Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

 DS
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
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  1. Gaming Target
    74
    Despite its shortcomings, Shadow Dragon lives up to the franchise by offering deep characters, an incredibly diverse cast of characters, a lengthy and engaging campaign, challenging gameplay and for the first time, online multiplayer.
  2. Edge Magazine
    70
    The beginning is a sensible place to start, but rest assured, it gets much, much better. [Feb 2009, p.91]
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  3. games(TM)
    70
    The pinnacle of the series’ handheld bloodline but also nothing that we haven’t really seen before. [Feb 2009, p.112]
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  5. Extreme Gamer
    70
    Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon is a must for all Fire Emblem collectors. Die-hard tactical fans might be a little bored with the old school nature of the game, and who can blame them.... given there are so many solid Fire Emblem games to pick from.
  6. G4 TV
    60
    Fans of the series will be quick to pick this one up and will likely get much enjoyment. New players might find more to love in the newer games in the series. Either way, Shadow Dragon is a good move for tactical strategy gamers.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best DS Game of 2009
8
#8 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
5
#5 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 184
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 184
  3. Negative: 25 out of 184
  1. Kirisoul
    May 10, 2012
    6
    Make no mistake, this is a polished game. However, I hold Fire Emblem to a higher standard due to the quality of the other games, and this oneMake no mistake, this is a polished game. However, I hold Fire Emblem to a higher standard due to the quality of the other games, and this one fails compared to them. True this is a remake of a very old game, but nearly no attempt was made to flesh the story out or update the mechanics. Playing through it, I little attachment to my characters or the plot in general, which is simply told through a short chapter description before each mission. Fire Emblem isn't just a tactics game! There are far better TBS games out there! It's appeal has always been the RPG element, the compelling story, and lovable characters. Strip FE from this, and it becomes only a solid, but not outstanding tactical role playing game.… Full Review »
  2. domflo
    Feb 5, 2013
    7
    Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon. A game that is as Fire Emblem as you can get... if you are reading this in the 1990's. The game is a straight andFire Emblem: Shadow Dragon. A game that is as Fire Emblem as you can get... if you are reading this in the 1990's. The game is a straight and faithful remake of the series first outing, "Dark Dragon and the Sword of Light", released for the Famicom in 1990. And that is where it's problems start: It is just as the game was in 1990. Sure, you have your Weapon Triangle now, sure, the graphics are a lot better than they were back then, but at the core, this is a early 90's game. If you are ok with that, then I cannot stress this enough: Buy this game. It is a good game all by itself, but it just fails in comparison to other Fire Emblem games. A lot of the features a Fire Emblem fan has gotten accustomed to are missing in this title. Character development is almost nonexistent, the story is incredibly linear and rather dull from today's perspective, and the beloved support conversations from the GameBoy Advance games are not here either, taking away the character's depth. Despite that, however, it is still quite enjoyable as a turn-based strategy game.
    If you have ever played an other Fire Emblem, you should either be prepared to play something that feels pretty old, or you should want to dwelve into the franchises history. If you are interested in how it started, this is the way to go. If you look for a nice strategy game for the DS, this is the way to go. But if you think you get a high quality Fire Emblem with this game, you should probably stay away from it.    … Full Review »
  3. NocheShade
    Dec 30, 2012
    8
    Quite good.It's nothing compared to the GBA pair(Because I don't include FE6 as it's a Japanese exclusive >_< )It's still a good game with anQuite good.It's nothing compared to the GBA pair(Because I don't include FE6 as it's a Japanese exclusive >_< )It's still a good game with an outdated storyline and some of my least favourite characters in Fire Emblem games.Still good though.… Full Review »
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