Fire Emblem: Maiden of the Dark

The hero converses

   Few specific details are known about the first Game Boy Advance installment of the saga, save the premise of the game's story. The game introduces a new Fire Emblem location, the continent of Erezo. In typical RPG fashion, you play the role of a courageous young soldier who must defend his country against an invasion by the neighboring kingdom of Belun, while also unraveling the mystery behind his formerly peaceful rivals' aggression.

Thunder spell

   Gameplay details are currently non-existent, but it's safe to assume that Maiden of the Dark will stick to the linear, turn-based strategy RPG base of its predecessors. According to Nintendo, Maiden of the Dark will apparently include some "real-time" elements, though this may simply refer to the animated battle screens.

   Despite the series' non-existent presence abroad, Fire Emblem: Maiden of the Dark may yet stand a chance of being translated. Nintendo's official position? "No firm U.S. release date has been announced" for Maiden of the Dark, indicating that one could well surface in the future. Strategy RPG fans should keep their fingers crossed.