Fire Emblem

Fire Emblem is a Japanese tactical role-playing video game franchise developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.

Fire Emblem is a Japanese tactical role-playing game franchise developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. It began in 1990 and is known for turn-based battles, character-driven stories, and permanent unit loss.

What it is

Fire Emblem is a series of tactical RPGs where players command units on grid-based maps. The franchise title refers to a recurring in-universe object, often a royal weapon or shield tied to war and dragons. The series has 17 core entries and 5 spin-offs, all developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.

Why it matters

The series is notable for its permanent character death mechanic, which raises the stakes of each battle. It combines deep strategy with rich storytelling, earning a dedicated fanbase. In Canada, Fire Emblem has a strong audience through Nintendo’s North American releases and long-running popularity on Nintendo consoles.

Key details

The first game, *Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light*, launched in 1990 on the NES. The first six games were exclusive to Japan. *Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade* (2003) was the first title released in North America and Europe, introducing the series to a global audience.