for short, this game is another of Hideo Kojima's babies. When the game initially released on the PS2 in 2001, it came bundled with a demo for the yet to be released Metal Gear Solid 2, which was the main reason the first ZOE sold so many copies. ZOE and it's sequel, 2nd Runner would receive an HD re-release on the PS3. Like so many of Konami's other franchises, ZOE has been tossed into the gutter.

Like the Wind - Power Drift (ARC)

SEGA missed a perfectly good opportunity to include some of the musical tracks and characters from Power Drift in the Sonic & All-Stars racing games. Since Power Drift is a racing game, they would have felt right at home. If you never got a chance to play Power Drift, the game is being included in the compilation release Sega 3D Classics Collection on the 3DS due out in April.

Favorite Tunes Database

Favorite Tunes #105: Column Dive

Welcome to the long awaited return of Favorite Tunes. OK, it has been that long, but this feature has been MIA for about a month now. We've got a selection of music from older as well as modern games. Maybe you'll hear an old favorite or get introduced to a new one.

Sky - Shantae and the Pirate's Curse (3DS, Wii U)

Wayforward is quickly becoming one of my favorite companies in the gaming industry. They have a knack for designing old-school games with a modern flair and when Jake "Virt" Kaufman  is on board for musical compositions, that only makes things so much sweeter. This jam makes me wanna lay on the beach during sunset without a care in the world.

Crimson Blitz - Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360)

There was once a time where Final Fantasy sequels were only related by their roman numerals in the title. This was all changed with the release of Final Fantasy X-2. The Final Fantasy VII series managed to push this a step further with the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII line of games. Lightning Returns is the third game in the Final Fantasy XIII series, a trilogy most are less than fond of. But at least we got a brilliant musical score for all three games. Blinded by Light was my favorite track from the original Final Fantasy XIII and while this remix doesn't outdo the original, it's still a fine tune in its own right.

Law and Disorder - Final Fight 3 (SNES)

Final Fight may have began in arcades but it's first two sequels were SNES exclusives. The third game, called Final Fight Tough in Japan was released in 1995, the same year as Mega Man X3 and Mega Man 7 and just the those games, finding a physical copy will cost you. A digital version will run you $7.99 on the Wii U eShop. Final Fight 3 gave players a bit more freedom with the controls with the ability to dash and perform special moves once the meter is full. I'm still in the mind that Final Fight 2 has the better soundtrack, but I'd be a fool if I didn't praise Final Fight 3's spectacular effort.

Id (Purpose) - Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS)

Ever thought about jumping into the Fire Emblem series but aren't sure where to start? I recommend the latest entry, Fire Emblem: Awakening. The option to turn off permanent death makes it a far more accessible game than the previous entries. For those not in the know, in most Fire Emblem games, if any of your troops should fall in battle, they stay dead. Awakening gives you the option to to worry about that. One less care on your mind as you listen to this game's glorious soundtrack.

Column Dive - Columns III (GEN)

Do you remember Columns? It was SEGA's puzzle series on the Genesis and Game Gear back in 1990s. I have more memories of the Game Gear version of Columns III but the Genesis version did have some pretty sweet beats. If you've played the ROM hack of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Megamix, you may recognize Column Dive as it was one of the tracks used in that mod, albeit with a slightly different drums.

Volver a Comenzar - LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

LittleBigPlanet is one of the best Sony IPs. The series is all about character customization and level creation. Some of the best levels, however, can be found in the game's story mode. One of my favorite stages is the Wedding Reception, which has you platforming on skulls and swinging across the ceiling among other things to find the bride's missing groom. This is all done to a fantastic Spanish track called Volver a Comenzar, performed by Cafe Tacvba. I'd never heard of he band or this song before playing the first LittleBigPlanet, but this song has quite the fan following. The things even been performed live.

Favorite Tunes Database

Game Art #53: Fire Emblem Gallery

Since Fire Emblem Awakening recently released on the 3DS, I thought it would be a good time to feature Fire Emblem in this edition of Game Art. As always, enjoy the art.

By Kosato

By Midwinter

By Midwinter

By Hanasaki Ulm

By AZN-Porkepik

By Algae

By Algae

By Algae

By Hanokage

By Fox

By Uwa Taigi

By Morii

By sk

By Agahari

By BlueSky

By Urashima

By That Mao

By The cage