<P> Fire Emblem is a tactical role - playing game franchise developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo . First produced and published for the Family Computer (Famicom), the series consists of 12 original games, three remakes, and two spin - off, that are playable across multiple game systems . Described by its creators as a "role - playing game simulation", the gameplay revolves around tactical movement of characters across grid - based environments, while incorporating a story and characters similar to those in a more traditional role - playing video game . </P> <P> A noted aspect of gameplay is the permanent death of characters in battle, removing them from the rest of the game should they be defeated . In the newer titles, from Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem onwards, players get the choice between Classic mode, where characters permanently die or Casual mode, where fallen characters will rejoin in the next battle . The series title refers to the titular object, the "Fire Emblem", usually portrayed as a royally treasured weapon or shield, representing the power of war and dragons, a recurring element in the series . Development of the first game began as a dōjin project by Shouzou Kaga and three other developers . Its success prompted the development of further titles in the series . Shouzou Kaga headed development of each entry until the release of Thracia 776, when he left Intelligent Systems and founded his own game studio to develop Tear Ring Saga . </P> <P> No games in the series were released outside of Japan until two characters, Marth and Roy, were included as playable characters in the 2001 fighting game Super Smash Bros. Melee . Their popularity eventually convinced Nintendo to release the next game, The Blazing Sword, in Western regions under the title Fire Emblem in 2003 . Many games in the series have sold well, despite a decline during the 2000s which resulted in the series' near - cancellation . Individual entries have generally been praised, and the series as a whole has been lauded for its gameplay, and it is cited as a seminal series in the tactical role - playing genre . Characters from multiple games have also been included in crossovers with other franchises . </P> <Table> Timeline of main series release years <Tr> <Td> 1990 </Td> <Td> Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 1991 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Gaiden </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Mystery of the Emblem </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 1995 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Genealogy of the Holy War </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> BS Fire Emblem </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 1998 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 1999 </Td> <Td> Thracia 776 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The Binding Blade </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2003 </Td> <Td> Fire Emblem </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The Sacred Stones </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2005 </Td> <Td> Path of Radiance </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2007 </Td> <Td> Radiant Dawn </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2008 </Td> <Td> Shadow Dragon </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2009 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> New Mystery of the Emblem </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2011 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2012 </Td> <Td> Awakening </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2013 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2014 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2015 </Td> <Td> Fates </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯ FE </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2016 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2017 </Td> <Td> Heroes </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Echoes: Shadows of Valentia </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Warriors </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2018 </Td> <Td> Upcoming game for Nintendo Switch </Td> </Tr> </Table>

When did the first fire emblem come out