FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS

Developer Omega Force, Team Ninja, Intelligent Systems Publisher Nintendo Format Switch Release Autumn

After the unlikely success of Hyrule Warriors on Wii U and 3DS, Nintendo was always likely to task Omega Force with repeating the trick on Switch. And while on first inspection this is simply what the name implies – a classic Dynasty Warriors hack-and-slash set in the Fire Emblem universe – this is no lazy cash-in. Indeed, the developers have gone to surprising lengths to make this feel like a Fire Emblem game.

The grid-based map screen hints at what’s to come. Ally characters can be assigned to different parts of the level, and will attack or defend automatically as circumstances demand, though you can switch between party members instantly with a single button press (a feature introduced in Hyrule Warriors’ 3DS incarnation). If two allies are assigned to the same area, they can team up for more powerful attacks — do so repeatedly, and the bond between them will grow. The significance of Warriors’ relationship system is unknown; if it means we can marry Frederick again, we’re all for it.

Yet there are concessions to Warriors fans, too. Ally placement can be automated, for instance, and the level-up screen, which pauses the action to show a character’s stat increases, can be disabled. Colosseum mode should satisfy all: hived off from the main story, it features 1v1 battles between famous Fire Emblem names. It’s easy to be cynical about

Warriors games: Omega Force pumps them out at speed, and tinkers little with its formula. Yet its partnership with Nintendo’s enviable IP portfolio continues to yield dividends.