I have beaten the game and I know the entire story. The game's trailers may give the impression that the story is of a similar quality to Fire Emblem: Fates (a previous game criticized for it's story). I felt this way as well before I actually played the game, but I now know that this is incorrect.
The early game presents the player with information about the world and the quest they are on. On my first playthrough this seemed quite generic. However, I started a second playthrough and I now know that 50% of the dialogue in the opening 4 chapters is very skillful setup of fairly intense payoffs that occur much later in the story.
On my first playthrough, I noticed that the quality of the main plot improved linearly and is quite excellent late in the game. Now I know that most of the early game is spent foreshadowing the dramatic moments that happen later, and the writing quality is actually more consistent than I thought.
This review is with regard to the main string-of-pearls plot, the story of the world and the main character's quest, along with the relationship the main character has with a certain plot-critical character (if you play the game you know who I am talking about). The main character has a sleeper good backstory.
Many people criticize the writing in this game. I suspect that the writers who main the main plot were excellent at their jobs and this is one of best main plots in the Fire Emblem series. Only Tellius plots are better, I think. It has dramatic moments, including several very brutal low points for the main character. It has some deeply disturbing scenes later in the game.
Some of the tools employed by the writers may include tropes from Anime, but they are executed well and I don't hold anything against the main plot writers. Tropes from other Fire Emblem games, such as enemies escaping and reappearing later, also occur in this game, which is par for the course.
The side characters, support conversations, and general banter in the army have significantly less quality. This writing is somewhat formulaic and even cringe at times. I was so enthralled by the main plot (and that plot-critical character mentioned above) that I can't hold it against this game that the auxiliary writing is sub-par.
As for gameplay, it is the best in the series. The new Emblem Rings perfectly capture the gameplay style of various characters throughout the series. For example, the character Ike from Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn had a play style that involved being very tanking and suddenly healing to full HP using the Aether ability. This gameplay quirk is captured perfectly in Fire Emblem Engage. It is interesting to see how the playstyles of different characters from past games can interact with each other. These interactions are very deep, and I don't see myself going back to older Fire Emblem games after having been spoiled by this one.
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I’d 100% Recommend
I’m looking at this game from an introduction standpoint just letting that be known! I know that seasoned Fire Emblem fans have their criticisms with this game which is valid and I fully respect that. I personally believe that criticisms are apart of healthy conversation and help people make decisions when purchasing, but personally for me I’ve enjoyed it so far! I really like this game a lot. The art style, vibrancy, character personality, and the story are truly things that draw me into games and this game has drawn me in! It’s a chill, slow paced game to play if you want to just entertain yourself and relax. Definitely can’t really see anyone rage quitting this game lol. Another thing about Fire Emblem Engage is the S supports. My main reason for not playing the games before was because I discovered the games had a romance feature and let’s just say my features weren’t present at that time. I’d also like to say that I’m not at all angry that they weren’t present, I personally just chose to not play the games for that reason. I am however quite excited to see the addition in Engage and hope to see it in future Fire Emblem games, but hopefully out of a genuine place of inclusion and not out of fear to appease fans who demand it in an ill manner. I like playing this game and having my character be a strong male protagonist who also reflected me. I don’t think that every game character has to be a representation of me to enjoy a game but having games that can do that for me sometime is nice. I’d definitely recommend this game so if you’re interested definitely purchase it!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2023
Platform: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2023
Platform: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
I’m looking at this game from an introduction standpoint just letting that be known! I know that seasoned Fire Emblem fans have their criticisms with this game which is valid and I fully respect that. I personally believe that criticisms are apart of healthy conversation and help people make decisions when purchasing, but personally for me I’ve enjoyed it so far! I really like this game a lot. The art style, vibrancy, character personality, and the story are truly things that draw me into games and this game has drawn me in! It’s a chill, slow paced game to play if you want to just entertain yourself and relax. Definitely can’t really see anyone rage quitting this game lol. Another thing about Fire Emblem Engage is the S supports. My main reason for not playing the games before was because I discovered the games had a romance feature and let’s just say my features weren’t present at that time. I’d also like to say that I’m not at all angry that they weren’t present, I personally just chose to not play the games for that reason. I am however quite excited to see the addition in Engage and hope to see it in future Fire Emblem games, but hopefully out of a genuine place of inclusion and not out of fear to appease fans who demand it in an ill manner. I like playing this game and having my character be a strong male protagonist who also reflected me. I don’t think that every game character has to be a representation of me to enjoy a game but having games that can do that for me sometime is nice. I’d definitely recommend this game so if you’re interested definitely purchase it!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2023
Platform: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
The year was 2013. I'd just bought a 3DS and as a new gamer, didn't understand the appeal of turn based games. But my brother told me about Fire Emblem Awakening having a demo. Said it was like "chess with cool characters". So I gave it a shot. 100 hours later I was a diehard fan, and regarded Awakening as one of my favorite games of all time.
Fast forward to now. I've since played not just Awakening, but Fates Birthright, Fates Conquest, Shadows of Valentia, Three Houses, most of FE7 (GBA) and am making my way through Engage. Let me just say it now... this game is exceptionally good.
I haven't experienced FE gameplay on this level since Fates Conquest. It's truly the pinnacle of the franchise. I adore the cast of characters in this game, and the story is serviceable- at least as good as Awakening (which, if you've played older FE games you know what to expect). The animations are GORGEOUS too, and the art style has really grown on me. The bold colors remind me of the GBA entries. Even Alear's controversial hair color has grown on me. And I must say, having a fully voiced protagonist is such a nice update.
Absolute banger. A true must play, and possibly the best strategy game of all time, imo.
Fast forward to now. I've since played not just Awakening, but Fates Birthright, Fates Conquest, Shadows of Valentia, Three Houses, most of FE7 (GBA) and am making my way through Engage. Let me just say it now... this game is exceptionally good.
I haven't experienced FE gameplay on this level since Fates Conquest. It's truly the pinnacle of the franchise. I adore the cast of characters in this game, and the story is serviceable- at least as good as Awakening (which, if you've played older FE games you know what to expect). The animations are GORGEOUS too, and the art style has really grown on me. The bold colors remind me of the GBA entries. Even Alear's controversial hair color has grown on me. And I must say, having a fully voiced protagonist is such a nice update.
Absolute banger. A true must play, and possibly the best strategy game of all time, imo.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
Platform: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
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Raphael Nobre
Tudo certinho
Reviewed in Brazil on January 2, 2024Platform: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
Lord Ian Spier
Excelente oferta para un gran videojuego.
Reviewed in Mexico on June 1, 2023Platform: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
Lord Ian Spier
Reviewed in Mexico on June 1, 2023
Muy buen vendedor “Romada”, artículo nuevo y sellado. Me tocó la versión americana. Recomendado.
A disfruta del videojuego. Esta increíble, me esta gustando mucho.
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Jogo muito bom para quem gosta do nicho
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