Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

 3DS
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 419 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 356 out of 419
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 419
  3. Negative: 26 out of 419
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Bugggger
    Aug 23, 2023
    10
    One of the best games on the 3ds, and one of the best remakes ever made. This game manages to be impressively faithful to Gaiden while also adding in it's own new things such as combat arts and 70ish% of the story and characters. Not all of it works, like Conrad, but most of it fits in perfectly. And it's not like I hate Conrad or anything, it's just really easy to tell he was added in,One of the best games on the 3ds, and one of the best remakes ever made. This game manages to be impressively faithful to Gaiden while also adding in it's own new things such as combat arts and 70ish% of the story and characters. Not all of it works, like Conrad, but most of it fits in perfectly. And it's not like I hate Conrad or anything, it's just really easy to tell he was added in, like in an Atlus Girl kind of way if you know what I mean.… Expand
  2. Traumereix
    Feb 7, 2023
    10
    This was the last good entry from the franchise unfortunately...................
  3. Phrancium
    Feb 6, 2023
    9
    great game, great use of two different paths, good story telling, interesting new mechanics, and likeable characters
  4. Plumbo2000
    Jan 29, 2023
    9
    A beautiful and spellbinding experience that only really suffers from a failure to update old maps from the NES era.
  5. hector_bcn98
    Nov 4, 2022
    9
    Tiene todo lo que debería ser un remake de Fire Emblem. Historia de calidad, personajes y dualidad de ellos interesantísima, dificultad muy bien ajustada... En resumen, un remake esplendoroso y sin necesidad de comprarlo dos veces, pagar contenido descargable... Compra obligada.
  6. BetaPlayer
    Aug 1, 2022
    8
    The only thing that suck about this game is the Celica levels, specially the desert ones,. Everything else is great. All the characters (except Faye because she's always talking about Alm) are likeable.
  7. Josenolito72
    May 24, 2022
    9
    Este juego es uno de los más grandes de la consola. Realmente es una experiencia única la cual muy pocos juegos te pueden dar aunque haya quejas sobre su jugabilidad. Historia de 10, gráficos y diseños de 10 y banda sonora, uffff la banda sonora de 1000. Simplemente un fantástico fire emblem Se tiene que probar aunque sea solo una vez. MAGISTRAL!!!
  8. attemptatreason
    Oct 29, 2021
    9
    I agree with the user ratings but not the critics, definitely not near an 8/10. This game is amazing, to be Frank. Any level of player can pick it up and enjoy it, it expands on the core mechanics of what the FE series did amazingly (combat). This includes the blacksmith - which to my knowledge was the precursor of fe3h. Also, an in-game model where you move freely which brings the spritesI agree with the user ratings but not the critics, definitely not near an 8/10. This game is amazing, to be Frank. Any level of player can pick it up and enjoy it, it expands on the core mechanics of what the FE series did amazingly (combat). This includes the blacksmith - which to my knowledge was the precursor of fe3h. Also, an in-game model where you move freely which brings the sprites to life well. I didn't think I'd like the "double party" system within one game, but overtime both the two seperate parties became fun to play. The promotion system was also very generous and rewarding, also super satisfying to hear the statue music and the promotions. The characters were super likeable or hateable, but regardless all art and sprites looked amazing and consistent. The look is very unique to the FE games but it works. I thought the way they used a "pad wheel" for the auto battling made farming and combat super simplified. I do recall an overabundance of dragons just everywhere, I believe in the Cecilia route - having more enemy diversity may have helped at certain stages. Also new to the FE titles was the voice acting - I am so happy this game had top level voice acting all the way through - even a year after beating the game, I can hear the voices of each character pretty vividly every time I see the characters. This game is amazing and is a must play for any one that enjoys turned based combat and army building.… Expand
  9. Den162047
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    Неплохая игра на 3дс, не знание прошлых частей игр, не мешает играть так как история самостоятельная, а ещё как человеку который не играет в стратегии и РПГ от слова совсем, боевая система очень понравилась
  10. D_Games
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    My actual favorite game. I started my FE journey with Awakening then Fates. I started playing the old GBA titles and even emulated PoR & RD. Without a doubt Shadows of Valentia stands on the shoulders of the titles that came before.
  11. Rodrigohonorio
    Sep 1, 2021
    9
    I really like this game. The units are great and the cutscenes also look nice. The dungeons is kinda boring.
  12. Alecseus
    Apr 30, 2021
    10
    Finally finished this awesome game. The best part of the series after Geneology.
    The old traditions of the series are combined with new mechanics.
    But DLCs arent worth its price.
  13. tukumalu
    Jan 30, 2021
    10
    Among the best in the series with groundbreaking 3D animation, amazing voice acting and intriguing characters.
  14. piff2000
    Dec 29, 2020
    8
    I think this game sets the standard for how an NES remake should be done. The updated art and voice acting along with new characters and features breathes new life into the game. Sometimes the map design shows its age, but other than that it’s a captivating adventure.
  15. PyroFierceDeity
    Dec 1, 2020
    9
    Being e remake of Fire Emblem Gaiden, the second game in the series and only released in Japan at the time, Intelligent Systems knocks it out of the park again with an excellent remake and an excellent Fire Emblem game. People might crucify me on this one but I like it way more than Awakening. I do respect and love Awakening however since it saved Intelligent Systems from going bankruptBeing e remake of Fire Emblem Gaiden, the second game in the series and only released in Japan at the time, Intelligent Systems knocks it out of the park again with an excellent remake and an excellent Fire Emblem game. People might crucify me on this one but I like it way more than Awakening. I do respect and love Awakening however since it saved Intelligent Systems from going bankrupt which means this franchise would have died right after Awakening.

    The music is again excellent in this one, and it once again fits the narrative very well. The story was also excellent as well. It had some nice twists I didn't see coming, and I grew very attached to Alm and Celica. Alm's story arc and character development were absolutely epic and the change in music in the later acts make the late game a masterpiece. I also love how the post-game ties in with Awakening story-wise. The gameplay was fun and it actually felt challenging at certain points. You really needed to formulate a strategy or else it you would struggle. This game introduce the turn back time mechanic which was also added in Three Houses, but I found myself rarely using it in this one. A good strategy was mainly all you needed. I always recommend not letting anyone die because seeing all your characters make it out in the end is very heartwarming.

    An excellent and damn near masterpiece for the 3DS and I recommend it to ALL 3DS users.    … Expand
  16. Reed_Reviews
    Oct 27, 2020
    9
    As the final Fire Emblem game of the 3DS era, Shadows of Valentia delivers a compelling character-bases narrative accentuated by a rich score and engaging gameplay.
    Story: 9/10 Simple, yet entertaining due to its well written structure. Each line can be individually savored.
    Voice Acting: 10/10 Each line of dialogue is delivered by a professional cast. Voice actors of Berkut, Alm, and    As the final Fire Emblem game of the 3DS era, Shadows of Valentia delivers a compelling character-bases narrative accentuated by a rich score and engaging gameplay.
    Story: 9/10 Simple, yet entertaining due to its well written structure. Each line can be individually savored.
    Voice Acting: 10/10 Each line of dialogue is delivered by a professional cast. Voice actors of Berkut, Alm, and Mae characterize their lines particularly well.
    Visuals: 8/10 The hand drawn character models and subtle Greek mythology art style add a lot of charm. The 3D models used in cutscenes, however, will not age well.
    Music: 9/10 An enjoyable leitmotif appears frequently throughout songs and sound effects, giving the game's music a binded and cohesive sense.
    Gameplay: 9/10 The new gameplay addition of Mila's Turnwheel will help propel the Fire Emblem franchise forward for years to come. Shadows of Valentia plays with the idea of dungeons, which would have been a thrilling area for the game to pursue if it doubled down on this new addition. The downside is that many of the faithfully created maps are dated, and thus not contributive to strategic gameplay. Repetitive enemy encounters in dungeons with no variety also drag pacing.

    Overall: 9/10    … Expand
  17. BappiBoi399
    Aug 26, 2020
    8
    Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is nothing but a masterful mix of emotional storytelling, sweeping music, and overall invigorating detail and atmosphere. Where it tends to fall short, however, is in the primary game play and actual meat of the franchise: the combat and stratagem. Although the animations are interesting and smooth, the faithful yet outdated maps and mechanics makeFire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is nothing but a masterful mix of emotional storytelling, sweeping music, and overall invigorating detail and atmosphere. Where it tends to fall short, however, is in the primary game play and actual meat of the franchise: the combat and stratagem. Although the animations are interesting and smooth, the faithful yet outdated maps and mechanics make this game mostly more of a chore to complete than an enjoyable experience. Without the other wonderful factors of the game pushing you forward, this game would be sub-par at best. However, because this game offers up a plethora of enticing storytelling elements that push it arguably above other predecessors and other absolutely infatuating details, it is more than worthy of carrying the torch, remake or the likes of it not.… Expand
  18. weskergamer
    Jul 7, 2020
    8
    I really loved Alm and Celica relationship in this game, the story was really good and the music, the graphics and the gameplay. But i don't know why i felt so lost at the beginning of the game, maybe it was that it was different from the previous game, i don't know or it just was that i didn't pay much attention. But i really enjoyed it a lot
  19. Emiliano105
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    It is a beautiful rwmake, one of my favorito videogames, have a grat story and grate caracteres, the soundtrack is perfect and the gameplay is good
  20. Sunshadow87
    Jun 5, 2020
    9
    Dentro de los FE de los últimos años, Shadows of Valentia, un Remake de la oveja negra de la saga, ha pasado bastante desapercibido para muchos. Y sin un motivo real. No es la oveja negra de la saga por ser un mal juego, si no por introducir mecánicas que no aparecen en ningún otro FE transformando la experiencia completamente.
    Lo primero es entender que este es un FE clásico sin    Dentro de los FE de los últimos años, Shadows of Valentia, un Remake de la oveja negra de la saga, ha pasado bastante desapercibido para muchos. Y sin un motivo real. No es la oveja negra de la saga por ser un mal juego, si no por introducir mecánicas que no aparecen en ningún otro FE transformando la experiencia completamente.
    Lo primero es entender que este es un FE clásico sin mecánicas de hijos (y por tanto sin personajes de relleno). Cada personaje esta bien desarrollado, él y sus relaciones. La dificultad es elevada, pero adaptable y accesible por las mecánicas exclusivas (y por la inclusión del sistema opcional de deshacer las últimas acciones, cuyo uso baja la dificultad a algo bastante medio).
    Incluye la novedad de llevar a dos personajes con sus propios ejércitos y batallas, que avanzan paralelamente hasta un momento común de unión. Esto implica también cierta variedad (por ejemplo, algunos personajes puedes reclutarlos con un ejercito u otro en diferentes momentos, pero obviamente si los reclutas con uno, no podrás con el otro).
    Aparte de esto, la gran novedad de este juego son las mazmorras. Y no hablo de mapas de estrategia, si no mazmorras en 3D con enemigos pululando, ítems, etc, añadiendo un sistema de exploración (similar a la base de FETH, pero en las mazmorras). El entrar en contacto con un enemigo despliega un pequeño mapa de batalla para combatir contra ellos, y cosas cómo atacar por la espalda genera ventajas en el despliegue de las unidades y turnos.
    Por toda esta innovación, los buenos personajes, la historia, este es un muy buen exponente de la saga, diferente del resto, pero muy buena entrega. Eso sí, sigue siendo un remake de un clásico, y hay algunas mecánicas que pueden ser algo repetitivas (farmeo de objetos para algunas quests).    … Expand
  21. frederik1478
    Mar 5, 2020
    9
    One of my favorite in series #best presentation of any Fire Emblem game and it is Unique Experience
  22. BasilZero
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    Game: Fire Emblem Echoes Shadows of Valentia
    Genre: Strategy RPG
    Developer: Intelligent Systems Publisher: Nintendo System: Nintendo 3DS (3DS) Year of Release: 2017 Length of Playthrough: 45 Hours Total Score: 90/100 Value Score: 9.0/10 • Story: 9/10 • Characters: 9/10 • GamePlay: 9/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 10/10 • Music: 8/10 • Length: 9/10 • Replay Value: 8/10 •    Game: Fire Emblem Echoes Shadows of Valentia
    Genre: Strategy RPG
    Developer: Intelligent Systems
    Publisher: Nintendo
    System: Nintendo 3DS (3DS)
    Year of Release: 2017
    Length of Playthrough: 45 Hours

    Total Score: 90/100
    Value Score: 9.0/10

    • Story: 9/10
    • Characters: 9/10
    • GamePlay: 9/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 8/10
    • Length: 9/10
    • Replay Value: 8/10
    • Player Value: 10/10

    Pros
    +Good Story and character interaction
    +Choice of casual mode for beginners of the series and hardcore mode for veteran players
    +Ending can be changed depending on who you recruited or survived till the end of story
    +Remake of the 2nd Fire Emblem game - additional characters added to storyline, visual improvements and a lot of voice acting

    Cons
    -Additional characters and classes tied to DLC which is also expensive and never reduce in price
    -Street Pass requirement needed to access some background story scenes and to get items
    -None of the QoL improvements from Awakening are included    … Expand
  23. spicysmoochy
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    My favorite FE so far, the story is extremely bittersweet and makes you feel part of the story. Great OST and voice acting
  24. Fer_O
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    This game is so peculiar, it forgets about a core mechanic from many other FE entries but does it so in a way that results in a very unique game truly deserving on it's own. Everything from this game, the characters, the music, the story, the game play, it's what makes it so enjoyable.
  25. Thamygamer17
    Nov 5, 2019
    8
    FE Echoes: Shadows Of Valentia es un remake muy bien rediseñado del aquel Fire Emblem Gaiden.
    La historia del juego es maravillosa, encontrandonos con personajes donde desde el primer momento conectamos con ellos y como se narran los hechos invitan al jugador a querer siempre saber mas y mas.
    El gameplay sigue la linea de sus antecesores en la plataforma (Awakening y la serie Fates) asi    FE Echoes: Shadows Of Valentia es un remake muy bien rediseñado del aquel Fire Emblem Gaiden.
    La historia del juego es maravillosa, encontrandonos con personajes donde desde el primer momento conectamos con ellos y como se narran los hechos invitan al jugador a querer siempre saber mas y mas.
    El gameplay sigue la linea de sus antecesores en la plataforma (Awakening y la serie Fates) asi que muchos cambios no hay pero para que tenerlos si la formala funciona a las mil maravillas.
    Lo menos que me gusta de este juego es quiza su algo injusta dificultad donde por momentos a los jugadores menos expertos en el genero los hara desesperarse un poco y llevarlos a dropeo del juego o a cogerle algo de tirria pero yo como jugador no tan experto en este tipo de generos te aconsejo que te arme de paciencia y que todas esas derrotas o anclajes te hagan conocer mas el juego y por supuesto mejor jugador de Fire Eemblem    … Expand
  26. new2dsxl
    Sep 8, 2019
    9
    As the last Fire Emblem chapter on Nintendo’s heroic handheld, Echoes delivers a perfect swan song for the series’ 3DS days. This is a satisfying, deeply strategic adventure with an engaging, personal story and beautiful presentation, full of appealing art and lovely details that come alive as you play. But more than that, it’s also just delightfully different from its predecessors, inAs the last Fire Emblem chapter on Nintendo’s heroic handheld, Echoes delivers a perfect swan song for the series’ 3DS days. This is a satisfying, deeply strategic adventure with an engaging, personal story and beautiful presentation, full of appealing art and lovely details that come alive as you play. But more than that, it’s also just delightfully different from its predecessors, in ways that only broaden its appeal: if you loved Awakening and Fates, this is close enough to be comfortable but with plenty of tweaks and additions to feel exciting and fresh; if you didn’t like those entries and yearn for a more ‘traditional’ Emblem experience, you’ll love Echoes’ throwbacks and unique touches; and if you’re a JRPG fan who’s never understood the appeal of the SRPG chessboard, explorable towns and dungeons make this a perfect point of entry to crossover.

    Proof that the 3DS still has life left in it yet, Echoes is a phenomenal Fire Emblem and a wonderful tactical title to tuck into.    … Expand
  27. Kiriken
    Aug 19, 2019
    10
    Even with Fire Emblem: Three Houses released for the Nintendo Switch... I'm keeping this game as my absolute favorite Fire Emblem game. Why? The answer is quite simple: old-school mixed with new-school is my school.

    This game is as good as people have told me it is... however I was a little discouraged when I heard commentaries like: "meh, it could've been better." or "remember    Even with Fire Emblem: Three Houses released for the Nintendo Switch... I'm keeping this game as my absolute favorite Fire Emblem game. Why? The answer is quite simple: old-school mixed with new-school is my school.

    This game is as good as people have told me it is... however I was a little discouraged when I heard commentaries like: "meh, it could've been better." or "remember everything you knew about Fire Emblem? Well this game throw that to the dumpster" and I was quite hesitant when I bought my own copy... they lied. Or worse yet... they didn't know.

    Just when I booted up the game and saw the title screen and then heard the main theme playing I was like: "wait... is- is this real?". Heck yeah it was. Just when I was about to start, characters were reciting everything the dialogue box was saying and well... don't mind if I do. I love the whole VA thing, it just adds so much life to the story!!

    And now a big "oof"... the characters. And it's not a bad "oof", it's an actual great "OOF" i'm going for here. The characters. Oh, my, god! I just can't hate them, I love hating some of them: Jedah, Saber, Alm, Celica and even minor characters. Everything stays in line with a good and complete character development.

    A heartbreaking story, an amazing "new" mechanic where you have to use HP points to use things like magic or even special moves, a great cast, freaking Hidari as lead artist... heck, this game has everything.

    I'm keeping it and replaying it for years to come. A must-play treasure and an underrated masterpiece, and believe me, I'm choosing my words wisely.    … Expand
  28. PabloDesigns
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    This game deserves a 10 just because Heritors of Arcadia. That song is the **** best and deepest you will ever hear in any videogame.
    Oh and also, the game is good.
  29. ogorangeduck
    Dec 29, 2018
    10
    This is my first Fire Emblem game, and I have to say, it is a very good game. The story is a typical "gods fighting, they solve their dispute, 2 countries formed, now they are on the brink of war", but it is fleshed out nicely. Also, the visuals are absolutely astonishing, especially on new 2ds. I also love the soundtrack. It does a great job of suiting the atmosphere. If you have neverThis is my first Fire Emblem game, and I have to say, it is a very good game. The story is a typical "gods fighting, they solve their dispute, 2 countries formed, now they are on the brink of war", but it is fleshed out nicely. Also, the visuals are absolutely astonishing, especially on new 2ds. I also love the soundtrack. It does a great job of suiting the atmosphere. If you have never played an FE game, pick up Echoes .… Expand
  30. Morag
    Sep 16, 2018
    10
    Remake from a Fire Emblem game never came out of Japan (Gaiden), Echoes is probably my favorite Fire Emblem game. The Hidari art are gorgeous, the music is fantastic, the characters personallities are great as well as their voices (even if it is sad they didn't put japanese voice option), great DLC (price isn't a rewiew criteria IMO) and good enjoyement! It is THE Fire Emblem game you needRemake from a Fire Emblem game never came out of Japan (Gaiden), Echoes is probably my favorite Fire Emblem game. The Hidari art are gorgeous, the music is fantastic, the characters personallities are great as well as their voices (even if it is sad they didn't put japanese voice option), great DLC (price isn't a rewiew criteria IMO) and good enjoyement! It is THE Fire Emblem game you need to play on 3DS!… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best 3DS Game of 2017
4
#4 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2017
2
#2 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 76 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 76
  3. Negative: 0 out of 76
  1. Riot Pixels
    Aug 25, 2017
    76
    Even though Shadows of Valentia lacks some of the cool ideas from the previous installments in the Fire Emblem series, this tactics game is very addictive. It’s head and shoulders above the dull Fire Emblem: Fates.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendojo
    Aug 16, 2017
    91
    Fire Emblem has come to be one of Nintendo’s premier franchises, with Shadows of Valentia further cementing the series’ sterling reputation. This is some of the best storytelling and gameplay anyone could hope for on any platform, whether home or portable. Its presentation belies the fact that the game is running on a portable console, and the clever additions to the familiar Fire Emblem formula have yet again breathed new life into a series that has never been stagnant. There are other features waiting to be enjoyed, like the addition of Amiibo that bring new dungeons and fighters, a StreetPass feature, and more. It’s likely that other than Fire Emblem Warriors this will be the last time the franchise appears on 3DS, but it’s going to be a long goodbye—expect to sink many hours into this adventure. Alm and Celica have firmly cemented themselves into the ranks of my favorite Fire Emblem characters, and I hope that when the series transitions to Switch it will be half as entertaining as Shadows of Valentia.
    Read full review
  3. NZGamer
    Jul 14, 2017
    90
    Fire Emblem Echoes is the second best entry in the new generation of Fire Emblem games, ranking lower than Awakening, but higher than Fates. Tight storytelling, paired with challenging gameplay, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable experience, as accessible to new players as it is inviting to old. Watch out for tantalising-but-expensive DLC, and a bit of a nerf on older consoles. It’ll be hard for the next Fire Emblem to step out from under the Shadows of Valentia.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »