Fire Emblem Review (no fat)

Game Description

Fire Emblem is one of the most unique games to hit the GameCube, and it demands any single player’s attention. It is a combination of strategy and role playing that is guaranteed to satisfy any strategy or RPG gamer’s cravings. The game puts several different units at the player’s disposal: archers, swordsman, axe wilders, healers, and so on. Throughout the game, the player will use these units in various strategic battles.

The player will move these units across the map giving them various commands. The main point on each map is to outmaneuver the enemy and keep the characters in the game alive. Also, during some of the battles the player will meet new characters that may or may not join the gamer’s company. By doing all of this, the player will directly impact not only the game play but the storyline as well.

Introduction

Finally, it happened. One of the most popular role-playing series in Japan has made its way to GameCubes in America. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is one of the finest role-playing games available for the console. It’s not terribly hard to see why it’s so immensely popular in Japan. With one quick glance at the game, gamers will definitely be adding this to their collection.

Fire Emblem Graphics

The game has superior graphics. The lay out for the battle fields is fairly basic and simple. There’s nothing truly flashy there. Once a character gets attacked, the true power of the graphics comes into play. Each character is highly detailed and easily recognizable, and so are some of their signature moves.

The cut scenes are also unique and very much worthwhile. The unique style allows for the story to come to life and fully captivate the gamer in the world of Fire Emblem. There are few games that can truly claim uniqueness when it comes to graphics, but Fire Emblem easily accomplishes that much without even trying to.

Fire Emblem Sound

The sound greatly contributes to the over all gameplay, and it may very well be one of the better sounding games of its kind. The overall urgency in the game is felt through most of the music that plays both on and off the battlefield; it easily brings the feeling of the importance of each individual battle to the gamer. Although, during battles, the music only lasts for a moment or two—it’s truly hard to say that it just doesn’t help the game play, because it does. Even in those two moments, it’s not something the gamer can just simply dismiss—that makes it definitely worth the while.

Fire Emblem Gameplay and Control

The game play is one of the most unique styles seen on the console. You use a number of men by directing them with the A button. Once they’ve been set into position, you then choose from a menu with options to do things such as attack, equip items, or even shove an enemy further down the field.

It’s simple enough that a child could learn it. The fun comes in knowing the different types of battle situations. You will also need to know what weapon has an advantage over others. For instance, a sword isn’t good against a lance but an axe is. See? The player will also have to go through evacuations, arrivals, seizing an area, and more. Each battle situation is demonstrated and explained thoroughly throughout the game with tutorials. Knowing how to preform these feats is critical throughout the game. Considering most of them are completed using the main character, Ike, and the menu screen, it's not terribly hard at all.

However, the most interesting part of the game is that once a unit falls, there’s no getting them back—unless you like hitting that reset button. (Shame on you, you cheaters!)

Fire Emblem - Value

There is definite value in Fire Emblem. It takes itself very seriously. If you’ve ever enjoyed Fire Emblem on the Gameboy, then you know what I’m saying. With challenging gameplay, intriguing characters, good graphics, and an awesome sound track, Fire Emblem is definitely one of the most rewarding games available for GameCube.

Fire Emblem - Final Verdict

This is a purchase that the gamer won’t regret. The game definitely proves itself to be worth it, time and again, no matter how you slice it.

Review written by Stephanie Thuer.