After Fire Emblem: Three Houses I was left craving more of that TRPG goodness so I went back to the game many consider to be the quintessential (heh) Fire Emblem™ experience.
It sure is a classic. A fair bit simplistic but great nonetheless. The story is tropey as heck, full of gallant, honourable knights and evil wizards who want to take over the world, but it does a good enough job to give each battle context. On the gameplay front I can't say I have any real complaints, besides, it's been too long since I've played SoV and Three Houses is too different to make and real comparisons. The only thing that I'm really pissed about is how the support system in GBA games works. I don't want my character interactions to be gated by parking my units for turns upon turns on every sieze map. I've made my piece with it as I start Sacred Stones and from what I understand it doesn't get worse than this.
P.S RIP Dorcas, my strongest silliest goober. Died at a hand of a certain horse-riding witch right at the end of the game. Damn you, 6% crits.
It sure is a classic. A fair bit simplistic but great nonetheless. The story is tropey as heck, full of gallant, honourable knights and evil wizards who want to take over the world, but it does a good enough job to give each battle context. On the gameplay front I can't say I have any real complaints, besides, it's been too long since I've played SoV and Three Houses is too different to make and real comparisons. The only thing that I'm really pissed about is how the support system in GBA games works. I don't want my character interactions to be gated by parking my units for turns upon turns on every sieze map. I've made my piece with it as I start Sacred Stones and from what I understand it doesn't get worse than this.
P.S RIP Dorcas, my strongest silliest goober. Died at a hand of a certain horse-riding witch right at the end of the game. Damn you, 6% crits.
Lady Lyndis, what did we say about going to war without underwear?!
A melting pot of mechanics and ideas that start sweet and end sour. Chapters 25, 26, and 26x present some of the worst problems of the game up close, with shitty gimmicks (weather, anyone?) and awful, awful map design. The storytelling is repetitive beyond belief, with almost every map in the first half being predicated on the same few lines of dialogue:
"We gotta get to Lord Dumbass' house! He'll help us!"
"Okay Eliwood, let's go!"
Then the lord they go to fucking dies, and 13 bandits spawn in from different directions. Queue action. The second half is no better, as searching for a MacGuffin becomes the primary task. Go here! Okay, we're here! Whoops, Black Fang spawned in/were here when we arrived! There's just no soul, reading the plot is a bore. So what about the characters?
Well, they're pretty endearing, and there's a support system to flesh them out. But hold on! The support system is a moot point, because it's based on sitting around and doing nothing! This wouldn't be a problem if most of the maps WEREN'T about running from the bottom end to the top, stopping thieves from ransacking castles or recruiting randos who've had next to no buildup whatsoever. It's a goddamn rat race, and the support system is just not reasonable for the player. And be honest: how are you supposed to know how to recruit most of these people without looking up a guide? I used Eliwood for everyone who looked unique, and I barely grabbed half of them. So yeah, the characters are two steps forward one step back.
The presentation is good, I'll say that. Crit animations, good music, awesome sound effects, it's pretty great for a GBA title. The weapon triangle is a solid system and easy to understand. It's just that on the whole, FE7 is not steady, and that's a deal breaker for me.
"We gotta get to Lord Dumbass' house! He'll help us!"
"Okay Eliwood, let's go!"
Then the lord they go to fucking dies, and 13 bandits spawn in from different directions. Queue action. The second half is no better, as searching for a MacGuffin becomes the primary task. Go here! Okay, we're here! Whoops, Black Fang spawned in/were here when we arrived! There's just no soul, reading the plot is a bore. So what about the characters?
Well, they're pretty endearing, and there's a support system to flesh them out. But hold on! The support system is a moot point, because it's based on sitting around and doing nothing! This wouldn't be a problem if most of the maps WEREN'T about running from the bottom end to the top, stopping thieves from ransacking castles or recruiting randos who've had next to no buildup whatsoever. It's a goddamn rat race, and the support system is just not reasonable for the player. And be honest: how are you supposed to know how to recruit most of these people without looking up a guide? I used Eliwood for everyone who looked unique, and I barely grabbed half of them. So yeah, the characters are two steps forward one step back.
The presentation is good, I'll say that. Crit animations, good music, awesome sound effects, it's pretty great for a GBA title. The weapon triangle is a solid system and easy to understand. It's just that on the whole, FE7 is not steady, and that's a deal breaker for me.
Fun game, lil basic, very jank
i miss the old fire emblem straight from the go fire emblem
The best Fire Emblem on Game Boy, the soundtrack of this game is excellent
nintendo putting this gem on their crappy online service like dawg we've been emulating this for years and it's much better because we don't have to pay for a subscription for a small supply of games
To say that I am actually insane about this franchise is an understatement. When I heard about this game being added to NSO I actually finished the whole thing in 3 days after it dropped because I was having so much fun. At the time of this review I still haven't started Hector mode, only finished Eliwood mode.
I do have to admit my opinion on this game has gone down quite a bit since my original playthrough, but there's still a lot I have to like about it. The characters are still great, (most of) the maps are fun, and it's as speedy to play as ever. The game also just looks fantastic on a switch screen, especially with the "classic" filter you can toggle. The pure fun of replay value from a Fire Emblem game was showcased for me here, as this time I decided to train Rebecca, a low tier unit, into one of my strongest characters who was capable of killing MULTIPLE endgame bosses, it was actually so fun. She literally even outpaced Louise, it was SO hilarious.
FE7 is still a fun time, even if weaker than many of the other games in the series I've played. If you have NSO I find really no reason to not at least try this. Even if you DON'T have NSO, GBA emulation is so accessible on so many devices that it's really no problem in getting to try it yourself. It's beginner friendly, its fun, and it's a bit overhated these days despite of what it does so great.
I do have to admit my opinion on this game has gone down quite a bit since my original playthrough, but there's still a lot I have to like about it. The characters are still great, (most of) the maps are fun, and it's as speedy to play as ever. The game also just looks fantastic on a switch screen, especially with the "classic" filter you can toggle. The pure fun of replay value from a Fire Emblem game was showcased for me here, as this time I decided to train Rebecca, a low tier unit, into one of my strongest characters who was capable of killing MULTIPLE endgame bosses, it was actually so fun. She literally even outpaced Louise, it was SO hilarious.
FE7 is still a fun time, even if weaker than many of the other games in the series I've played. If you have NSO I find really no reason to not at least try this. Even if you DON'T have NSO, GBA emulation is so accessible on so many devices that it's really no problem in getting to try it yourself. It's beginner friendly, its fun, and it's a bit overhated these days despite of what it does so great.
This review contains spoilers
Loved Eliwood and Ninians story. haven't played through hector mode though. Suprising amount of memorable characters
My first Fire Emblem game, enjoyed it but not my cup of tea.
hector in smash when?
one of the few fire emblem games i've played (still playing), and it's a great time! the story is engaging and i rly like the different units and their abilities. the sprite work is insane!! animations are so fluid and dynamic, makes battles that much more enjoyable. my only complaint is that the combat can get a little tedious after a bit, but luckily this game allows you to get through it at tremendous speeds if you want! pretty accessible, pretty fun, i think im turning into a fire emblem fan?? uh oh
one of the few fire emblem games i've played (still playing), and it's a great time! the story is engaging and i rly like the different units and their abilities. the sprite work is insane!! animations are so fluid and dynamic, makes battles that much more enjoyable. my only complaint is that the combat can get a little tedious after a bit, but luckily this game allows you to get through it at tremendous speeds if you want! pretty accessible, pretty fun, i think im turning into a fire emblem fan?? uh oh
im a moron and even i was able to beat this game, never in my life have my fingers reached for the ZR and ZL buttons on my pro controller more than i have in this game. even then the game for the most part was easy aside from the final chapter. that last chapter was total horse shit, i spent an hour and a half on it at least. overall this game was cool but wow do i need a break. cant wait to play sacred stones!
The first Fire Emblem game to be released in the West, Blazing Sword is a very cherished game for many long-time Fire Emblem fans. While I myself am not one of those players, I do think there are a lot of enjoyable aspects about this entry.
The sprite work and animations for this game are fantastic for its time. Several of the unique animations for major characters are incredibly fluid and enjoyable to watch.
The map design as a whole is pretty enjoyable. While there are a couple of maps that aren't great to play, I didn't have many issues with most of them.
The story does have some surprisingly emotional moments, but I do think the story as a whole is hit or miss. One of the biggest misses in my opinion, is how the game neglects Lyn after her story. Even worse, some of the plot points they set up for Lyn during her story are never fully resolved, which does take a bit of the experience away from me. That being said, I do find the other main characters, Hector and Eliwood, to be very enjoyable for their own routes in the game.
The game itself isn't terribly difficult. The enemies overall are rather weak, and there are multiple instances where you can simply field some of the later pre-promoted units and they'll outperform earlier growth units quite a bit. Unless you highly invest into some of these growth units, many of them (barring Florina, Sain/Kent if Lyn's story is done) are just outclassed by later pre-promoted units given to the player.
I think this game is enjoyable to play through and is worth a try for anyone interested in the earlier entries of the Fire Emblem series.
P.S. Why the hell is Lyn a weaker unit than just a normal Swordmaster. Like, HOW???
The sprite work and animations for this game are fantastic for its time. Several of the unique animations for major characters are incredibly fluid and enjoyable to watch.
The map design as a whole is pretty enjoyable. While there are a couple of maps that aren't great to play, I didn't have many issues with most of them.
The story does have some surprisingly emotional moments, but I do think the story as a whole is hit or miss. One of the biggest misses in my opinion, is how the game neglects Lyn after her story. Even worse, some of the plot points they set up for Lyn during her story are never fully resolved, which does take a bit of the experience away from me. That being said, I do find the other main characters, Hector and Eliwood, to be very enjoyable for their own routes in the game.
The game itself isn't terribly difficult. The enemies overall are rather weak, and there are multiple instances where you can simply field some of the later pre-promoted units and they'll outperform earlier growth units quite a bit. Unless you highly invest into some of these growth units, many of them (barring Florina, Sain/Kent if Lyn's story is done) are just outclassed by later pre-promoted units given to the player.
I think this game is enjoyable to play through and is worth a try for anyone interested in the earlier entries of the Fire Emblem series.
P.S. Why the hell is Lyn a weaker unit than just a normal Swordmaster. Like, HOW???
good intro for the series, otherwise underwhelming
fuck lyn
fuck lyn
This review contains spoilers
I replayed this game for the sake of an argument and I stand corrected, Lyn mode is FINE.
Jokes aside, Blazing Blade stands as the most "fair" Fire Emblem, where difficulty doesn't lie with enemies but rather with the map design, which by the way I appreciated more this time around. The story is fine guys, it just sucks the most important aspects are locked behind support conversations (Renault comes in the second to the last chapter and his conversations are incredible) and a Hector mode only map locked behind Nils achieving lvl 7 in Lyn Mode. 70 turns of Nils playing his flute just to give some exposure to Nergal.
Still, fair game, not its fault some are better. Lowen also exists.
Jokes aside, Blazing Blade stands as the most "fair" Fire Emblem, where difficulty doesn't lie with enemies but rather with the map design, which by the way I appreciated more this time around. The story is fine guys, it just sucks the most important aspects are locked behind support conversations (Renault comes in the second to the last chapter and his conversations are incredible) and a Hector mode only map locked behind Nils achieving lvl 7 in Lyn Mode. 70 turns of Nils playing his flute just to give some exposure to Nergal.
Still, fair game, not its fault some are better. Lowen also exists.
During my gameplay, I did not encounter a fire emblem. However, there was indeed a blazing blade. 4/5 Entertaining videogame.
This was my first Fire Emblem game that I played over a decade ago so I am biased but this will always be one of my favorite games of all time, it's story really isn't the best but I like it and Hector hard mode is peak
While playing this game I was texting my friend questioning plot holes in it and always got the response of the game's box art. I've seen that image like 20 times. At least hand axes are cool I guess.
The story is ok at best and the characters are boring but the gameplay is so fun and exciting that it makes up for the lackluster story.
FE7 is the goat turn based TRPG on the GBA
Green units ending my iron man sucks and the story doesn't make much sense....... but man it is fun to crush with Oswin.
First GBA era Fire Emblem that I've completed, I can see how this was one of the onboard ramps for the series, it's incredibly fun even 20 years later
Still lots of fun even now, could only imagine how good a remake would be.
boring boring boring. terrible map design, dirt easy enemies, boring structure, boring cast. the core fire emblem gameplay remains fun enough to not be irredeemable but still just not good
the most fire emblem for sure dude
This review contains spoilers
Is this the meanest Fire Emblem?? I've played 4 others, and this one seems a bit more aggressive in its dialogue. Children get called worthless offal and have parents straight up tell them they don't love them and want them dead, love interests are held dead in characters' arms, and the general prejudice and racism found in other FE games seems even more egregious here.
But! It's entirely likely that this is due to bad localization. This was the first time NOA translated a Fire Emblem title, and it is roouuuugh. It had been a while since I played through a game that felt like a fan translation. It's kind of charming though! Similar to the wonky dialogue you'd find in western releases of Japanese arcade games in the 80s, there were multiple times when I laughed out loud at the goofy text. The story itself is fine, it's just put into words poorly. So who knows, maybe the original Japanese isn't quite this barbaric!
Mechanics-wise, it's a standard Fire Emblem. Nothing really stands out here. I liked it enough to finish it, but likely won't come back for a second go round.
But! It's entirely likely that this is due to bad localization. This was the first time NOA translated a Fire Emblem title, and it is roouuuugh. It had been a while since I played through a game that felt like a fan translation. It's kind of charming though! Similar to the wonky dialogue you'd find in western releases of Japanese arcade games in the 80s, there were multiple times when I laughed out loud at the goofy text. The story itself is fine, it's just put into words poorly. So who knows, maybe the original Japanese isn't quite this barbaric!
Mechanics-wise, it's a standard Fire Emblem. Nothing really stands out here. I liked it enough to finish it, but likely won't come back for a second go round.
This is my second ever Fire Emblem game and I think it might be the last. There isn't anything particularly wrong with this game, but at this point I feel I have enough evidence that I simply don't jibe with SRPGs. My first foray into permadeath with these games certainly didn't help, as it more than activated my mind goblins and prevented me from making real progress into the later campaign, lest I make a mistake and not finish a map flawlessly. Abusing the NSO rewind function only goes so far until you question why you're still playing.
I'm sorry Lyn Fire Emblem, I have failed you.
I'm sorry Lyn Fire Emblem, I have failed you.
Honestly, this game is very overrated and is nowhere near the best Fire Emblem game. However it is still a Fire Emblem game, and thus good by default, so you should still play it.
haha eliwood funney haahahaaha 9 strength hahahhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahah lyn had 6 strength
sain was cool though
sain was cool though
The story pissed me off and was badly handled but a reasonable amount of characters are endearing and the gameplay is pretty fun (except those gaiden chapter requirements FUCK YOU KISHUNA)