Fire Emblem Engage release date: UK launch time, gameplay and trailer
The time to Engage has come!
The Nintendo Switch has become the strategy fan’s go-to console, and the release of Fire Emblem Engage has only cemented it further. Nintendo and Intelligent Systems have made sure that fans of the strategy RPG powerhouse never go hungry, with the fifth release of the series now out in the world for us to play.
With there now being so many games in the series on the platform, Nintendo had to make sure this one was as engaging as possible, hence the name. Fortunately, thanks to an interesting new gameplay mechanic that brings back classic heroes from previous games and a whole host of romance options, we reckon they've done just that.
Read on for everything you need to know about Fire Emblem Engage including when it came out, what savvy pre-order shoppers bagged, gameplay details, and see a trailer.
When is the Fire Emblem Engage release date?
Fire Emblem Engage came out on Friday 20th January 2023 making it the first big game launch of 2023. Here in the UK, the launch time was around 5am GMT, so you should be able to jump in right now.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Could you pre-order Fire Emblem Engage?
Yup, and those who bought the game early are currently enjoying all their bonuses for doing so.
There are two version of the game that fans of the series can still purchase now: the Standard Edition (£49.99 RRP) and the Divine Edition (£89.99).
Both are still available through GAME.
The Standard Edition of Fire Emblem Engage is still in stock at GAME and you’ll receive a free Fire Emblem Engage Pin Badge even if you didn't pre-order the fame..
The Divine Edition, meanwhile, comes with a SteelBook, art cards, poster, and Artbook. You can buy the Divine Edition of Fire Emblem Engage from GAME for £89.99 here.
You can also buy the game digitally on the Switch eShop, where you can also purchase the Expansion Pass separately (£26.99) or buy them together for £76.98.
Which consoles and platforms can play Fire Emblem Engage?
Fire Emblem Engage is a Nintendo Switch exclusive. You can only buy and play the game on Nintendo’s hybrid console. As it is developed by Nintendo, too, it’s monumentally unlikely that you’ll ever see the new Fire Emblem on anything but a Nintendo machine.
Fire Emblem Engage gameplay and story details
Fire Emblem Engage is set on the continent of Elyos. Divine Dragon Alear has awoken from a thousand-year slumber and will work with heroes new and old to defeat the Fell Dragon Sombron that plagues the land. If you know your Fire Emblem, it’s relatively standard stuff.
Gameplay remains largely unchanged from previous entries as the tried-and-true formula has proven its worth over decades of releases. The main big change, however, comes in the form of summonable characters from past Fire Emblem games that will fight alongside you via Emblem Rings.
Throughout the game, you’ll be able to collect Emblem Rings that you can equip to aid you in battle. You’ll see the likes of Marth, Byleth, Corrin and more appear, with summonable heroes from the past fighting alongside you and even earning support bonds which will improve the more you fight alongside one another. Form strong bonds with Emblems and you’ll unlock powerful new abilities that can turn the tide of battle.
Returning features from previous games include the Draconic Time Crystal, which lets you rewind time in battle if things go awry, the classic weapon triangle, a traversable map, and explorable Somniel. The Somniel lets you explore in third-person to talk to NPCs, take part in minigames such as fishing, and go shopping for new gear.
Is there a Fire Emblem Engage trailer?
There are a load of Fire Emblem Engage trailers out there, as Nintendo promoted this game with all of its might.
The best trailer is probably The Fell Dragon Rises, which offers an overview of the game’s plot, shows off some gameplay, and generally tells you all you need to know about the game. It’s worth a look if you’re on the fence. Check it out below:
That’s all there is to know about Fire Emblem Engage, and now it’s up to you whether you want to play or not!
Hungry for more gaming? Visit our video game release schedule, or swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news.
Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide.
Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home — subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.
Authors
Toby Saunders is a freelance writer specialising in Video Game journalism. He has a wealth of experience in the field and is published on many different websites including PCGamesN, Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics. He has a degree in Film Studies (he gets to write about Film and TV occasionally, too).
