Fire Emblem: Three Houses Review
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical RPG developed by Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo, and
published by Nintendo. Released on July 26, 2019, for the Nintendo Switch, it
quickly became one of the most acclaimed entries in the Fire Emblem series,
known for its intricate storytelling, character development, and strategic
gameplay.
2. Story and
Characters
Narrative: The main
storyline of Fire Emblem: Three Houses is engaging and immersive, albeit with
some pacing issues. The narrative branches based on the house the player
chooses to lead—Black Eagles, Blue Lions, or Golden Deer—each offering unique
perspectives and endings. The choices made regarding recruitment,
relationships, and even marriages further influence the plot, adding depth and
replayability. The story covers themes of war, politics, and personal growth,
which unfold differently depending on the player's decisions.
Characters: The characters
are a standout feature, each memorable and well-developed. Relationships
between characters evolve through the support system, where interactions in the
main menu lead to deeper bonds and unique story arcs. The character dynamics
and their personal growth throughout the game make each playthrough feel unique
and engaging.
World-Building: The game's
setting and lore are rich and detailed, focusing on the continent of Fódlan,
which is divided into three rival nations. While much of the game is spent
within the monastery, players learn about the broader world through dialogues,
missions, and various in-game texts. The political systems and histories of the
three nations are well thought out, adding a layer of complexity to the
overarching narrative.
3. Gameplay
Mechanics
Mechanics: Fire Emblem:
Three Houses features a calendar system where players manage their time between
exploring the monastery, attending seminars, and engaging in battles. Players
can train units in various military skills, manage resources, and build
relationships. This structure provides a mix of strategic planning and social
simulation, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Combat System: Combat is
turn-based, set on a grid where players move characters and plan their actions
strategically. Each turn involves making tactical decisions about positioning,
class advantages, and terrain. This depth of strategy, combined with varied
mission objectives, makes the combat system both challenging and enjoyable.
Exploration: Exploration is
limited to the monastery and occasional battlefields, which might be seen as a
downside for those who prefer open-world games. However, for players like
myself who aren't keen on extensive exploration, this focus on a central hub is
a positive aspect.
Quests and Side Activities: The game includes a few side quests that complement the main story,
providing additional rewards and character development opportunities. These
quests are integrated seamlessly, allowing players to complete them without
diverging too far from the main narrative.
4. Graphics and
Art Design
Visual Style: The visual style
of Fire Emblem: Three Houses is pleasing, though not groundbreaking. The
character designs are distinctive and appealing, each reflecting their
personality and role. The art direction suits the game's tone and setting well.
Technical Quality: The graphics are
solid, with good textures, lighting, and animations. During my playthroughs, I
did not encounter any significant graphical glitches, indicating a polished
presentation.
Character and Environment Design: Character designs are one of the game's strengths, with each unit looking
unique and consistent with the game's theme. The environments, while often
limited to the monastery, are well-detailed and contribute to the game's
immersive atmosphere.
5. Sound and
Music
Soundtrack: The soundtrack
is fitting and enhances the game's atmosphere, though it may not be as
memorable as those from other iconic RPGs. It serves its purpose well, adding
emotional depth to the narrative.
Voice Acting: Voice acting is
excellent in both English and Japanese, bringing the characters to life. Unlike
some games, all dialogue is voiced, adding to the immersion and making the
story more engaging.
Sound Effects: Sound effects,
particularly in combat, are realistic and enhance the overall experience. They
contribute to the game's immersion, making battles feel more intense and
authentic.
6. User Interface
and Controls
UI Design: The user
interface is intuitive and accessible, providing all necessary information
without overwhelming the player. Navigating menus and managing units is
straightforward.
Controls: Controls are
responsive and easy to use, even though the game is turn-based and does not
require quick reflexes. The control scheme complements the strategic nature of
the game.
7. Replayability
and Content
Game Length: The game offers
a lengthy campaign with high replayability. Each house route provides a
different perspective and story, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Completing
all paths can easily take hundreds of hours.
Replay Value: Replay value is
high due to the multiple story routes, character endings, and New Game Plus
mode. Players can experience different outcomes based on their choices, keeping
the game fresh on subsequent playthroughs.
Post-Launch Content: The game has a DLC expansion that adds new story content and characters,
further extending its replayability and offering additional value.
8. Performance
and Technical Aspects
Performance: Fire Emblem:
Three Houses runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with no major performance
issues that hinder gameplay.
Bugs and Glitches: I did not
encounter any significant bugs or glitches during my playthroughs, indicating a
well-polished game.
9. Originality
and Innovation
Innovation: The game
introduces unique features to the Fire Emblem series, such as the calendar
system and the in-depth character support interactions. While it may not
revolutionize the genre, it successfully integrates new elements that enhance
the overall experience.
Comparison: Compared to
other strategy RPGs, Fire Emblem: Three Houses stands out with its
character-driven narrative and multiple branching storylines. While it may fall
short in terms of exploration compared to open-world RPGs, its strategic depth
and replayability make it a strong contender in its genre.
10. Overall
Enjoyment
Personal Experience: I found Fire Emblem: Three Houses to be extremely satisfying. The
combination of RPG and strategy elements was a refreshing experience, and the
story, despite pacing issues, was compelling. The character development and
interactions added emotional depth to the game.
Target Audience: The game is best
suited for players aged 13 and older who enjoy strategy games with rich
narratives. Long-standing fans of the Fire Emblem series will appreciate the
new features and returning elements, while newcomers can also find it
accessible and engaging.
11. Conclusion
Final Thoughts and Overall Rating: Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a well-crafted game with a deep and engaging
battle system. While the pacing of the story could be improved and the
exploration is limited, the game's strengths in character development and
strategic gameplay shine through. I would rate this game an 8/10, lifting it
for its combat mechanics and character interactions but deducting points for
pacing issues.
Recommendation to Potential Players: I highly recommend this game if you enjoy strategy games, even if you're
not necessarily into RPGs. Its unique blend of tactical combat and
character-driven storytelling makes it a must-play for fans of the genre.
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