Fire Emblem Engage is another great entry in the Fire Emblem Series. The developers put a heavy focus on gameplay, and it payed off big time. I played this game on Maddening Classic, and it was one of the best experiences I have had with a tactical RPG. The story is nothing to write home about, but it is carried by some stellar performances by the English voice cast.
The gameplay of Fire Emblem Engage feels amazing as an avid fan of the series. Unit balance is generally good, with only a couple units that stand firmly over the others, Classes and skills take a more simplified approach, and it is easier for a new player to pick up the mechanics relative to games like Fates and Three Houses. The Emblem Rings introduced in this game are another amazing addition, and they can make units go absolutely berserk, as well as adding plenty of replay value and customization.
Fire Emblem stories are usually average at best, and I think this game is pretty similar. The plot is nothing crazy, and there are a lot of stupid anime moments and some really dumb instances of writing. However, the voice actors do a fantastic job, especially the ones for the protagonists and villains. They sell their performances so well, and it makes the whole game much more enjoyable. Fire Emblem Engage also delivers more lighthearted support conversations, which is a change I don't mind. Some of these conversations are absolutely hilarious, and the phenomenal voice acting makes it that much better.
As for other things, here are some random thoughts I have:
- The OST is really good, and I love the Solm and final map music.
- Somniel is a much more streamlined and less time consuming version of Three Houses monastery.
- The chapters 21 and onwards get brutal with difficulty, and are also not very well designed.
- Staves are extremely fun to use, best implementation of them since FE5.
If you are on the fence about getting Fire Emblem Engage, I would recommend it. The gameplay is some of the best the series has to offer, and the story is fine enough.
The gameplay of Fire Emblem Engage feels amazing as an avid fan of the series. Unit balance is generally good, with only a couple units that stand firmly over the others, Classes and skills take a more simplified approach, and it is easier for a new player to pick up the mechanics relative to games like Fates and Three Houses. The Emblem Rings introduced in this game are another amazing addition, and they can make units go absolutely berserk, as well as adding plenty of replay value and customization.
Fire Emblem stories are usually average at best, and I think this game is pretty similar. The plot is nothing crazy, and there are a lot of stupid anime moments and some really dumb instances of writing. However, the voice actors do a fantastic job, especially the ones for the protagonists and villains. They sell their performances so well, and it makes the whole game much more enjoyable. Fire Emblem Engage also delivers more lighthearted support conversations, which is a change I don't mind. Some of these conversations are absolutely hilarious, and the phenomenal voice acting makes it that much better.
As for other things, here are some random thoughts I have:
- The OST is really good, and I love the Solm and final map music.
- Somniel is a much more streamlined and less time consuming version of Three Houses monastery.
- The chapters 21 and onwards get brutal with difficulty, and are also not very well designed.
- Staves are extremely fun to use, best implementation of them since FE5.
If you are on the fence about getting Fire Emblem Engage, I would recommend it. The gameplay is some of the best the series has to offer, and the story is fine enough.