Fire Emblem Engage is the latest installment in the long-running tactical RPG series, and it’s a game that is clearly attempting to appeal to a wide range of players. This latest release sees the series make a bold move in embracing the tried-and-true formula that has made it a favorite among players for years, and it’s a move that will no doubt be polarizing. While the game offers a great deal of content, polished visuals, and a deep combat system, it ultimately falls short of being a truly engaging experience.
Story and Characters
The story of Fire Emblem Engage revolves around a young amnesiac named Alear, the Divine Dragon, who has been slumbering for 1000 years. Upon waking, they are tasked with gathering the Emblem Rings, powerful artifacts that hold the spirits of legendary heroes from past Fire Emblem games. These heroes, known as Emblems, grant Alear and their allies special abilities and powers, allowing them to overcome the forces of evil that threaten the world.
We begin the story in a world called Elyos, a peaceful realm that has been thrown into chaos by the emergence of a new threat: the Fell Dragon, a powerful being intent on conquering the world. Alear, accompanied by a cast of colorful characters, sets out on a journey to find the Emblem Rings and defeat the Fell Dragon.
The story of Fire Emblem Engage is a standard good-versus-evil narrative, but it is well-written and engaging. The dialogue is witty and entertaining, and the characters are likable and relatable. However, the story itself feels formulaic, and the plot is predictable. The characters also lack depth. While we do get some glimpses into their backstories, their motivations are often shallow.
Gameplay
Fire Emblem Engage’s gameplay is a blend of classic Fire Emblem elements and new features. The game's core mechanics, like the weapon triangle, turn-based combat, and the classic Fire Emblem map design, are all present and accounted for. However, there are some new features that have been added to the game, such as the ability to summon Emblems to assist in battle and the Engage system that allows players to temporarily combine with the Emblems to gain access to their powers.
The Engage system is a unique and interesting mechanic that adds a new layer of strategy to the game. Players must carefully choose which Emblem to Engage with, as each Emblem has its own unique abilities and strengths. However, the system is ultimately more of a gimmick than a meaningful gameplay mechanic. The Engage system is largely redundant because most characters have a few key skills and abilities, and you will primarily use them for a good portion of the game.
Graphics and Sound
Fire Emblem Engage is a visually stunning game. The characters are beautifully designed, the environments are vibrant and detailed, and the game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch. The soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of orchestral and electronic music that perfectly captures the mood of the game.
Strengths
Despite the issues with the story and the Engage system, Fire Emblem Engage has its strengths. The game's core combat system is excellent, providing a challenging and rewarding experience for both veteran players and newcomers alike. The game also offers a great deal of content, with multiple difficulty levels and a wealth of side quests and activities to keep players occupied. The amount of content available, even after finishing the main story, gives a sense of longevity to the game and is one of the primary reasons why it is enjoyable to play.
Weaknesses
Fire Emblem Engage has a number of weaknesses that hold it back from being a truly great game. The story is lackluster, the characters are underdeveloped, and the Engage system is ultimately a gimmick that doesn’t significantly add to the gameplay. The story and the pacing of the game suffer from being very generic, lacking any compelling or unique elements. There is also a sense of repetition that pervades the gameplay as you move through the game.
Conclusion
Fire Emblem Engage is a solid entry in the series, but it is ultimately a game that falls short of its potential. The core gameplay mechanics are fun and engaging, but the story is uninspired, the characters are underdeveloped, and the Engage system is ultimately a gimmick. While it offers a great deal of content and a great deal of polish, Fire Emblem Engage doesn't push any boundaries, and it will likely be forgotten after the newest iteration in the series is released.
FAQs
1. What is the difficulty level of Fire Emblem Engage?
Fire Emblem Engage offers multiple difficulty levels, ranging from Casual to Classic. Casual mode allows players to retry battles without losing units, while Classic mode features permadeath, meaning that units who fall in battle are permanently lost.
2. Is Fire Emblem Engage a good game for newcomers to the series?
Fire Emblem Engage is a good game for newcomers to the series, but it is not the best starting point. The game is more complex than previous entries in the series, and some of the core mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.
3. What is the Engage system?
The Engage system is a new mechanic in Fire Emblem Engage that allows players to combine with the Emblems, powerful spirits from past Fire Emblem games, to gain access to their unique abilities and powers.
4. What is the story of Fire Emblem Engage?
The story of Fire Emblem Engage revolves around Alear, the Divine Dragon, who has been slumbering for 1000 years. Upon waking, they are tasked with gathering the Emblem Rings, powerful artifacts that hold the spirits of legendary heroes from past Fire Emblem games. These heroes, known as Emblems, grant Alear and their allies special abilities and powers, allowing them to overcome the forces of evil that threaten the world.
5. Is Fire Emblem Engage worth playing?
Fire Emblem Engage is a solid entry in the series, but it is ultimately a game that falls short of its potential. The core gameplay mechanics are fun and engaging, but the story is uninspired, the characters are underdeveloped, and the Engage system is ultimately a gimmick. If you are a fan of the Fire Emblem series, you will likely enjoy Fire Emblem Engage, but it’s not a must-have title.