Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light

 Switch
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32

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  1. frederik1478
    Dec 9, 2020
    6
    A Classic only worth playing for fans , I would not say I had a bad time with the game but it was slow and tedious and if you don't played on double speed then you're going to bed time, But it is fun to see how franchise grew out of this little Nintendo game, Would only recommend buying if you're curious about the Fire Emblem series beginning
  2. 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. 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.
  3. InfernoNobody
    Dec 7, 2020
    7
    This game isn't anything special, but it's really cool to finally have this released in a language other than Japanese. Personally I think the color looks better than the original and plays smoother. It's really cool being able to play this game especially on the Switch. I think this game really only calls out to the long time fans and could give you the wrong idea on the series if youThis game isn't anything special, but it's really cool to finally have this released in a language other than Japanese. Personally I think the color looks better than the original and plays smoother. It's really cool being able to play this game especially on the Switch. I think this game really only calls out to the long time fans and could give you the wrong idea on the series if you only care for the graphics of games. The story isn't the best, but it could be much worse. Overall this is a cool release over anything, especially if you can get the collectors edition. If you want this game or want to try something new in the JRPG genre, get it from the eshop before it's too late.… Expand
  4. Onioncreature
    Dec 11, 2020
    5
    While I do appreciate that Nintendo has finally localized one of their older Japan exclusive titles, I have to admit that this isn't the one I would've chosen. It's certainly functional, and has some vaguely enjoyable elements, but the original Fire Emblem game really hasn't aged very well, and the minor quality of life improvements added to this version don't do enough to mitigate theWhile I do appreciate that Nintendo has finally localized one of their older Japan exclusive titles, I have to admit that this isn't the one I would've chosen. It's certainly functional, and has some vaguely enjoyable elements, but the original Fire Emblem game really hasn't aged very well, and the minor quality of life improvements added to this version don't do enough to mitigate the dated game design. It's difficult to recommend this to anyone other hardcore fans of the series.… 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 the best. I believe it still holds up today. A fun challenge well worth 6 dollars.
  6. 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, 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 theFE1 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
  7. Fraxxo
    Sep 9, 2023
    5
    I wonder hos the series got so popular in Japan with such a terrible start.
    This game did came out in 1990 but looks, sounds and plays like an early 80s game with boring and extremely slow gameplay revolving about terrible RNG.
    I get it, Intelligent System was trying to create a different type of JRPG on the market, and it surely did pay out in the long term, but this game is just so    I wonder hos the series got so popular in Japan with such a terrible start.
    This game did came out in 1990 but looks, sounds and plays like an early 80s game with boring and extremely slow gameplay revolving about terrible RNG.
    I get it, Intelligent System was trying to create a different type of JRPG on the market, and it surely did pay out in the long term, but this game is just so bad, slow, unnecessary long and full of glitches. I couldn't even bring myself past Chapter 15.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. 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]
  2. 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]
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    May 5, 2021
    80
    Whether you're a newbie like me or not, you won't regret experiencing this part of Fire Emblem and video gaming history. [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 24]
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