Nintendo's "Fire Emblem: Heroes" is a mobile game that begs to differ. It's ambitious and it's free-to-play, which puts the company on a spotlight that it's never been under before. Will it be able to save Nintendo by means of inviting more investors while the company's reported sales continue to fall?

Nintendo Sales Slump

The investors from the Tokyo stock market are not happy when Nintendo announced its earnings. After which the shares dropped to $197.02, which is 3.68 percent, CNBC reported. Nintendo announced their operating income fell 38.1 percent, which is $232.2 million - nearly half of what the market expected at 45 billion yen or $397.07 million.

Nevertheless, with the upcoming Switch, investors shouldn't have anything to worry about. It sold out on major retailers' just hours after the preorder sale was announced. Nintendo looks to sell 40 million of its Switch units until 2020, which is a very good forecast considering that the company has taken steps to partner with 50 companies to develop 80 games for the console.

But this did not excite investors at all. Equity analyst, Atul Goyal said Nintendo's performance slacked and it failed to restock products such as Go Plus, 3DS console, and 60 NES Classic Mini, which were all in low supply when released. Overall, the investors are doubting if Nintendo's mobile strategy will be reaping rewards at all.

"Fire Emblem: Heroes" A Gift To Investors And A Review

But Nintendo's making sure there are plenty of things to keep their investors happy. Right now they have released their "Fire Emblem: Heroes", which is a gift to investors before they launch the highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch, The Verge reported. The game will be available to iOS and Android, plus it's free-to-play. Although what it is may not be appealing to the general audience and the free-to-play structure could turn off cult followers, it is surprisingly fun and rich.

"Fire Emblem: Heroes" is a complex strategy game that dips on fantasy lore. But really, the game touches the best aspects of touchscreen gaming so that strategic and board-based battles will be given more emphasis. It helps players create bite-sized experiences by letting them drag, drop, or slide their characters.

Moreover, if your character dies, you won't have to lose them forever. It's also filled with tutorials for first time players. Plus Nintendo keeps "Fire Emblem: Heroes" players from accessing rewarding parts of the game until they spend in-game currency.

Nevertheless, its time-gating system is fair, straightforward, and very easy to understand. "Fire Emblem: Heroes" was able to mix the best elements while it feels the right fit for mobile. And if players embrace the free-to-play spotlight that Nintendo is on, "Fire Emblem: Heroes" will be a big hit.

Topics Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Fire Emblem Heroes