In this case, I decided to bite the bullet and go with nostalgia against innovation. The challenging aspect of this particular version makes me convinced that I've came back in this game... with a bang and a severe concussion to go along with!
That being said, here's my Reader's Review of Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest!
For this review, I am only taking the elements of this particular version into account, meaning to say that no aspects of the game's other version, Birthright, will not be taken into consideration with a few exceptions.
Without further ado, let's get started.
Title: Fire Emblem Fates Conquest
Date Released: June 25, 2015 (Japan), February 19, 2016 (US)
Company: Nintendo (developed by Intelligent Systems)
Genre: Strategy RPG
Platform: Nintendo 3DS family of handhelds
ESRB Rating: Teen
Brief Background: This game (along with its other version, Birthright) was previously released in Japan a year ago, where it gain monumental acclaim similar to that of Awakening. With the same people who developed Awakening, these games have the same amount of content as seen in Awakening. The games have received an international release in February 19, 2016, while third path of Fates, Revelation, was released in a later date. Like in Japan, the game received critical acclaim from Western reviewers and gamers.
What do you do here?
You fill in the shoes of a young Avatar (with the default name being Corrin) as you choose a side between Hoshido (your home by birthright) or Nohr (your home you've grown with) and to unravel the secrets behind the war that is lingering the land. However, choosing a side means betraying the other. From there, you will be forced to fight your other family while providing tactical strategies to survive impending doom.
What makes the game interesting?
For those who have played the old Fire Emblem games, they will feel at home with this game. This is considered to be more difficult of the two versions (the other being Birthright) with pre-determined goals and unique map layouts. Additionally, the game has a very high difficulty spike (while sticking to the tradition of Fire Emblem games being really difficult) which will force you to make careful choices with your tactics while allowing you the freedom to choose your strategies and allies wisely and grasp that victory. Also, should the game was found too difficult in your taste, then you are free to lower the difficulty of the game at any given time. There are three difficulty curves: Normal, Hard, and Lunatic, while it doesn't affect the ending, the game will prove to be rewarding for surpassing the game nonetheless. The series is known for a particular feature known as "Permadeath" where the time an ally dies, that ally stays dead for the rest of the play-through. However, that particular feature can be tweaked in two ways: Casual Mode (where defeated allies can be used again on the next map) or the newly-introduced Phoenix Mode (where defeated allies are revived on the next turn). Another notable feature of this version is that the player can only get a limited amount of resources (such as gold and experience points) which again, really encourages careful planning and critical thinking. There is also a feature known as "My Castle" which acts similarly to that of the Barracks where you buy items, participate in Arena matches, and frolic around with your allies as you unravel their hobbies and stuff. Also, you can get married in this game, among other things. This also the first 3DS Fire Emblem title to feature online multiplayer, as opposed to the local-only play found in Awakening.
What are the flaws I found in this game?
Basically, while it's a given that there are limited resources that you can gather at Conquest, the game is extremely straightforward, meaning that replay value is nearly nil (unless you bought the software version of the other paths and start a new game from those paths). What you can do, however, is to visit the Dragon's Gate, where you play bonus maps and get some awesome goodies, but there is a catch. You have to buy these bonus maps with real currency, which is total hogwash. While it is very awesome and rewarding to get these, they can get really repetitive. Also, I think that the matchmaking system in online mode can be extremely cheap at times, despite the balancing tweaks that you can utilize before battle. Also, while the difficulty can be rewarding for most fans, it is also punishingly tricky for new players of the series (which was alleviated by Phoenix Mode). Additionally, the tutorial system for Fates could have been more thoroughly explained; it is not saying that it is bad, but seriously, they can do better.
Did you ever bothered playing a Fire Emblem game before Fates?
Why yes! Upon being fascinated by Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones on the GBA, it made me think of something: I wonder what makes this series so good? As I thoroughly play the game, I can see the frustrating and rewarding game-play of smart and careful planning of your troops. It is like playing chess but without the unnecessary movement limitations found in the latter; allowing you to create a solid strategy as you proceed through a gauntlet of challenging maps and fearsome foes.
Can you recommend this game?
Absolutely! With an endless amount of strategic possibilities and challenges, Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest is a sure-fire way to practice your critical thinking skills as well as your patience; a fearsome yet awesome waiting game of sorts.
Overall rating: 9.1/10
A fantastic strategy game for series fans and fans of the SRPG genre, Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest delivers a great story while wrecks your face with great challenges and some nerve-wracking victory conditions. The game also antes up in terms of character development and decent mechanics that makes the title stand out.
--END OF REVIEW--
