On Feb. 2, Fire Emblem Heroes will celebrate its first anniversary. In true mobile game fashion, Nintendo and Intelligent Systems are trotting out the big guns to keep existing players interested and to entice new ones into the turn-based fold.
Detailed in a 15-minute livestream presentation, Nintendo announced a brand new mode, called Tap Battle, as well as a legendary version of Ike, one of the most popular characters in the series. They also revealed a special First Anniversary event.
Tap Battle: Illusory Dungeon
In a bizarre departure from the core turn-based tactics gameplay of Fire Emblem, a new mode called Tap Battle: Illusory Dungeon has players tapping various heroes as enemies stream onto the screen. The mode will launch on Feb. 8 and will include 100 floors to conquer, including boss floors.
First Anniversary Event
To celebrate the Fire Emblem Heroes anniversary, the developers will dole out 25 days of special maps, rewarding a total of 50 orbs for completion. Also, starting on Feb. 1, anyone who logs in will be granted another 50 orbs for doing, well, nothing.
Within these maps will be existing Grand Hero Battles, which will show up on a daily rotation. One of these Grand Hero Battles includes the long-awaited return of Xander, a character who has been inaccessible since his first appearance in May of last year.
Legendary Ike
Fans of Ike from the the Radiant series of Fire Emblem games (as well as Smash Bros.) already have a few versions of him to pick from in Fire Emblem Heroes. Yet another will be added starting tonight. Based on the footage, it appears this new Ike will once again feature a sword with the ability to defend himself from ranged attackers.
A Hero Rises Event
Starting on Feb. 1, fans will be able to vote on their favorite character currently in Fire Emblem Heroes. The most popular will be given out as a free, five-star hero to all players. Included in the voting will be the brand-new Legendary Ike, so players may want to save their orbs to see who ends up on top.
You can watch the full livestream presentation above.