Nintendo released the first Fire Emblem game in Japan in 1990.
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light launched for the Family Computer on April 20, 1990. Developed by Intelligent Systems, it combined turn-based tactical battles with a story about Prince Marth of Altea and his fight against the Medeus-led Dolhr Empire.
The original game introduced several features that became associated with the series, including a grid-based battlefield, character classes, weapon advantages, and permanent character death. In its original form, a defeated character generally stayed dead for the remainder of the campaign, encouraging careful planning and giving battles lasting consequences.
The first Fire Emblem was not released internationally until many years later. Marth became widely known outside Japan after appearing in Super Smash Bros. Melee, and the original game eventually received an official English release through a Nintendo Switch limited edition in 2020. The title is often shortened in English to Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light.