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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video Game

Fire Emblem

Fire Emblem is a Japanese tactical role-playing video game franchise developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Fire Emblem is a Japanese tactical role-playing video game franchise developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. It began in 1990 on the Nintendo Entertainment System and has become one of Nintendo’s long-running strategy series, known for turn-based battles, character-driven stories, and permanent unit loss in many entries.

Overview

Fire Emblem is a long-running Nintendo franchise centered on squad-based, turn-based strategy battles and story-heavy role-playing elements. The series spans multiple original titles and spin-offs across Nintendo platforms.

Gameplay

Core Fire Emblem games typically involve moving units across grid-based maps, managing character classes, and making tactical decisions in battle. Many entries are known for permanent character death, where fallen units do not return in the campaign.

Release history

The series began on the Famicom/NES in 1990 and its early entries were released only in Japan. Later games expanded to international markets, beginning with *The Blazing Blade*.

Series identity

The franchise title refers to the ‘Fire Emblem’, a recurring story element that is usually portrayed as a royal weapon or shield associated with war and dragons. This object varies in form depending on the game’s setting.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light in 1990.
  • It is primarily a turn-based tactical RPG series.
  • The games are developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.
  • The series originally released only in Japan for its first six games.
  • Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade was the first title released in North America and Europe.
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Canadian context

Fire Emblem has a Canadian audience through Nintendo’s North American releases and long-running popularity on Nintendo consoles sold in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Fire Emblem?
Fire Emblem is a Nintendo-published tactical role-playing video game franchise developed by Intelligent Systems.
When did the series begin?
The series began in 1990 with Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
What kind of games are Fire Emblem titles?
They are turn-based tactical role-playing games that emphasize strategic movement, unit management, and story progression.
How many main games are in the series?
The series is described in the provided sources as having 17 core entries and 5 spin-offs.
Which Fire Emblem game first released outside Japan?
Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade was the first entry released in North America and Europe.
What does the title ‘Fire Emblem’ mean in the series?
It refers to a recurring in-universe object that often represents power tied to war and dragons.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_Emblem
    Supports: Series description, developer/publisher, first release, and count of core entries/spinoffs
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_Emblem
    Supports: Genre, first release year, Japan-only early releases, and first overseas release
  3. Japanese Wikipedia — https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_Emblem
    Supports: Franchise identity, series genre, and title reference to the Fire Emblem object