Since the release of New Super Mario Bros 2 last summer, Nintendo has started offering its new, first party titles as digital downloads on the 3DS eShop: the prices are still pretty close to the retail copies but it’s a good thing that Nintendo opened up to digital distribution, especially considering how Nintendo is not always willing to try something new when it comes to the online side of things.
The newest entry in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem: Awakening, released last spring in Japan and set for a February 4 release in North America, will be available on the 3DS eShop as well as on store shelves, marking the first time a Fire Emblem game is available as a digital download. The game is also the first Nintendo first party title to receive extra downloadable content, introducing the DLC concept on the 3DS as well. The contents, which will be also available in North America, are completely optional so players won’t have to worry about missing anything by not buying the downloadable content. For the rest, expect the usual strategic RPG gameplay formula with some new twists, more freedom in character development and customization, a character creation feature and a mating system, allowing characters to pair up and have children.
European gamers will have to wait a bit more to get their hand on Fire Emblem: Awakening: the game will officially launch in Europe on April.
