Developer: Intelligent Systems
Genre: Tactical RPG
Release Date: U.S. – February 4th/E.U. – April 19th
Available For: Nintendo 3DS
Few gaming franchises come close to matching the phenomenal and resounding success of the Fire Emblem series. Spanning thirteen years and seven home consoles, the Japanese RPG has truly carved out its own genre in terms of tactical strategy. With a very eastern sensibility lurking in its DNA, the series has gone to bring turn-based strategy to the masses, and with Fire Emblem Awakening – the thirteenth entry into the franchise – Intelligent Systems have created the perfect window into the Fire Emblem franchise for newcomers without sacrificing the essence of the mythology.
Having been available for Japan since 2012, it was only in February of this year that the game was localised and made available for a western 3DS audience. I’m going to level with you, though, up until Awakening, Fire Emblem had always existed in my mind as a complex and rather intimidating JRPG. Other than, say, Marth and Roy’s appearances in Super Smash Bros., I had no tangible investment in the series, so it’s a testimony to the studio that the latest instalment captured my attention almost immediately.
Orbiting around Chrom, the prince of the Halidom of Ylisse, players must quell the threat of the Risen – an unholy group that threaten the world’s resounding peace. The intricate detail on display in the game’s mechanics and the wealth of customisation options allow you to create a truly memorable character, which subsequently makes the battles so tense given the ever-present threat of permadeath as you gaze worryingly over your characters from the game’s top-down perspective.
There are a handful of games that justify buying a 3DS, and Intelligent System’s Fire Emblem Awakening; with its 50+ hour campaign, is absolutely one of those titles.
Try if you liked: Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy Tactics.
Current Price: $40/£32
Which of these games peak your interest? Have you played any of these titles since their release? As always, let us know in the comments below.