Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition

Fire Emblem Fates still approaches war from a largely idealistic standpoint, but it makes a quantum leap forward by representing a broader range viewpoints along the way. For a series that has changed incrementally over the last 25 years, this latest entry is a refreshing reinvention.

By offering distinct storylines and game experiences, Fire Emblem Fates is able to appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans of the franchise. Those looking for a lengthy and epic adventure to play on their 3DS needn’t look any further, because Fire Emblem Fates is all you need. Fire Emblem Fates is fated to be one of the 3DS’ best games in 2016.

Fire Emblem Fates is so perfectly executed that I wonder how they’ll top it as the series progresses. Every complaint from Awakening has been addressed, leading to a fine-tuned strategy game that borders on genius.

Fire Emblem Fates is an excellent turn-based fantasy strategy game with interesting characters and good story. [June/July 2016]

A unique twist on the formula which pays off. A staggering achievement. [June 2016, p.72]

Fire Emblem: Fates offers an unprecedented amount of content without falling victim to the temptation quantity over quality. Each of the three total games here features its own vivid branch of the story, and everything from the gameplay to the presentation shifts with it. This is a massive and highly enjoyable addition to the epic franchise that really does stand as one of the most prolific and memorable amongst its contemporaries.

Although Fire Emblem Fates is slightly larger and more complex than its predecessor Fire Emblem Awakening, it fails to ignite a same level of a boundless enthusiasm, because both games are just too similar. All and all it isn´t anything bad. On the contrary, it’s still a top turn-based strategy with a great focus on RPG elements. You hardly find some better games on 3DS.

Not exactly novel but fantastic all the same. There's something here for everyone to love.

This sweeping triptych is as luxurious and formidable a game as you'll encounter on portable hardware. [July 2016, p.114]

The almost overabundance of content, interesting characters and clever, addictive combat make this threefold saga the very best that the Fire Emblem series has to offer.

If you’re a hardcore Fire Emblem fan, this collection will give hours upon hours of unbridled gaming fun and if you’re really keen, you have the option of playing it through again in order to experience the other side of the war.

Fire Emblem Fates is divided into three different campaigns (the least interesting of which is Legacy, designed to explain the core mechanics to the newcomers), and it offers a great experience overall, probably the best in the entire saga. Recommended to anyone, unless you have a serious idiosyncrasy for the Japanese tactical genre.

As a whole, these Fates not only form the most massive Fire Emblem, but they also mark the series' most ambitious move, regarding the spectacular gameplay evolution and the subtle, complex narrative. Each version reveals a distinct approach through strategy or tone, hence such bold choices create a more immersive and dramatic experience. If Intelligent Systems had decided otherwise, Fire Emblem Fates could have become a game of clones. Fortunately, it stands as the ruler of the tactical role playing game of thrones instead.

Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright and Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest are two great tastes that taste great together. Provided you're willing to put up with the high cost of entry. Even if you only settled on one title you'd be getting an awesome game with plenty of content that will keep you busy.

It’s not quite the equivalent of getting three Fire Emblem Awakenings in a single release, but it’s nonetheless an impressive follow-up. Fates fine tunes Awakening’s best combat and relationship aspects while carving its own identity with the My Castle home base, creating a rare Fire Emblem that delivers immense value outside the arenas of war.

Fire Emblem Fates exemplifies the best way to approach a sequel. It maintains and iterates on Awakening's best qualities, while also introducing new systems that have a profound impact alongside a richer and more poignant story. It's more than just a worthwhile successor to a recent hit. Taken as a whole, it's the best Fire Emblem to date.

Fire Emblem: Fates is more iterative than revolutionary, but with three years between releases I was happy to return to the franchise’s familiar action and experience another fantastical saga filled with memorable heroes and villains. It’s another terrific entry in one of the very best turn-based strategy series currently going, handheld or otherwise.

Fire Emblem: Fates is easily one of the biggest and most intimidating entries in the series, but the refined systems and sheer breadth of content, mixed with a colorful and memorable cast of characters, makes this a grand offering for both Fire Emblem faithful and newcomers alike.

A captivating story and strong cast of supporting characters, along with the very well designed gameplay and impressive breadth of pure content make Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright, Conquest, and Revelation a must own trilogy for the Nintendo 3DS.

Each of these games is unique enough to stand on its own accord as an impressive achievement and a whole lot of fun. The writing is sharp and witty, and gameplay is as accessible or as hardcore as you could want it to be. While the story can feel like it's dragging at times, it's tough to hold too many grudges against what feels like padding since the core gameplay is so much fun.

Fire Emblem: Fates is a fantastic turn-based strategy game. If you’re worried about the multiple versions, you don’t need to be. You’ll get a full experience with a single campaign, but it’s great to know that you can keep going and discover new content long after beating a single path.

Emblem Fates is the most extended game in the series, thanks to three storylines that are a tad cliche. Thankfully the strategic gameplay and complex tactics make up for that, cause this game can pull you in and take tens of hours of your time.

This is an epic beast. I despise its’ kitsch and cliché dialogue. But I love it for the depth and challenges it presents in its turn-based battles.

A brilliant tactical RPG that easily pulls you into its world with charming dialogues, memorable character designs and perfect soundtrack. [08/2016, p.75]

Despite some silly dialogues and animeish looks of characters, Fates has two (three, if you throw in DLC campaign) well-made tactical games with RPG elements, both with distinct flavor and unlike one another. [Issue#209, p.80]

Fire Emblem Fates is one more reason to buy a Nintendo 3DS. Intelligent Systems creates a very beautiful yet hardcore rpg.

It has a powerful emotional core that is unique for games, and it all stems from the ramifications of its instigating choice. It's a war game that's light on blind aggression and bloodlust, instead fueled by curiosity — maybe even regret, when you consider where the different paths lead.

Recursion through each of the game’s three paths from that originary fork forces you to rethink your place in its world and drives the game’s argument home: Fire Emblem Fates rejects fatalism beautifully.

If you are a fan of Fire Emblem or tactical games in general, Fire Emblem Fates will not disappoint.

Pure Japanese turn-based strategy comes in three versions with different quality. The game would thrill all brave players but can also bore those who will go through it with the seatbelts fastened. [Issue#267]

The dialogue sometimes feels as a waste of brain cells, but other than that Fire Emblem Fates has something in store for any type of gamer.

Whether new to the franchise or a long-time fan, there’s something for everyone in Fire Emblem Fates’ three games. Unfortunately, when you find what you’re looking for in one, you might be disappointed when it’s then not present in the other titles.

If ever there were a game that I liked in spite of myself, it would be this. For the foreseeable future, if I’m not reading something, I know what I’ll be doing the next time I’m waiting in line.

Fire Emblem: Fates takes two steps forward and one step back for the series. It still retains and expands on many of the great Fire Emblem elements, but Fates slips on a few important aspects.