Is Nintendo really trend-chasing hidden traitor mechanics with a weird, hollow mobile iteration of Fire Emblem? Yes, that's what's happening here. Nintendo dropped Fire Emblem Shadow with little fanfare, and after a little time playing, it's easy to see why. Here's how Nintendo describes it:
"Fire Emblem Shadows is a free-to-start app that brings real-time tactics and treachery to compatible smart devices. It features a new type of social deduction, role-playing battle for three players. A war between the goddesses of light and shadow rages in Fire Emblem Shadows. Choose your path, meet a new cast of disciple characters, and uncover the full story by experiencing both perspectives. Prepare for the battles ahead by customizing your character with weapons and magic skills, and by trading with other players in the Bazaar. Battles in the game will call on your ability to strategize in fast-paced, real-time combat as you work to root out the traitorous shadow disciple … or deceive your “allies” as the shadow allegiant yourself. "
Fire Emblem Shadows combines tactical strategy in its absolute lightest form imaginable, and social deduction also in its lightest form imaginable. One of your teammates is a traitor, but there are only three characters. There's no way to communicate with other players, not that you need to.
Whoever thought this was a good idea doesn't understand why Among Us worked so well. Half of the fun is laying out your argument for who the traitor is, or your explanation of why it's not you. Shadows doesn't do either its strategy or social deduction elements justice.
You can unlock new characters, but they're merely skins and don't really do much to change the experience.
Nintendo knew this was a mess when it dropped, hence the lack of promotion. It also knows that the Fire Emblem name and its gacha mechanics will still let it make more money than it's supposed to. Fire Emblem, its lineage, and its fans deserve so much better than this.