New details about the upcoming Fire Emblem Engage have been shown via a new trailer uploaded to Nintendo's official YouTube channel. This trailer focuses on game's story and teases several new characters, kingdoms, and plot elements that will all factor into the game. A central theme of Fire Emblem Engage seems to be the power of the Emblem Rings used to summon heroes of old, as demonstrated by the protagonist's ability to summon the series' iconic character Marth. With rings being an important feature to the plot, comparisons to Lord of the Rings are a natural result.
It's hard to for any modern fantasy story to avoid comparisons to Lord of the Rings given that has set the standard for the fantasy genre. However, Fire Emblem Engage earns particular comparison as its Emblem Rings appear to hold great power within its universe and seem to drive the central conflict of the story. From the plot elements shown in this new trailer, it is clear there are those who seek to wield the rings for good and those who seek to wield them for selfishness or evil. Since specific plot details are not yet available, there is a lot of room for speculation as to how much Lord of the Rings has influenced the plot of Fire Emblem Engage.
One Ring May Rule Them All in Fire Emblem Engage
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Multiple Emblem Rings seem to exist throughout Fire Emblem Engage's Elyos. From the trailer, it is implied that the four kingdoms that make up this realm each have access to one or more Emblem Rings. This parallels the way in which the Rings of Power were dispensed to the different races in Lord of the Rings. A total of 20 Rings of Power were created, with the One Ring remaining for Sauron to control the others and sway them toward his evil nature. From the official artwork that has been revealed, it looks like there are 12 Emblem Rings that correspond to 12 mainline Fire Emblem games—not including Mystery of the Emblem, since it appears Marth represents both it and Shadow Dragon in this game.
While it's not clear if there truly is one ring to rule them all among the Emblem Rings, it appears as though the rings can influence the user—or the user, the rings. The trailer shows an instance of the game's possible main antagonist summoning corrupted versions of the rings' heroes, at one point even taking control of a corrupted Marth. It ends by showing the protagonist wrapped in flames with a sinister appearance, implying that they too have now been corrupted. It is possible that the corruption of the rings can lead the corruption of the wielder.
Fire Emblem Engage Might Include Other Elements from Lord of the Rings
An important aspect of the One Ring from Lord of the Rings is its tendency to physically deform those who are in contact with it for too long. Gollum is the perfect example of this, as his emaciated, gremlin-like appearance is due to the One Ring. The Emblem Rings may have a similar effect in Fire Emblem Engage, as the appearance of the protagonist is altered in the final scene of the trailer to show their hair now completely red—likely to symbolize their corruption. Perhaps this is hinting at a morality mechanic in which the protagonist's appearance changes depending on choices made throughout the game's story.
It is very likely that the game's plot will also involve the formation of a fellowship made up of members of the four kingdoms who seek to stop the villains abusing the Emblem Rings. Fire Emblem Engage wouldn't be the first game to borrow this trope from Lord of the Rings. However, it makes sense that the game would go this route with its story given everything that has already been established, and the precedent set by previous Fire Emblem titles. How Fire Emblem Engage will add its own unique twist to this trope has yet to be seen.
Fire Emblem Engage releases on January 20, 2023 for Nintendo Switch.