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It's a bit shocking that this game hasn't seen too much coverage here on GBAtemp, other than maybe the initial coverage from its reveal on a Nintendo Direct not too long ago. Which is definitely a shame, because Fire Emblem was one of my favorite franchises growing up. I put a ton of hours into Awakening on the Nintendo 3DS, and seeing this game's details start pouring out, it definitely has me hyped up, considering they're going a more Pokemon-esque route here, with multiple versions.

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First of all, I have to say that I am really digging the art style. It's akin to what we saw in Awakening, yes, but the character models look like something that came out of Samurai Warriors, admittedly one of my secret guilty pleasures. I see a lot of waifu potential too. Apparently, the motif for this game is black and white, which is fitting because the titles will be called Fire Emblem if: Black and White Kingdoms. Yep, two versions. Having two versions has its own individual perks, too.

The two versions will follow the same story up to Chapter Six, and then diverge on very different paths. Both versions, combined, will have the most content of any game in the series, according to the developers. Each title also has the same relative length as Fire Emblem: Awakening, already one of the more vast titles of the series.

Yokota: "The volume of chapters and story in 'Hoshido,' 'Nohr,' and the third scenario are all the length of Awakening. All are downloadable too, so we aimed to give a considerable amount of content."

Maeda: "We offer two different packages both for fans of the series and newcomers to look forward to. In the end, this game is the largest we have made to date in terms of sheer volume. Please enjoy this epic game."

Aside from game length, each game will have different scenarios that are required to clear. What I will be looking forward to are the more varied mission objectives that will go beyond clearing out enemies or rushing the leader will Killing class weapons in tow. The franchise has kind of staled out and I'm definitely looking forward to the changes in game mechanics.

If is going to be the most accessible game to fans, apparently. The developers have since stated that by adding the new Phoenix mode to the title, fans will be able to experience the story and enjoy the game. Before you scream "CASUAL!" though, there are limitations. Just because you are brought back one turn after you die in battle, does not mean that there aren't consequences. Fans who engage in this mode will be unable to obtain the best endings of the game. It does make sense, though. That'd be a bit unfair, and Fire Emblem has always been about those achievements, for me.

Higuchi: From the start until “Radiant Dawn,” we built up the view that those games are the “ideal FE style.” But with that sort of game, one new problem was born: we reached the logical conclusion that it was always difficult for newcomers to pick up. We wanted to make a game that new fans could enjoy too. We wanted to make it even bigger than “Awakening” with this concept as the focus first and foremost. That was the beginning of the game’s development....Just because a player chooses Phoenix Mode does not mean they will miss out on any scenes or items. However, if you change from Classic Mode to Casual or Phoenix Mode, that data will be unable to change back. For those proficient in the series who want the sense of accomplishment in completing “IF” on Classic, please play on Classic without changing all the way to the end.

I've personally grown up and bled in Classical Mode, so I'll definitely have to step aside on Phoenix Mode, but there's the option available, which is nice. Classical Mode had an incredible sense of tension in those later stages because there's a lot of work that went into raising those individual units and losing one, or rather, the potential to lose a unit forever was great, because losing units sometimes would ruin support arrangements completely. Those of us that started early out remembered losing our cherished unit to stray critical hits - not a fun prospect.

But what about that old school weapons triangle? The rock paper scissor mechanic returns in full, but comes with some new changes. Back in the old days, Swords were good against axes, weak against lances. Axes were strong against lances, but weak to the sword, and lances overpowered swords but fell to axes. Magic followed similar trends - Dark, Light, and Anima magic. For the new games, the system has been expanded, with swords and magic being strong against bows and axes. Axes and bows will be then useful against lances and (!) new weapons for the game, concealed weapons, used by, basically, the ninjas - shinobis and maids. Gone also is the durability system - something that I absolutely hated in the old titles. Thankfully, they added the extra strategic element of having certain weapons being useful in certain scenarios. I'm definitely all for the adding of this new element because it seems like we might actually have to think a bit more instead of just spamming Killing Edge all day.

The game is also introducing a newer strategic element called the Dragon's Pulse. I found a lot of intrigue in this particular element because it alters the course of the battlefield, in a pretty significant way apparently. Eight characters of "royal" blood will be able to utilize this mechanic. A bit more information is provided below, from the developer roundtable interview.

Yokota: Dragon Pulse is a special power of Dragons that serves as a map gimmick. It is put to use by the Main Character and Aqua, as well as 8 different characters between the two kingdoms. It changes the map in various ways, such as transforming deserts to grassy plains, or drawing water from the sea.

Maeda: Depending on the timing of Dragon Pulse, it can provide a serious advantage or disadvantage. We hope players implement this in their various strategies. Also, it is not just the player who uses the power of dragons, the enemy will have units who are able to utilize this too in their own strategies.

*grins* This could be very fun. Speaking of fun, they're also changing up the arena component. I spend tons of time in the Arena making the perfect units. Apparently, instead of fighting for money, there's something else to fight for but the team is being mum about it right now.

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Before I can wrap up this piece, one of the things that has come to light recently is the idea of creating a village. Yep, we're going into Animal Crossing territory now, with the fact that we can create houses and amusement facilities. Pokemon-amie comes back in a way, allowing us to... pet our units...? I don't know what to say about this, but it's a quirky change that should get some fans excited. I want to see more of this feature before I make judgments, but based on initial feedback from fans it looks to be a relatively welcome change. Video Link.

Wow. The scope of these games are enormous. There's so much to take in for this game, and it's looking to be the franchise's best yet, with a fair degree of accessibility for any type of gamer and a large scale that will be unmatched by any game. Fire Emblem if comes out in Japan in September of this year, with a 2016 release date in the West. Here's a trailer that came out in English earlier this week! Video link.

With that being said, thoughts on the game? Will I be seeing you guys in 2016 or will you end up passing the title up?

 

[CathyRina]

According to VG chartz it sold 1.57 Million times
It's the best selling Fire Emblem Title to date.

 

[Harsky]

I'm glad that Nintendo really had faith in Fire Emblem. I was introduced to the series via Marth and Roy in Melee. Then I tried out a rom translation of the game. I think the Gamecube/GBA Fire Emblem games are still expensive to buy because they were printed in limited numbers just in case the series flopped. Then came Shadow Dragon which I really wanted to get into... but those portrait art. Going from lovely sprite artwork to that bland CGI was a bas choice.

I wonder if Path of Radience or Radiant Dawn will be ported or remastered for the 3DS/WII U. Those games are still going for mad money on ebay and although I can get it running with Dios Mios/Nintendon't, I want the game on my shelf.

 

[Vipera]

Thankfully, we're in the age of tools like youtube, not in the age of developers who want their precious snowflakes to be experienced the way they want.

Oh yeah, I remember when I could see an alternate ending on YouTube without some douchebag making voices in the background and then begging for likes/subscribes at the end of the video as if he just made an international announcement.

 

[potato3334]

Ok so hang on, there are two versions and in order to get the full story I basically have to buy half the campaign as DLC or buy another version of the game? Unless the entirity of the alternate campaign is day one free DLC, that's just bloody extortionate corporate bullshit that can fuck right off.

Does anyone remember systems like the Super Nintendo, where when you bought a game like Super Metroid or Final Fantasy 6, you got the whole damn game instead of just a bit of it (Kaiser Dragon notwithstanding)? At what point was the decision made that this was a bad idea? 'Cause I need to go to that moment in time, Chrono Trigger style, wait for that one idiot who thought of it to speak up, and drive a full size Masamune replica into his childhood memories by way of his eye socket.

not sure of you read the full article. its been stated that each version has the amount of content equal to awakening, plus if you get one version you can get the other version at a discounted price as dlc.

 

[CathyRina]

not sure of you read the full article. its been stated that each version has the amount of content equal to awakening, plus if you get one version you can get the other version at a discounted price as dlc.

and Awakening wasn't really a long game.

 

[potato3334]

and Awakening wasn't really a long game.

my point is that you're not getting ripped off any more than you would be getting ripped off(if at all) from purchasing awakening

 

[aofelix]

Fire Emblem game on Wii U would make me explode with joy.


Anyway I think the extra content and depth for this title is really exciting. Its as if IS have not rested on their laurels but instead looked at FE:A critically and decided what they will improve.

 

[Blaze163]

not sure of you read the full article. its been stated that each version has the amount of content equal to awakening, plus if you get one version you can get the other version at a discounted price as dlc.

That's not the point. The point is that by splitting it into two versions they're locking off vital story elements behind a paywall. Games like Pokemon can just barely get away with the two versions thing because ultimately it makes no difference which version you get, you still get a complete story with some extremely minor changes. But here we won't have the full story until we buy both versions or a tonne of DLC. That's not right. I pay money for full games, not bits of them I have to pay extra to fill in later. Imagine if you bought a jigsaw puzzle but half the bits were missing until you pay extra for an expansion pack. Or if you bought the new Elder Scrolls game and you could only go one way and experience one quest line because all the others are in different versions or locked away as DLC. This sets a dangerous precedent and it's not something any self-respecting gamer should just lay down and tolerate. We already get fucked nine ways to Sunday by these companies charging us for difficulty settings, characters already in the game that we already paid for, etc. If you're ok with Nintendo going the same route as EA and treating you like a barely sentient walking wallet, you go ahead. But I still have some dignity left and feel that we deserve better than to have crap like this forced on us.

 

[potato3334]

That's not the point. The point is that by splitting it into two versions they're locking off vital story elements behind a paywall. Games like Pokemon can just barely get away with the two versions thing because ultimately it makes no difference which version you get, you still get a complete story with some extremely minor changes. But here we won't have the full story until we buy both versions or a tonne of DLC. That's not right. I pay money for full games, not bits of them I have to pay extra to fill in later. Imagine if you bought a jigsaw puzzle but half the bits were missing until you pay extra for an expansion pack. Or if you bought the new Elder Scrolls game and you could only go one way and experience one quest line because all the others are in different versions or locked away as DLC. This sets a dangerous precedent and it's not something any self-respecting gamer should just lay down and tolerate. We already get fucked nine ways to Sunday by these companies charging us for difficulty settings, characters already in the game that we already paid for, etc. If you're ok with Nintendo going the same route as EA and treating you like a barely sentient walking wallet, you go ahead. But I still have some dignity left and feel that we deserve better than to have crap like this forced on us.

The creators said that each version is already a full game on it's own, you aren't getting a gimped package. Even if you never buy the other version, I'm assuming the game is made to be enjoyed as a stand-alone title, a full game.

 

[Nathan Drake]

The creators said that each version is already a full game on it's own, you aren't getting a gimped package. Even if you never buy the other version, I'm assuming the game is made to be enjoyed as a stand-alone title, a full game.

And yet it is still dumb. No matter how you slice it, this should all be available as a single title with a branching path making two playthroughs possible. Nintendo and companies under Nintendo have been making some questionable development decisions lately though, so maybe I shouldn't be surprised that they're trying to justify splitting one game into two. I mean, after releasing a half finished game, I shouldn't be surprised that they're releasing one complete game as two. It seems to fall in line with the same consumer hating development strategies.

 

[CathyRina]

The creators said that each version is already a full game on it's own, you aren't getting a gimped package. Even if you never buy the other version, I'm assuming the game is made to be enjoyed as a stand-alone title, a full game.

The point isn't that the games won't have enough content to justify a full release. The point is that they are splitting away the story into 2 games just to sell more copies and maximize the profit.
When EA does it with DLC people are pissed but when Nintendo does this BS it gets a free pass.

 

[potato3334]

I don't know much about what EA has done, but I honestly don't see anything wrong if the content between the 2 versions are varied enough to consider them as separate games. So far, both versions do seem to have very different themes and characters, so I don't have much doubt on that front.

 

[CathyRina]

I don't know much about what EA has done, but I honestly don't see anything wrong if the content between the 2 versions are varied enough to consider them as separate games. So far, both versions do seem to have very different themes and characters, so I don't have much doubt on that front.

What's wrong is that it's an anti-consumer tactic to maximize profit for the company. We shouldn't be supporting something that is designed against us.

 

[Blaze163]

The point is that no matter how 'complete' each version feels, and they may well be fantastic games, you won't have the full story you paid full price for. Say I buy the White version. I'm fighting characters from the other army. I'm always going to be thinking what their real motivations are, what the history is behind these people, how they interact and such, and I'll know that these are things that could easily have been shown and experiences through chapters that already exist, but some greedy executive who inexplicably needed a fourteenth tropical holiday this month decided to chop those segments out and demand extra cash on top of what I've already paid. £35-£40 isn't some bargain basement price, it's a significant investment to some people, myself included. I may sound old but I remember buying games for my SNES and you know what I got? A full fucking game. I didn't need to pay extra to find out what happened to the animals in Super Metroid. I didn't need an expansion pack to visit Star Road in Super Mario World. This new stance of milking the customer for every single penny is bullshit, and it flies under the radar because people just think 'well, it's only a few quid, not a big deal'. You know it all adds up, right? £3 for this DLC pack that should have been included, another £3 for this character that was already in the game but sealed away, and before you know it you've basically paid double what the game is worth just to get the full game you originally paid for. If this keeps up then I'm just gonna call it a day with modern gaming. I'm sick of being treated like cattle. You wanna milk me, Nintendo? Well milk my dick instead of my wallet, how about that?

 

[aofelix]

This really all depends on quality and content of both titles.

If there is enough quality and quantity of content to justify one game being worth its price, then I see no reason for Nintendo to need to include two titles for the price of one.

If however the price of entry is not worth it, the campaign is short or the game feels unfulfilling, then Nintendo have fucked up.

I'm personally not a fan of DLC and I hate how Nintendo are doing it with the amiibos and now this. However I think people are being a bit unreasonable in expecting Nintendo to include everything in one title if it truly is two titles worth of content.

 

[CathyRina]

Apparently nowadays it's unreasonable to expect Triple-A games to deliver the full experience.

 

[Varia]

Unfortunately this is probably going to flop... They made things too complicated and made it sound bad with he whole dlc thing (even if it might not be that bad).
It might do fine if it gets proper advertising.

 

[aofelix]

I'm replaying Fire Emblem Awakening and its fucking amazing.

The only real gripe I have with it is the story being a bit weak and short. From what we've seen, Intelligent Systems knew this as well and seems to have really fleshed out the title (even if it is over two games).

I'm personally so excited for this one!