There are a total of three Fire Emblem titles released on the Game Boy Advance (GBA) platform. These tactical role-playing games marked a significant era for the series, including the first title to receive an international release.
Fire Emblem Games on Game Boy Advance
The GBA era brought the Fire Emblem series to a wider audience, with three distinct titles offering unique stories and characters while maintaining the series' beloved strategic gameplay. The Advance console was notable for being the first system to feature an internationally released Fire Emblem title.
Here are the Fire Emblem games released on the Game Boy Advance:
- Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade (Known in Japan as Fire Emblem: Fūin no Tsurugi)
- Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (Known internationally simply as Fire Emblem)
- Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (Known in Japan as Fire Emblem: Seima no Kōseki)
Let's delve into each title:
Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade (2002)
- Release Year: 2002 (Japan only)
- Protagonist: Roy
- Significance: This was the first Fire Emblem game released on the Game Boy Advance. Although it was never officially localized and released outside of Japan, its protagonist, Roy, gained international fame through his appearance in Super Smash Bros. Melee, released prior to The Binding Blade. The game focuses on Roy's journey to reclaim his homeland from the kingdom of Bern.
Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (2003)
- Release Year: 2003 (Japan), 2003-2004 (International)
- Protagonists: Lyn, Eliwood, Hector
- Significance: This game holds the distinction of being the first internationally released Fire Emblem title, initially known simply as Fire Emblem upon its debut outside Japan in 2003. It serves as a prequel to The Binding Blade, set 20 years prior, and introduces players to the continent of Elibe through the perspectives of three main lords: Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector. Its international success paved the way for future Fire Emblem localizations.
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (2004)
- Release Year: 2004 (Japan), 2004-2005 (International)
- Protagonists: Eirika and Ephraim
- Significance: The Sacred Stones was the third and final Fire Emblem game on the GBA. It introduced a world map, allowing players more freedom to visit locations, grind for experience, and engage in skirmishes. The story follows twin royal siblings, Eirika and Ephraim, as they fight to protect their kingdom and the sacred stones from an encroaching empire.
Overview of GBA Fire Emblem Titles
To provide a clear summary, here's a table outlining the GBA Fire Emblem games:
| Title (International Name) | Japanese Title | Release Year (Japan) | Release Year (International) | Main Protagonists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade | Fūin no Tsurugi | 2002 | N/A | Roy | Japan-exclusive; Roy appeared in Smash Bros. |
| Fire Emblem | The Blazing Blade | 2003 | 2003-2004 | Lyn, Eliwood, Hector | First internationally released Fire Emblem |
| Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones | Seima no Kōseki | 2004 | 2004-2005 | Eirika, Ephraim | Introduced world map and skirmishes |
These three titles represent the Fire Emblem series' successful transition to handheld gaming and its expansion into the global market, particularly with the international success of Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade.
