Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light

 Switch
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light Image
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Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

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  • Summary: Play the Famicom classic that started the Fire Emblem™ legacy—localized for the first time. Meet Marth and recruit some of the most beloved Fire Emblem characters in their 8-bit glory as you play through all 25 chapters of this classic Famicom tactical role-playing game, localized andPlay the Famicom classic that started the Fire Emblem™ legacy—localized for the first time. Meet Marth and recruit some of the most beloved Fire Emblem characters in their 8-bit glory as you play through all 25 chapters of this classic Famicom tactical role-playing game, localized and released for the first time in North America—for a limited time. From defending the kingdom of Talys to facing off against the titular Shadow Dragon, this scrappy hero must be poised to take on any challenge. Luckily, he has a capable group of allies at his side: Tiki, Minerva, the Whitewing Sisters, and more. See Marth’s humble beginnings from a refugee in Talys to the hero of Archanea!
    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. CD-Action
    Jul 23, 2021
    80
    I was surprised to discover that the reedition of the first, 8-bit Fire Emblem is not just a disappointing history lesson. Of course, this NES-era classic is ugly, outdated and rough in many aspects, but it’s still very engaging. It also shows that although the series grew significantly over the years, it managed to retain its overall feel. [02/2021, p.38]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Jeuxvideo.com
    Dec 4, 2020
    75
    If you are able to overcome the ergonomic rigidities inherent in his old age and are interested in discovering Marth's origins, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light could quite satisfy you.
  3. Twinfinite
    Dec 8, 2020
    70
    Nintendo gave what they promised: a localized port. It’s still a fun Fire Emblem game at its core though, and I can only hope that we get more Japanese-only Fire Emblem games localized because there are many improvements in every entry.
  4. Gameblog.fr
    Dec 2, 2020
    60
    This well-written English translation of Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light proves true to the original script while cutting short through the narration in comparison with the DS remake, just like the gameplay charges straight to the point. A real testament to Fire Emblem's traditional values, though some archaic principles bound this version to an historical interest, even with additional modern options that only alleviate the aging elements.
  5. Ninty Fresh Magazine
    Oct 22, 2021
    60
    Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light is the definitive version of this NES classic, however that still doesn’t fix its many flaws. [Issue #3, p.53]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Pocket Tactics
    Dec 8, 2020
    60
    If you're a Fire Emblem super-fan, this is the best version of the NES classic. For everyone else, the Nintendo DS remake or its Wii U port are far better.
  7. Vandal
    Dec 2, 2020
    50
    This is a game full of historical value, that everyone interested in the history of the genre should play. However, it hasn’t aged well at all, and some of its design choices are just not fun in 2020.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. wailmer
    Dec 27, 2020
    10
    This game is exactly what it say the first Fire emblem translated for the first time, I don't know why anyone would complain about it notThis game is exactly what it say the first Fire emblem translated for the first time, I don't know why anyone would complain about it not being free there are several nes/snes games that are not free like the original dragon quest but there all cheap 6$ for this game is totally worth it if you like classic fire emblem… Expand
  2. Keyston3
    Mar 14, 2023
    9
    Honestly i loved it! Everything that makes Fire Emblem well Fire Emblem is all in this game. haven't quite beat it but i put in like 50 hours!Honestly i loved it! Everything that makes Fire Emblem well Fire Emblem is all in this game. haven't quite beat it but i put in like 50 hours! I love old sprites they are so beautiful and hold up really well despite what some people say.… Expand
  4. MinePlay512
    Dec 5, 2020
    8
    You know, it's very hard to look at this game, yes, it's a classic and I like RPG games. The classic is a solid start to the Fire EmblemYou know, it's very hard to look at this game, yes, it's a classic and I like RPG games. The classic is a solid start to the Fire Emblem series and 30 years after it came out, it's still fun as of today.… Expand
  5. Starfree
    Dec 11, 2020
    7
    I think it’s wrong that this game isn’t free with Nintendo Online along with all the other NES games. But as NES games go. This is one of theI think it’s wrong that this game isn’t free with Nintendo Online along with all the other NES games. But as NES games go. This is one of the best. I believe it still holds up today. A fun challenge well worth 6 dollars.… Expand
  6. FTZombies629
    Dec 7, 2020
    6
    I would only get the game bc its only available for a limited time only physical and digital but outside of that, I honestly don't know. II would only get the game bc its only available for a limited time only physical and digital but outside of that, I honestly don't know. I beaten the original version via a fan translation and played around 4 hours of this one. Also, the emulation is the same as the wii U nes games.… Expand
  7. JimPickens
    Jan 14, 2021
    5
    FE1 is only worth going back to if you're already a fan of the series. Much like many NES games, this simply doesn't hold up today, it's slow,FE1 is only worth going back to if you're already a fan of the series. Much like many NES games, this simply doesn't hold up today, it's slow, tedious and unfair, it's too long for its own good, the only merit I can see from playing this game, is if you're curious about the beginnings of the series and Marth, otherwise steer clear, under no circumstances should this be your entry to the series, it has much more to offer later in life, if you absolutely have to play this, only play it on the Switch with the rewind feature. If you want to start playing Fire Emblem, start with either Fire Emblem 6, the first localised title, Fire Emblem Awakening which is often heralded as the best, or Three Houses the newest entry, after you've become acquainted with the series and decided you like it, only then should you play this game… Expand
  8. Esperaunce
    Dec 6, 2020
    0
    Instead of delivering on the NES/SNES games we were promised during the initial launch of Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo and companiesInstead of delivering on the NES/SNES games we were promised during the initial launch of Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo and companies decided to re-release games for a separate price tag. Granted, this game never game out in the west. Still inexcusable practice.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

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