Shadows of Valentia details reveal sweeping changes to combat and give a first look at new characters
Famitsu revealed new Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia details that will change the way players navigate the battlefield. Gone is the series signature weapons triangle, and in is magic that hurts the user. Instead of focusing on having the weapons advantage, players will need to use the terrain to gain an advantage in combat. Fighting the the woods will add a 40 point boost to character’s avoid stat, compared the usual 10. Magic users won’t be effected by terrain boosts, but they will take damage each time they cast a spell.
The news further confirms that Shadows of Valentia will be a faithful recreation of Fire Emblem: Gaiden. Gaiden was the second Fire Emblem game ever released, and was never localized outside of Japan. No information on whether support conversations would be added was given.
Additionally, only two modes of difficulty have been announced. Normal and Hard modes will be in the game, but Lunatic and Phoenix mode have yet to be confirmed.
Still, a new modern tweak is being added to the game as well. Mila’s Gear will allow players to rewind their character’s actions one action at a time. Famitsu says it appears the amount of times you can use Mila’s Gear is limited, so players should still think carefully before they move.
Two all-new characters were introduced as well. Effie (same name, different character than Fates’s bulky knight) is a childhood friend of Alm’s, and Berkut is the Emperor of Rigel’s coup-leading nephew.
For more Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia details, stick around. We’ll keep you updated all the up to the 3DS game’s May 19th release date.
