As I delved into the world of Fire Emblem: Engage, I found myself transported back in time, reminiscing about the games that came before. The ability to channel the abilities and strengths of classic characters, like Marth and Celica, is a powerful reminder of the series' rich history. But as I battled through missions with familiar faces, I couldn't help but wonder why the new game couldn't be accompanied by the announcement I've been waiting for: a Switch version of Fire Emblem Fates, Awakening, and older installments like Sacred Stones and Path of Radiance.

Engage's clever use of legacy characters has reignited my desire to revisit the past, and I'm not alone. Many fans would love to see the Switch get a taste of the older games, not just for nostalgic reasons but also for the chance to share them with younger generations. Handheld heroics are a significant part of gaming history, and it's essential to preserve that legacy for future players.

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One of the key factors that sets Fire Emblem apart from other RPGs is its ability to make the player feel like they're having an impact on the story and characters. Fire Emblem: Three Houses, in particular, achieved this sense of immersion through its engaging narrative and character development. While I'm still enjoying Engage, it hasn't quite captured the same magic for me. Perhaps it's because Three Houses allowed me to connect with its characters on a deeper level, and I struggle to find that same connection with the new game.

However, Fire Emblem's core strength is undeniable, and I've yet to play a game in the series that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. It's this unwavering dedication to quality that has me hopeful for more games to come to the Switch. The release of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon on Switch Online in 2020 was a promising step, but its limited-time availability was disappointing.

The prospect of playing Awakening, Fates, and other classic games on the Switch is tantalizing, especially when you consider the possibility of playing them in TV mode. The convenience of being able to switch between handheld and home console play is a major advantage of the Switch, and it would be amazing to have that option for these older games.

For many fans, the cost of acquiring older games, especially those from the GameCube era, has become prohibitive. From a preservation perspective, the closure of the 3DS store only underscores the need for Nintendo to make its back catalog available for future generations.

Unlocking the Past: The Quest for Older Fire Emblem Games on Switch

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