Atlus Producer Explains Fire Emblem Mechanic Changes

The forthcoming crossover between the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series was revealed in yesterday's Nintendo Direct, and has proved incredibly divisive among fans as it appears to leave behind many of the key features of Nintendo's strategy franchise.

Dubbed Illusory Revelations #FE in Japan, the game ditches Fire Emblem's standard grid-based combat as well as transporting the setting from medieval and feudal times to contemporary Shibuya, Japan and this has naturally left fans worried.

Producer Shinjiro Takada has left a message on the game's official website, aiming to address these concerns:

"#FE is an RPG set in contemporary Japan, but focuses on the growth of a group of realistic characters with their fair shares of worries and conflicts. As the essence of the main series has been woven into it, ultimate we strive to make this a game that goes beyond just being a typical collaborative project.

"It might be hard to see just where that essence lies in the game right now, but we'll touch upon that point in later updates as time goes on."

#FE launches this coming Winter on Wii U. A Western release has been confirmed, albeit with neither a release window nor a working title currently announced.

Are you looking forward to this crossover? Or are you underwhelmed by what's been shown already?