Publisher: Nintendo
Ages:
eight and up.
Family
Rating:
Parental
Advisory:
Strategic battle
Far beyond mindless arcade games, Nintendo's Fire Emblem offers an addictive combination of role-play and strategy that has wide appeal.
Players assume control of an army to aid young lords on a quest against the usual, prevailing evil. At its core, the game offers compelling turn-based battle that ask players to defeat an enemy, protect a character, simply survive and more. The game considers terrain and defensive positions and players decide where and when to attack.
What makes the game special is its treatment of characters. Players persuade characters to join their cause and these characters possess distinct personalities. Some soldiers are motivated by honor while others simply seek money.
In typical roleplay style, the game offers some 20 character classes that include cavalier, mage, pirate and druid, and characters may be upgraded to more powerful classes such as general and sniper. Players have to manage their troops wisely. When characters die, they're gone for good.
The game looks great with well-animated battle scenes. Despite its depth, the game is relatively easy to learn and understand. For this, the game offers a good tutorial that is well integrated into the game. There is also a multiplayer arena-style game that supports up to four players who may battle it out.
It's not often that a thoughtful game such as Fire Emblem comes to market. Those looking for a more in-depth experience on their Game Boy Advance should definitely take a look.
1/19/04 Daytrum Editorial Staff
