Fire Emblem: Awakening Demo On Its Way to North America
Posted by Andy Green
Plus some more info on DLC
North America doesn't have to wait much longer now for Fire Emblem: Awakening, the 3DS strategic RPG that sees you play as Lord Chrom and the Shepherds in a battle against a mysterious new evil.
Nintendo has now revealed some more information on the game including how StreetPass and SpotPass will be implemented, as well as what players can expect to find in DLC (downloadable content). On top of this it has revealed that a demo will be available in the eShop from 17th January — the game itself will be available in physical or downloadable form from 4th February.
From day one new maps will become available to download with others being added at regular weekly intervals. The first map will be available to download free of charge for a limited period, while others are likely to follow suit with the Japanese release and set you back some change; these additional maps will be offered at various price points, though we have no ball-park figures at this time. The downloadable content will be accessed through the Outrealm Gate which is located on the in-game world map; the gate is unlocked after the fifth mission in the main story mode is complete.
Nintendo will also be distributing new content via SpotPass for free, which will start to trickle through after launch and will feature additional maps with new storylines, characters and items. StreetPass isn't being neglected either, with players being able to exchange game data with others. This involves setting up a team of 10 units that will be transferred upon passing a fellow player; StreetPass characters can then appear on your world map and you'll be able to recruit their team leaders for money, or you can recruit them for free if you successfully defeat them in battle; you can also buy valuable items from them if you fancy. If you want to be a show-off, meanwhile, StreetPass battle victories will boost your “renown” for everyone else to see.
Europeans will be able to get hold of the game in April and will also be hoping to receive a demo before release.
Are you looking forward to playing Fire Emblem: Awakening? Will you be trying out the demo, North Americans? Let us know in the comments section below.
#1
ThomasBW84 said:
Good grief, I really can't wait for this one, and it's just a shame that it's a longer wait here in old Blighty.
#2
Aquilalex said:
Yeah! meanwhile I'm still playing Unchained Blades for make much easy the wait!
#3
Ideal_Hero said:
I can't wait to give this game a try! The demo should tide me over until it is released.
#4
crumpledpapyrus said:
I've picked up a 3DS XL simply because Fire Emblem: Awakening deserves it...
#5
ClassicSonicFan said:
Hmm... I don't know. Looks good, but not sure if I'm into these types of games.
#6
OldMan-Tech said:
Did I not call this. A certain someone from Japan who will remain nameless said they didn't get one. I said they didn't need one but the west does! More people need to sample this in order to see its brilliance! Not enought people are educated about it over here!
#7
Koto said:
Grabbing the demo and forcing every 3DS owner I know to download it.
#8
rcmadiax said:
I have never played a fire emblem game before so im glad there will be a demo released.
#9
divinealpha said:
I'm definitely downloading this one!
#10
Pikachupwnage said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NMGsRmZTFQ
#11
SuperCharlie78 said:
Oh you lucky first class gamers
#12
cyrus_zuo said:
Will check out the demo, but probably not the game. I played the Wii one for a bit, but it just wasn't for me. I love Advance Wars, but Fire Emblem, at least the Wii version I played, was a little too much tactics for my blood. I don't dig the high ground/low ground and always making sure your characters are facing the right direction. I do like the idea of permadeath, but in practice it is more stressful than fun.
Glad there is a demo, don't expect I'll pick up the game though.
#13
SkywardLink98 said:
A demo will help me decide if I should get this game. I haven't played a game like this before and I'm nervous about spending $40 on this game. Especially when Heart of the Swarm is out a month later for the same price.
#14
EaZy_T said:
I think I might have to get this, I liked the GBA version.
Plus, free extra content is always welcome.
#15
3Dash said:
Covince me to get this, demo...
#16
datamonkey said:
"Europeans will also be hoping to receive a demo before release"
This is VERY true. I think it's time Nintendo unified releases and demo's in the west so that we all get them... The split between regions is bad business imo...
#17
Boo_Buster said:
@ThomasBW84 lol, yeah... that is a shame. I feel lucky we are getting this game here in NA, even though it was pretty much expected. That simultaneous worldwide release for Pokemon is impressive.
#18
OldMan-Tech said:
@cyrus_zuo You should at least give this one a shot as it has a casual mode for new comers. No more permanent deaths if you so choose! It's shaping up to be my game of the year and its only just begun! It won't win game of the year I'm sure because AC-NL will get much more attention as well as Luigis Mansion 2! Game of the year for 3ds that is!
#19
Ideal_Hero said:
@3Dash - The demo is FREE.
#20
CanisWolfred said:
Nice. I could really use a demo before I decide whether or not I want the game. Me and Fire Emblem have had some bad blood in the past...
@Ideal_Hero
Note the comma placement. He's "talking" to the demo...
#21
SLiM said:
Looking forward to giving this a try
#22
Armand7 said:
I really liked GBA games , looking forward to this game.
#23
WingedFish said:
Alright, now I can get my first taste of FE goodness even sooner!
#24
Kitty_hime1 said:
this will be the first Fire Emblem I try it sounds like a good game though :3
#25
gekslupis said:
@Kitty_hime1
same with me. I might try some other Fire Emblem games in the meantime though.
#26
3Dash said:
@Ideal_Hero I meant that I want the demo to convince me to get the full game.
In other words, what @CanisWolfred said.
#27
Sam_Loser2 said:
Oh boy I cannot wait! Should probably play the first one (released here anyway) to pass the time, only one I've yet to beat.
#28
True_Hero said:
This game sounds better and better every time I hear about it. I can't wait to give that demo a try.
#29
Knux said:
Cool, even though in this case I don't need a demo to help me decide on buying this game. I'll buy this down the road when I have the money.
#30
Ideal_Hero said:
@3Dash - Whoops! I guess I didn't notice that comma. It just goes to show that commas and punctuation are very important.
#31
ueI said:
Looking good. I'm still upset that the spotpass content will "trickle through after launch," due to my theory that it's all finished from the start.
#32
Klunk23 said:
Diffinitly downloading the demo next week when it comes out!
#33
Doma said:
Oh man, at least give us EU scum the damn demo simultaneously!
#34
IAmNotWill said:
Can't wait to buy the full game.
#35
FiveDigitLP said:
Wow. I was already super excited about this game (I'm trying to finally finish my Ambassador copy of Sacred Stones), but now this info just blows me away. SpotPass content? Yes, please! I look forward to the StreetPass stuff as well, though I'll probably suck at it...I've heard Sacred Stones is the easiest in the series and I've had a tough time with it!
Now just to decide if I'm going to get it day one or not. I really want to, but I'd already told myself I'd cut back on purchases this year...
#36
Hokori said:
@FiveDigitLP I to am cutting back this year on purchases.. It's hard
#37
Void said:
@cyrus_zuo Please don't tell me you played it on "normal" difficulty the first time around, instead of our Easy, Normal, and Hard, in Japan they were Normal, Hard, and Insane, respectively, I wouldn't reccomend anybody start playing Fire Emblem with Radiant Dawn.
#38
GamecubeLad said:
I haven’t really played a Fire Emblem game but it looks like a good series so I'll take this game as a "golden opportunity" to try it out.
#39
MetallicDonkey said:
Sacred Stones is my second-most played game on my 3DS. I had never played a Fire Emblem game before that, so I'm glad it was included as an ambassador game. Love it.
I was going to buy this even without a demo, but I'm glad more people will get a chance to check it out. I hope the demo is done well and not too confusing.
#40
Hokori said:
I don't need a demo...is FIRE EMBLEM... Even if I suck at it
#41
Emaan said:
Already planning on getting this, it'll be my first Fire Emblem game! Trying out the demo seems like a good idea though. Excited!
#42
Nardar said:
@crumpledpapyrus
Andy, I mentioned in the FE:Awakening forum that in the recent Game Informer Magazine on page 25 it shows a 3DS bundle for Awakening. It is this one: http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/03/nintendo_japan_reveals_cobalt_blue_3ds_console
Can you confirm if this one is coming to the US? It said in select retailers but I haven't heard or seen it anywhere.
#43
DePapier said:
This is probably going to be a download for me. Having that Fire Emblem in my 3DS at all times to whoop anyone in transportation without having to think about putting the cartridge in is what I'm talking about.
#44
SirQuincealot said:
havent beaton the ambassoder program one yet, i'll get the demo, but unless it really blows me away i doubt i'll be picking this one up
#45
Epicnessofme99 said:
This game just keeps sounding better and better can't wait!
#46
pariah164 said:
Glad there's a demo coming. Never played a FE game before, so this will help me decide,
#47
lexishiroi said:
YES! I was waiting on a demo.
#48
Aqueous said:
Sounds excellent and better yet a demo to toy around in. I wonder if it will be like the Depna Men and Style Savvy with file transfers.
#49
Sgt_Ludby said:
Demo or not, this is a Day 1 purchase for me. I'm stoked to be able to get an early taste of it, though!!
#50
MasterWario said:
@Ideal_Hero I was misled as well. Great picture btw, I found it very funny.
#51
Koto said:
@cyrus_zuo
In Fire Emblem, it doesn't matter what direction your characters are facing. I think you're thinking of Final Fantasy Tactics...
#52
theconejo said:
I'm pretty sure this game has a mode where your guys don't really die. I was playing the ds game for a bit and had a 30 min battle and then lost.... I took a break from the game, ha.
The ds fire emblem was my first trpg. Initially I didn't think I would like it but it was awesome.
#53
CaptainSquid said:
I pre-ordered this, I can't wait!
#54
crumpledpapyrus said:
@Nardar I've just written a story on this now, thanks for letting me know! We've had no confirmation about this bundle but it looks as though it will be available if Nintendo's advertising it in Game Informer... The special edition 3DS looks amazing!
#55
Pixel-Perfect said:
So happy... requested the 4th off just to play it.
#56
Windy said:
Very Nice! Thanks for the demo. I havent been big on Fire Emblem over the years maybe the demo will get me pumped to buy this one. I love the Shining force series I wish those would come to Virtual Console on the 3DS
#57
SetupDisk said:
Hopefully the demo will hold me over. Between my 3DS and Wii U this is the most Nintendo only gaming overload I have had in years.
#58
Noboty said:
And with that, I'm waiting until all the DLC is out and it's on discount before buying it.
#59
Sherman said:
I've never player a Fire Emblem, but this one looks so good. I've gotta have it. The chance to battle against other player characters by StreetPassing is really neat. Started playing Stiker Star today, I'll have to finish that one quick 'cause I'm gonna level up really good my FE team. Or at least will be getting it for the free DLCs and play it later. Anyways, I was looking for a good trategy title, and this is it. I'd love to see a Ogre Battle too though. Loved the N64 Ogre Battle. Need a secuel for that one =D
#60
Vaybio said:
Day 1 purchase for me. Love all the Fire Emblems. This will probably be my most played 3DS game.
#61
Noboty said:
@Sherman I believe only the first is free. This is assuming you aren't referring to the Streetpass content. In which, nevermind.