is a
tactical role-playing video game franchise developed by
Intelligent Systems and published by
Nintendo. First produced and published for the
Famicom, the series currently consists of fifteen games, including remakes, across multiple game systems. Described by its creators as an "RPG simulation", the gameplay revolves around tactical movement of characters across grid-based environments, while incorporating a story and characters similar to those in a more traditional
role-playing video game. A noted aspect of gameplay is the
permanent death of characters in battle, removing them from the rest of the game should they be defeated. The series title refers to a recurring object, often portrayed as a weapon or shield, representing the power of war and dragons, a recurring element in the series.