This review/playthrough/rating is of Book 1 specifically. It’s fine. I like it, but it lacks a lot of maps and story elements to deliver a truncated remake. There’s not a ton of reason to play this specific version of this story. The NES version at least has the “so old it’s a curiosity” factor whereas the DS version has a lot of gameplay changes that makes the experience even better, though very different. This one looks nice, I like the SFC music, and I love that Marth is actually very busted for once. It lacks too much from the other versions for me to recommend it in earnest though.

Path of Radiance is fantastic. It’s one of the best stories Fire Emblem has told, a great gameplay experience with lots of fun tactical management elements, and well designed maps. This is absolutely one of the prime “first Fire Emblem games” for anyone looking to dive into the series.

The story is very masterfully told through the lens of Ike, a somewhat sheltered mercenary, curious about the world and lacking the prejudices many have. He has a perspective very similar to what a player would and the writing soars for it. Everything feels natural.

The map objectives and types are varied so the player’s always on their toes. I also love this game’s iteration of the Base system. Learning more about characters and the battle scenario ahead through the Info tab, dishing out Bonus EXP, managing weapons, it’s all so satisfying. I also like that this is the first entry where you can reasonably attain and read supports without spamming “End Turn” for hundreds of turns for no reason.

I don’t even want to tip off too much about the story. Its depiction of heavy topics like genocide, corrupt governing bodies, and prejudice are deftly written for the most part and beg being read through.

There are also some fantastic “story through gameplay” moments like Chapters 11 and 27! Plus, I’m one of those people that actually likes when FE used to do post-game trial maps. (I just don’t like the “do 15 playthroughs” requirements to get every character, but it’s an inoffensive side mode unlock)

A true classic that is sadly really inaccessible to a lot of people. This game deserves every bit of hype and praise.

A fantastic Mega Man game and a major rebound after how Mega Man X7 and Mega Man X6 came out. For starters, I very much enjoy the art style shift they took with this game. The lankier proportions and more expressive faces are quite appealing. While I usually prefer 2D art for sidescrolling Platformers like this, I am a big fan of how this game looks overall.

The story is close to the usual Mega Man X fare of "new bad guy gets upstaged by Sigma" but I love the grandiose flair and religious imagery present with this entry. The stages are fun and the different moves/capabilities of each playable character are fun.

Honestly, as it stands, I think this could be a contender for my favorite Mega Man game and I'm currently placing it as such. I would love to revisit it in the future and go for all the unlockables/post-game stuff to check-in on my feelings for this game but, very positive vibes (since I played it in 2020) on it overall!