Shadow Dragon And Blade Of Light

On 20th April 1990, the world was given its very first Fire Emblem game in Japan and to celebrate, Nintendo has released two new Fire Emblem offerings for Nintendo Switch Online users in the country.

Intelligent Systems and Nintendo's R&D1 group co-developed Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light exclusively for the Famicom in Japan. It followed Marth (yes, the one you know from Super Smash Bros.) as he sets off on an adventure to reclaim his throne from an evil sorcerer called Gharnef and his master, Medeus. It also featured the series' signature grid-based tactics and permadeath.

The two new releases available on Switch are special versions of this very release. Just like other 'SP' variants available on the Switch Online service, these versions allow players to jump into the full game at particular points throughout the story.

In the Triangle Attack Version, players are thrown in just before a Triangle Attack with Palla, Catria, and Est. In the Climax Version, you start from the beginning of the endgame chapter, where Marth prepares to fight Medeus (thanks, Serenes Forest).

Fire Emblem Special Variants
Image: via Serenes Forest

Even if you don't live in Japan, it's still super easy to play these yourself. If you have (or create) a secondary Japanese account, you can head to that region's eShop and download the Switch Online Famicom app. Then, using your regular account with a Switch Online subscription, you'll be able to start it up and play as usual. Job's a good 'un!

[source serenesforest.net]