A recent internal leak from Intelligent Systems suggests that the developer may have planned for another Fire Emblem game between Fire Emblem Three Houses and the recent Fire Emblem Engage. The popular strategy RPG franchise has become one of Nintendo's most iconic ongoing series with releases typically serving as some of the biggest new games. Recently, the franchise welcomed its newest main-series entry with the release of Fire Emblem Engage. Now, leaks may suggest there was initially another game planned.Engage's release comes three-and-a-half years after the Fire Emblem franchise welcomed its first main-series entry on Switch with Fire Emblem Three Houses. The previous game, set in the war-torn continent of Fodlan, quickly saw huge success as it became the fastest-selling game in Fire Emblem history. The franchise would also release multiple spinoffs on Switch between two Fire Emblem Warriors spinoffs with Koei Tecmo and a limited time re-release of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light. However, Intelligent Systems reportedly had another Fire Emblem game in the works. A recent leak of the Fire Emblem franchise's internal codenames suggests another planned title between Engage and Three Houses may have been in development. Within Intelligent Systems' database, Fire Emblem Three Houses is referred to by the codename "Iron17" while Engage is referred to as "Iron19." Fans are speculating that the mysteriously absent "Iron18" codename may have been associated with another Fire Emblem game, planned to release between the two. Neither Intelligent Systems nor Nintendo have referenced another Fire Emblem game planned before Engage.
Fans were quick to point out that there was, in fact, another Fire Emblem title released in between Three Houses and Engage. Last June saw the release of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, a new Warriors spinoff set in an alternate version of Three Houses. However, the fan who discovered the missing Iron18 was quick to note that the Iron codenames were only used when referring to mainline Fire Emblem games. Three Hopes, as a spinoff developed by Koei Tecmo, would not have received an Iron codename like the main-series titles.
While no official information has been given about a scrapped Fire Emblem game, Fire Emblem Engage has seen fairly positive reception from fans and critics. Scores have trended lower than its predecessor in Fire Emblem Three Houses, but early reviews have praised the game for improvements to its strategic elements and gameplay. The game's main cast of characters has also been popular among fans despite criticisms against Engage's weak plot and social mechanics. While fans may never know more about the scrapped Fire Emblem game, Engage has proven to be another solid addition to the series.
Fire Emblem Engage is available now for Nintendo Switch.
Source: My Nintendo News