Pokemon Fire Emblem (Nintendo 3DS)

Warning I tend to write heaps so be Warned!I also won't be talking about the DLC too much, this review is aimed at the bare bone game directly:Fire emblem awakening as if its reviews on the net haven't already said so is a very solid and well thought through game with some people arguing its worth the 3DS aloneThe fire emblem series is a fairly unique series which is primarily a grid based strategy game some RPGs elements mixed in and in depth individual character both main and supporting acting as the players units with the players main goal usually to defeat the opposing force with occasional twist here and there depending on the mission. As mentioned previously each unit is a individual character and thus if killed they wont return thus discouraging the player from throwing away troops during battle. Alongside these strategy elements are some RPG styled elements such as troops having their own classes, skills stats, weapon types, spells etc and can gain exp through various actions and improve themselves overtime. Finally the game combines this with a in depth story the player will follow alongside as they go through the gamesFire Emblem awakening does just that but adds new feature and enhances current ones for the greater good for the seriesThe positivesRegarding new features the game now gives the option of newcomer mode where is a character dies they will return or the series tradition classic mode where if a character dies they stay dead for the rest of the game which can make battle more intense. This is a great feature to attract less experience players to the game though I would still recommend Classic as it teaches you to be more careful and can make things more intense and rewarding.Speaking of accessibility the game even on its default can be challenging but fair and will reward player for playing correctly and being patient. For more daring or insane players there are the higher difficulties to test you skills that provide a great challenge. For newcomers I would suggest normal but the options is there which is good as it pleases everyoneThe story is well done at sometimes predictable sometimes surprising and satisfying once the main story is beaten. People new to the series will not need to keep up to date with the previous installments as the game only references it since the game itself takes part in a different timeline thus making the game further accessible to newcomers The story is complemented by a diverse roster of characters most of which being ingame units for the player to use each with their own different skills, classes. The character are also fairly well done and while at a glance they only seem to have a simple gimmick to then there is a LOT more depth to them through the ingame support system which encourages players to build further support between their units. A fAnother new feature to the game is the ability to make your own character who comes with a set personality and can support with any character in the game and has plot relevance thus making you more part of the game. This character also comes with even further customization than the ingame characters allowing players to customize their personal character to suit their needsUnits that are adjacent or paired up together can support each-other thus providing stat bonuses and other useful perks and will build support if capable which unlock support logs of dialogue between the two characters which increases support levels leading to further bonuses. Some character of opposite genders can even marry which shows bonuses as the game progresses.Another final positive with the characters is customization through the use of ingame items you can change their classes allowing character to fill different roles making every character viable in someway.Outside of the story and character gameplay is good there is a diverse amount of classes and methods available to secure victory making the combat tactical This is all well animated and satisfying especially when a character gets a critical. Speaking of visuals the graphics ingame are adequate but the cutscenes and art style is very well done I just wished there were more ingame cutscenes.The soundtrack is also great again a diverse amount of soundtrack that can nail some scenes perfectly and they can be listens too from the bonuses section on the main menuFinally on the positives here is a heap to do ingame as alongside the main story there of random spawns such as merchants, or enemies to fight in areas you have previously completed, occasionally side missions which are most of the time rewarding such as a new character, a good shop with good gear etc. There is also lots of useful DLC which I would leave till after you beat the game as most are intended for higher level characters. Alongside all this spotpass is also implemented into the game and adds even more including 5 new missions, unique items, item rewards for longer playtime and more. You can even encounter other players computer controlled teams to fight, make your own and have a shot against the games self made teams which feature characters from previous fire emblem installments.there is probably more I can cover regarding positive so onto negatives there is not many but will note them belowThe negativesSome characters could have more supports which becomes more evident later in the gameThe game does give you choices rarely but there isn't many differences between them I would have liked have seen decision making that affect the ingame worldThe game is fairly DLC heavy which can be seen as a downside to some though most of its is good and some useful to the player. Regardless I would refrain till after beating the game as most of is aimed at late game players.Game can require some experience grinding at times especially on higher difficulties though there is a cheap DLC that can deal with the problemThe final negative I can really think of that it does required lots of playtime to get the most out of it so it may not be suitable for those with tight time schedulesThe games complexity and story may make it less suitable for very young 3DS ownersOverall though I think its a good purchase its very addictive, appeals to a wide selection of people and offer plenty of customization for the user and plenty of things to do ingame, I would recommend it

At it's core FE: Awakening is a game of connections and relationships. The soldiers in your company (the Shepherds) form friendships and relationships that give them stat bonuses such as better criticals and the chance of avoiding damage the more you have two units working together. In the case of male and female pairings this can result in marriage and sometimes children which later on join your army with traits inherited from the mother and father. From a purely technical standpoint, this is great, but the game excels in making your experience a personal one catered to what soldiers you use the most, as the characters can interact and talk to one another in the Barracks about their hopes and dreams and what they like to do in their downtime. A particular favourite of these conversations for me was between Panne (a sort of were-rabbit) and Gaius (a sweet tooth pickpocket), in which Gaius is desperate to try a sweet fruit from a tree on a cliff edge and Panne has to keep dragging him away from it. The great thing is all of the interactions between each character is different and unique, so my experience could differ entirely from yours.There are also a lot of different character classes ranging from Pegasus Knight, Mage, Cavalier, Knight and many more. You can re-class most characters when they reach Level 10 XP and create a truly bespoke experience that suits your play style best. There's also the option once a character reaches Level 10 to use a Master Seal which opens up advanced classes to your characters that were previously unavailable.The combat is surprisingly deep for what amounts to rock, paper scissors - swords beat axes, axes beat lances and lances beat swords. This opens up more when you keep in mind classes like archer and mage are effective against flying units. Who you choose to fight in your unit is entirely your decision, and it can be immensely satisfying levelling up your lowest soldier to a force to be reckoned with.The music is, and I do not use this word faintly, Epic. From a full orchestral theme that soars, to the incidental music in the barracks to the battle music all adds depth and character to the world of Ylisse. The graphics and art design are similarly top notch, mixing beautiful animated cut scenes with 3D battles when you engage the enemy to the maps of deserts with giant dinosaur skeletons and the sprites that represent your units.Fire Emblem: Awakening is up there with the best turn-based strategy games of this generation such as Valkyria Chronicles and X-Com: Enemy Unknown. Like both of these games you can permanently lose your favourite soldiers, and like both of those games you will form close bonds and connections to those soldiers that you will never want to end.