Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright

 3DS
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. RPG Site
    May 25, 2016
    70
    This is a bloody good RPG, but it's one that's been significantly watered down in an attempt to bring in new players. If you're trying to draw a friend into the world of strategy RPGs, Birthright is ideal. If you're a more experienced RPG fan this might well satisfy, but another version of Fire Emblem Fates might satisfy you more - this one is just a little too simple and easy, and in line with that is a touch lacking in depth.
  2. FNintendo
    May 4, 2016
    70
    Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright could very well be an outstanding chapter in a series that is cherished for its narratives and gameplay mechanics. Unfortunately Birthright falls down before it reaches its goal. Its very good production values and sharp combats openly clash with an uninspired and dull narrative, poorly implemented difficulty curve, generic and empty characters and the simple fact that it just doesn't work as a stand alone game in the first place.
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Mar 15, 2016
    70
    When Birthright transcends its repetition and monotony, it's on the same level of Awakening – but that happens far less often than I hoped. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.74]
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  5. Game Revolution
    Feb 17, 2016
    70
    It's an above-average tactical RPG with excellent production value and moderately good gameplay scenarios, but it feels surprisingly one-note and dissatisfying if taken on its own merits as a self-contained game. If you're willing to pony up the extra $20 to buy Conquest, or the $80 price tag of the Special Edition with both Conquest and Revelation, I highly recommend it, as the whole experience of all three is where the real value of the game is.
  6. Cubed3
    Apr 12, 2016
    60
    While not a bad game, Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright is one of the biggest disappointments in the series in years.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best 3DS Game of 2016
4
#4 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2016
14
#14 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 528 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 376 out of 528
  2. Mixed: 78 out of 528
  3. Negative: 74 out of 528
  1. awakeningfe
    Feb 21, 2016
    10
    Most of the low reviews on this game make no sense. People who liked Fire Emblem Awakening will love this game. The main complaints are aboutMost of the low reviews on this game make no sense. People who liked Fire Emblem Awakening will love this game. The main complaints are about censorship and it seems to be trendy to jump on that bandwagon, but if you actually look up what was changed for the localized version, it's hard to be disappointed. Supposedly you could rub people's faces in My Castle. That seemed weird to me, and after playing the game for almost 10 hours I can tell you, it is definitely not something to "miss."

    The game, so far in my opinion, has improved upon the game mechanics from Awakening. When you pair up with a partner in game there is now offense and defense separately. Standing by your partner is offensive (they will join in on the attack) and having them combined for "pair up" on the same square is defensive where the backup supports your stats but can't be hurt and doesn't fight. Also when you get attacked your shield builds up and you can now see when your support will block an attack for you. You can plan better this way. Small nuances were also added such as the weapons and tomes triangles show the color that you are better than in the bottom of the weapon square. For example sword is red and beats axe which is green so if you have a sword the icon will be mostly red with green on the bottom. Useful and thoughtful. Also when you select a flying unit there will be an exclamation point if someone has a weapon that is strong against Pegasus. These touches are very useful and make the game more seamless. You want to be implementing your strategy and not accidentally doing the wrong thing because you forgot to check a menu detail.

    If you liked Awakening, you'll like this game. Birthright is the easier one. Don't hate on the games being separated or localization that doesn't take away from the game at all. Great game so far 10 hours in.    … Full Review »
  2. tobnottb
    Feb 19, 2016
    10
    Good game. Better character development than conquest. If you are into story more than mechanics get this version. Also soundtrack is reallyGood game. Better character development than conquest. If you are into story more than mechanics get this version. Also soundtrack is really awesome. Best part for me is creating your own character.… Full Review »
  3. VonSeux
    Feb 19, 2016
    9
    Fates is the New Fire Emblem game that come to us as the accomplishment of everything this franchise fought to be; a big, epic game, on theFates is the New Fire Emblem game that come to us as the accomplishment of everything this franchise fought to be; a big, epic game, on the path of Shinning Force III it also offers 3 full-blow scenarios, that might seem like milking too much, but's actually a game with so much beef that can last you a whole year. On Birthright you play as the "goodies" on an traditional japanese landscape. The new classes, maps and gimmicks will keep your FE heart beating fast.… Full Review »
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