Today, Nintendo posted a new video to their YouTube channel, titled Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia – Two Armies.
This video discusses Alm and Celica’s general involvement in the plot, and also covers many details on the gameplay that new and old fans alike may enjoy coverage of, such as 1~5 range archers, magic ignoring Terrain Effect, magic consuming HP when used, promotion and more.
However, there’s more. I’ve been holding off on my pre-order with hopes that we’d be fortunate enough to receive a Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Bundle, and by golly we sure got one.
The Limited Bundle will include not only the game, but a sleek hardcover artbook, a pin set (three, featuring Alm, Celica and Marth using their overworld map sprites), and a Sound Selection CD.
European regions will have access to a bundle as well, as announced through a Facebook video. The packaging appears to be a bit different, but the contents are generally the same; the EU bundle will include the Alm and Celica amiibo, no doubt raising the price by an assumed 20 or so over North America’s announced price..
Last bits of exciting news cover amiibo involvement in the game, which is something all regions can look forward to. Details from Nintendo’s latest press release are as follows:
Also launching on May 19 are the Alm and Celica amiibo figures, available only as a set at a suggested retail price of $24.99. When used in the game, these amiibo will activate their own exclusive dungeons, allowing heroes to earn items and level up their armies further by defeating bosses. By selecting Mila’s Turnwheel from the menu on the overworld map, they will also be able to take advantage of their Alm and Celica amiibo in battle. During combat, players can sacrifice a portion of Alm or Celica’s health in order to summon a computer-controlled illusory hero, which will act as a temporary ally for a single turn.
As Alm and Celica get stronger, their stats can be saved to their respective amiibo, allowing their summoned unit to grow in strength alongside them. In addition, all Fire Emblem amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. series can be used to summon an illusory hero of that character, allowing players to seek assistance from spectral visages of Marth, Ike, Roy, Robin, Lucina and the upcoming Corrin amiibo. All other currently available amiibo are also compatible, and will summon an additional monster to the battleground to assist players in battle, providing some much-needed help in case of a strategic emergency.
Yes, you read right…Corrin, along with all pre-existing amiibo will have in-game functionality. Fire Emblem themed amiibo will have significant use in the game, but since all amiibo will work in some way, everyone who owns some can enjoy a bonus.
Pre-orders are not yet provided by stores, but we can anticipate a $59.99 tag on the bundle. Keep an eye out on popular US retailers, Gamestop, Amazon and Target, as all three are confirmed to carry the game and also likely the bundle, while Nintendo UK’s official store will no doubt carry it.
Update: Now available from Gamestop!
While you’re waiting, here’s some new high resolution character artwork for you to appreciate, courtesy of Nintendo!
Valbar
Faye
Genny
Gray
Kamui
Kliff
Leon
Lukas
Mae
Silque
Tobin
