Fire Emblem is a popular tactical role-playing game series that has captivated fans around the world for over three decades.
Initially created by the Japanese video game company Intelligent Systems, Fire Emblem’s deep strategic gameplay, engaging storylines, and memorable characters have contributed to its success.
The series features turn-based battles on grid-based maps and emphasizes character development and permadeath mechanics, where fallen characters are lost permanently in the game.
And today, we’re going to check out all the Fire Emblem Games listed in order, so you can play chronologically if you want to. Or just to check out if you are curious to see how many games are there in this long lasting, amazing series.
PS: If you’re a fan of RPG games in general, then you should check out my previous article sharing some Eternal Evolution codes.
The First Generation of Fire Emblem Games
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990)
The first entry in the series, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light, was released in 1990 for the Nintendo Famicom.
The game introduced players to the continent of Archanea and the story of Marth, the prince of Altea, who embarks on a journey to reclaim his kingdom and rescue his sister.
Fire Emblem Gaiden (1992)
Following the success of the first game, Fire Emblem Gaiden was released in 1992 for the Famicom. This game is set on the continent of Valentia and features two main characters, Alm and Celica, who fight to bring peace to their land.
Gaiden introduced new gameplay mechanics such as explorable towns and dungeons, which were later revisited in future titles.
Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem (1993)
The third game in the series, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem, was released in 1993 for the Super Famicom.
This title is both a sequel and a remake, as it contains an updated version of the first game and a new storyline that continues Marth’s adventures.
Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War (1996)
In 1996, Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War was released for the Super Famicom. The game takes place on the continent of Jugdral and features a complex story that spans generations.
It introduced the concept of character relationships and inheritance mechanics, which would become staples in future games.
Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 (1999)
Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 was released in 1999 for the Super Famicom, making it the final Fire Emblem game for that console. The game is set in the same world as Genealogy of the Holy War but focuses on a different set of characters and events.
Thracia 776 introduced mechanics such as fatigue, capture, and rescue, adding more depth and strategy to the gameplay.
The Second Generation of Fire Emblem Games
Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade (2002)
The Binding Blade, released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, marked the beginning of the second generation of Fire Emblem games. Set on the continent of Elibe, the story follows Roy, the son of a marquess, as he leads an army to stop the evil Bern Empire.
This game introduced the support conversation system, which allowed characters to develop relationships and improve their abilities in battle.
Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (2003)
The Blazing Blade, also known as Fire Emblem in the West, was released in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance. This game is a prequel to The Binding Blade and follows the journey of three protagonists: Eliwood, Hector, and Lyn.
It was the first Fire Emblem game to be released outside of Japan, marking the series’ international debut.
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (2004)
The Sacred Stones, released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, takes place in the continent of Magvel. The game follows the twin protagonists, Eirika and Ephraim, as they fight to restore peace to their war-torn homeland.
The Sacred Stones reintroduced the explorable towns and branching class promotion system from Fire Emblem Gaiden.
The Third Generation of Fire Emblem Games
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (2005)
Path of Radiance, released in 2005 for the Nintendo GameCube, was the first Fire Emblem game to feature 3D graphics. The game takes place in the continent of Tellius and follows the story of Ike, a young mercenary, as he fights against an invading nation.
Path of Radiance introduced a skill system, which allowed players to customize their characters’ abilities.
Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (2007)
Radiant Dawn, released in 2007 for the Nintendo Wii, is a direct sequel to Path of Radiance. The game continues the story of Ike and introduces new characters such as Micaiah, a silver-haired mage. Radiant Dawn features improved graphics, a more complex skill system, and a challenging difficulty level.
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (2008)
Shadow Dragon, released in 2008 for the Nintendo DS, is a remake of the first Fire Emblem game, Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light. It features updated graphics, gameplay improvements, and new characters.
Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem (2010)
New Mystery of the Emblem, released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS, is a remake of the third game, Mystery of the Emblem. It includes updated graphics, gameplay enhancements, and the addition of the customizable Avatar character.
Fire Emblem: Awakening (2012)
Awakening, released in 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS, takes place in the continents of Ylisse and Valm. The game follows the story of Chrom and the customizable Avatar character as they fight to save their world. Awakening introduced the Pair Up system and reintroduced the marriage and child mechanics from Genealogy of the Holy War.
Fire Emblem Fates (2015)
Fates, released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS, is divided into three separate versions: Birthright, Conquest, and Revelation. Each version has a unique storyline and offers different gameplay experiences.
The game is set in the continents of Hoshido and Nohr and follows the Avatar character as they struggle to choose between their birth family and adoptive family.
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (2017)
Shadows of Valentia, released in 2017 for the Nintendo 3DS, is a remake of the second game, Fire Emblem Gaiden. It features updated graphics, voice acting, and gameplay improvements while maintaining the original game’s unique mechanics.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019)
Three Houses, released in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch, is set on the continent of Fódlan, where players assume the role of a professor at the Officers Academy.
The game features three main storylines, each focusing on one of the three titular houses. Three Houses introduced a calendar system, strategic battalions, and a more in-depth character development system.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes (2022)
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is an action-packed hack and slash RPG for the Nintendo Switch, developed by Omega Force.
Set in the same universe as the orginal Fire Emblem: Three Houses, it features a new protagonist named Shez and offers an alternative timeline with familiar characters and story elements.
Join the Garreg Mach Monastery and choose from one of three classes, each representing a nation of Fódlan. Experience different story paths and playable characters in this exciting crossover between the Fire Emblem and Warriors franchises.
Additional Titles and Spin-offs
The Fire Emblem series has also seen several spin-offs and collaborations, such as Fire Emblem Heroes (2017), a mobile game featuring characters from across the series, and Fire Emblem Warriors (2017), a hack-and-slash game developed in collaboration with Koei Tecmo. I decided to list the latter above, since it makes sense.
FAQs
- What is the first Fire Emblem game? The first Fire Emblem game is Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light, released in 1990 for the Nintendo Famicom.
- Which Fire Emblem game was the first to be released outside of Japan? Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade, also known as Fire Emblem, was the first game in the series to be released outside of Japan. It was released in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance.
- Which Fire Emblem game introduced the support conversation system? The support conversation system was first introduced in Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade, released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance.
- What are some notable spin-offs or collaborations in the Fire Emblem series? Some notable spin-offs and collaborations include Fire Emblem Heroes (2017), a mobile game featuring characters from across the series, and Fire Emblem Warriors (2017), a hack-and-slash game developed in collaboration with Koei Tecmo.
- What is the main gameplay style of the Fire Emblem series? Fire Emblem games are tactical role-playing games featuring turn-based battles on grid-based maps, character development, and permadeath mechanics.
Now, with all these in mind, you might want to switch to something different. I recommend checking out the Blackwell Mystery adventure series next.
Conclusion
The Fire Emblem series has come a long way since its inception in 1990, consistently captivating players with its engaging tactical gameplay, rich narratives, and memorable characters.
From the early days of the Famicom and Super Famicom to the modern era of the Nintendo Switch, the series has evolved and adapted, introducing new features, mechanics, and stories while staying true to its core elements.
With each new installment, Fire Emblem continues to excite and challenge players, securing its place as a beloved and enduring franchise in the tactical role-playing game genre.
As we look back on the incredible journey of Fire Emblem, we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this iconic series.
And if we somehow miss updating the list after new titles are released, don’t hesitate to let us all know by sharing your comments below.