Nintendo and Intelligent Systems release a new set of gameplay preview videos for Fire Emblem Engage that focus on Anna, a recurring character in the franchise. This is a fan-favorite character that has made an appearance in every single Fire Emblem game to date, including spin-offs like Fire Emblem Warriors and Fire Emblem Heroes, with each Anna being a different iteration. Anna frequently has played the role of a non-playable character, with her purpose varying from game to game, but is typically seen as a merchant running a secret shop. Ever since Fire Emblem Awakening, however, a version of Anna has been a playable character, and Fire Emblem Engage gives another one that players can recruit into their army.While Fire Emblem Engage's trailers have given out plenty of information to players about the protagonist, story, and mechanics, the official Twitter account has been sharing short previews of the game that provide more about the characters introduced in the game. These include a brief biography of their character, along with their starting class and a support conversation. The latest videos shared on the account focus on this latest playable iteration of Anna. Unlike other versions of Anna seen so far, according to translations by SatsumaFS, this version of Anna is a merchant in training, which suggests a younger sister of the multiple Annas throughout the Fire Emblem franchise. She still has the same personality, however, where she travels around the world looking for treasure that can sell for a high profit.
This inexperienced version of Anna is emphasized in a couple of areas. Players noticed that Anna looks younger than other versions that have been playable in the franchise, along with her starting class in Fire Emblem Engage being an axe fighter instead of a Trickster or Thief class. Axe fighters in this game are described as being a glass cannon in a sense, where they have great strength with their weapon of choice, but have low defenses. This is demonstrated with a short gameplay clip that has Anna defeat an enemy in one hit thanks to a critical hit.
The final clip shared by the account shows Anna having a support conversation with the protagonist of Fire Emblem Engage. While she initially is nervous being in front of Alear, her merchant instincts kick in to try and do business. While some note the nervousness plays into this version of Anna being an inexperienced merchant in comparison to her sisters, others were amused that all Annas still have the same instincts to be a businesswoman.
Fire Emblem Engage is launching on the Nintendo Switch on January 20, 2023.