Fire Emblem Heroes' April update returns to the series' roots

Nintendo revealed the latest update for Fire Emblem Heroes that'll be going live in April. While the launch events are drawing to a close, the company is promising more widescale changes that will bring Heroes back to Fire Emblem' roots.

Among the many changes coming to the game next month are two new sets of battle rules. Defense will require players to clear the map by defending themselves from enemy attacks for a set number of turns. Reinforcements will summon enemy reinforcements to the map.

Heroes is also making some much needed improvements to matchmaking. Matchmaking in the Arena will now place players together based on four values rather than their total base stats. This should ease up many frustrations and make battles more even.

Nintendo's also cooking up a mysterious new in-game event which will require "new tactical thinking". Though there's no perma-death, you won't be able to resurrect your heroes in battle. Players who compete in this event will earn battle evaluations that net them exclusive rewards. Of course, they've also got some new Grand Hero Battles in the works. King Michalis will be challenging players starting on March 24, with two new challengers joining the fray in April -- Navarre and Zephiel.

It's full speed ahead for Fire Emblem Heroes it seems as Nintendo has plenty of fresh challenges and other updates planned for the next couple of months. While Heroes was initially criticized for its arguably exploitative IAP mechanics, many feel it's still worthy of the Fire Emblem name, and folks are still continuing to enjoy it nearly two months after its release.

What do you think of the update? Are these welcome changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.