'Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia' release date, latest news: Upcoming 'Fire Emblem' game to arrive on Nintendo 3DS this May

Nintendo has recently announced that "Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia," a re-imagining of the Japan-exclusive "Fire Emblem Gaiden" (the second entry to the popular video game franchise), is currently in development for the Nintendo 3DS.

As reported by Polygon, the upcoming "Fire Emblem" game will be launched on May 19. The game is inspired by and is a grander re-imagining of "Fire Emblem Gaiden," which was released in Japan back in 1992. "Gaiden" is credited also credited with defining the "Fire Emblem" game series' signature style.

The much-awaited game will feature dual protagonists, Alm and Celica, who are part of a tragic war which divided the continent of Valentia. A two-pack amiibo based on these main characters are also scheduled to arrive on the same day of the video game's launch.

Nintendo also debuted a trailer which details the game' backstory. "Shadows of Valentia" tells the story of a land which has been divided a very long time ago by the gods Duma — the hawkish, strength-driven ruler of the north — and Mila — the peaceful and gentle ruler of the south. Because of this separation, two polar kingdoms have been forged — Zofia in the south, and Rigel in the north.

The upcoming game will include full voice acting, free-roaming, dungeon-crawling, and flexible character progressions, features which made the original "Gaiden" game unique during its time.

"Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia" is the newest "Fire Emblem" game in the franchise since the release of "Fire Emblem Fates." Three versions of "Fates" was launched in February last year, and it also had a Nintendo 3DS version. Like its predecessor, "Fire Emblem Awakening," "Fates" was well-received by the fans. Hence, many are expecting that the upcoming "Fire Emblem" will reach and even surpass the gaming fans' high expectations.

"Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia" is set to be released on May 19 for the Nintendo 3DS. Two separate "Fire Emblem" games are also currently in the works for the upcoming Nintendo Switch console.