Fire Emblem: Awakening - Nintendo 3DS

The best part about this game is the amount of content it contains, from the ability to create an avatar, the ability to marry and have a child to even being able to include character from previous games in the franchise to use in your army (through paid DLC). Graphics: standard 3D models. They contain lots of detail which is great when you change classes and you get to see your new and shiny unit all decked out in cool clothing. The backgrounds and environments are stunning as well. Story: Full of twists and shocking moments that will leave a huge impression, especially for characters that you got to know and like. Sound: The sound effects and voice clips are great and well acted but the music is phenomenal! You will definitely find many tracks that you will love. Gameplay: Standard Fire Emblem fare, take a turn for your entire team then the enemy does the same. Leveling up as a class gets you abilities that you can keep even when changing classes. Some might not like the fact that the magic trinity is absent in this installment. Magic tomes still exist of course, they just don't have an advantage of disadvantage over other magic. The grid based maps are easy to navigate anf the over-world map can let you go to easier areas to fight enemy armies for easy experience. Shops are in the world map as well. Streetpasses nets you player created teams to battle or buy from. There's online battling but the only co-op feature is local wireless.

So far I've enjoyed this game, and will probably play it again after beating it. This is my first 3DS game, so I can't compare to others for this console. It's also my first Fire Emblem game, so I can't compare to the rest of the series. However, I've been playing RPGs since the 90s, including FF Tactics. I've been looking for a game similar to FF Tactics for awhile, and this compares well. You move around a network map, although you aren't charged for days when you move, and there are no random battles; you choose the extra battles you fight. The battles involve strategy on a grid, with each character allowed one movement followed by one action. You start with a nice variation in job classes. Since I haven't played this type of game on newer consoles, it was pleasantly surprising to see the high quality attack animation. I was also impressed with the ability to design your own character at the beginning (within the options they provide, of course). I get tired of playing male characters. The game dynamics are fun, with a quickly moving storyline. How cool is it that some of your characters marry, have kids, and then the kids join your battles?? I also appreciate the many options for difficulty; both general difficulty, and the repercussions of characters dying in battle. I'm playing in "casual" mode, and I think I need to increase the general difficulty because I always win. It's nice having casual mode as an option though (characters revive after battle if they die), as I don't have much time to play games and this allows me to work through the story faster. Later when I'm more familiar with the game mechanics and classes I may replay in Classic mode (where characters disappear permanently if they die in battle) to get a better challenge. It seems like it is a game that is worth a second play through. I wish I had more information on the different classes up front though, and it's a bit disappointing that each base class basically has 2 advanced class options and that's it. It is really missing the class complexity that made FF Tactics so different for many play throughs.

I haven't been a Nintendo fan for a long time, not since the days of the N64 and Gameboy Advance. So I was not interested in anything Nintendo because I've felt they have stayed away from what has made them truly great. Now I'm back on the Nintendo bandwagon because of fire emblem, this game has an impressive story with well thought out characters fully fleshed out in a grand universe. I was truly amazed how much Nintendo was able to fit in this portable game, from the cut scenes to the level of detail in the animation to amazing sound and music score which are all first class. If you're a fan of Japanese strategy RPG's then do yourself a favor and pick this up, you won't regret it.

This game has it all. Tactics that will keep you thinking and you punish you for careless mistakes. A gripping story with plenty of twists. Your soldiers can have conversations, have a relationship, and even have children, who can also fight alongside you! This game is packed with missions that will keep you going for hours and free DLC to even add more to a game with already much to do. This is definitely one of the best games to own on the 3DS. I highly suggest you pick this one up, especially if you like tactical RPGs.

The veteran Fire Emblem series finally gets an excellent entry to the US market in the form of Fire Emblem Awakening. It makes for a great starting off point to newcomers to the Fire Emblem series, or fans of strategy RPGs in general. It also stands aside the recently-released Fire Emblem Fates as a game you should seek out even if you own its successor (and especially if you want more of the gameplay in a different land with a different story.) Great soundtrack and gameplay, and pretty good writing. Lots to love here for those interested in fleshing out all of the game's possibilities when it comes to paths and unit bonds/children. My only complaints do not tarnish the entire package too much -- some of the maps are a little on the uninteresting side, and the game has some minor balancing problems that can work for you or against you (pairing up units quickly becomes overpowered, and relies on the player to keep it honest or risk plowing through the game with little to no challenge.)

Fire Emblem Awakening is closest to Advance Wars in terms of gameplay - both are SRPGs for Nintendo handhelds. As Advance Wars is currently not on 3DS, I chose to purchase Fire Emblem as a temporary holdover - 60 hours later, I'm still playing it. The game has tons of replay value and is very beginner friendly to those new to SRPGs. The new "casual mode" allows units to be resurrected after they are lost on the field of battle (previous titles made a character's death permanent). Purists can still play Classic difficulty mode. The game has loads of DLC for purchase afterward, though I haven't bought any yet. I will probably pick it up to make an already phenomenal game better. Overall, Fire Emblem is an easy purchase if one is a fan of Advance Wars (both series are developed by the same studio as well). If you are an SRPG veteran, or a newbie looking to find a good starting SRPG, Fire Emblem Awakening is the first place one should look for on the 3DS.

Fire Emblem: Awakening was my first game in the series. So far I really like it. The graphics look great and the cutscenes in the story are tv quality. The gameplay is very fun and can be challenging if you have the difficulty set higher. The addition of the option to choose whether you want story characters to be gone forever if they die in battle is a nice touch too. It really connects me to the characters and makes me be much more careful when fighting. Some of my best memories involve a character I loved sacrificing themselves to help the rest of my team and it creates some genuinely emotional moments. Overall this is a great game that is easily worth the price.

Fire Emblem is a long running strategy RPG that is known for its difficulty. Awakening has introduced new modes for people of all skill levels to enjoy the series. This is a great game with fun combat, an interesting story, and awesome cut scenes. It is a great game for people new to the series and will provide many hours of gameplay.