Nintendo announced its second high-profile mobile game after iconic "Super Mario Run". And just barely two weeks after the announcement, Nintendo's "Fire Emblem Heroes" is already scheduled to arrive in just a couple of days. The free-to-play game is all set to arrive on Thursday with high expectations and apprehension for both iOS and Android.
Unlike its predecessor Super Mario Run which came with a huge price tag, "Fire Emblem Heroes" is based on one of Nintendo's less popular franchise says The Verge. Apprehensions arise since the game features a complex strategy combat and unpopular fantasy folklore may not be relatable for general audience. Further, the game's controversial free-to-play feature might just become a major turn-off for long-time fans.
The good news is, the game received a positive feedback from players. According to Polygon, the game is a entertaining and its strategy platform plays to the strengths of mobile.
"Fire Emblem Heroes" works pretty well with mobile phones, similar to how Square Enix's "Final Fantasy Tactics" became more entertaining with the integration of iOS touch control. The game banks on the best aspects of touchscreen gaming. It gives emphasis to strategic and board-based battles.
One of the game's most admired feature is the functionality that allows players to drag, drop, and slide characters to speed up play. "Fire Emblem Heroes" shrinked the board to get rid of the need to manually select characters and tirelessly plot across large battlefields.
"Fire Emblem Heroes" is accessible with a well-designed entry, perfect for first-time players. The game excludes "permadeth", an original series staple whose exclusion still spark controversy among fans. The exclusion of such feature means that when characters die, players don't lose them forever.
"Fire Emblem Heroes" is also packed with helpful tutorials which will be much appreciated by players who are either new to the game or to the strategy genre in general. Such tips can be easily ignored by long-time fans though.