Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 261 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 233 out of 261
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 261
  3. Negative: 7 out of 261
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  1. Teliiii
    May 27, 2012
    9
    One of the greatest RPG games I've ever played! Amazing storyline, interesting battle animations and fantastic music as well. This is a must have for RPG lovers!
  2. Playtapus
    Feb 11, 2012
    10
    The game is one of the most addicting original gameboy games I have. Everytime I go on vacation, I always pack my DS and this game. I have gone over the campaign multiple times, on different modes and various challenges and tasks for myself. The campaign is well thought-out and thrilling, and the graphics can definitely satisfy your eyes. Even in 2012 you should buy it, as it is worthThe game is one of the most addicting original gameboy games I have. Everytime I go on vacation, I always pack my DS and this game. I have gone over the campaign multiple times, on different modes and various challenges and tasks for myself. The campaign is well thought-out and thrilling, and the graphics can definitely satisfy your eyes. Even in 2012 you should buy it, as it is worth every single penny.… Expand
  3. domflo
    Feb 5, 2013
    10
    After the relative success that was Fire Emblem (Rekka no Ken, to be precise), Nintendo decided to release it's successor, The Sacred Stones, in the west as well. And, let me tell you this, it was the right decision.
    The game's art style is a bit darker than before, and the story is a bit more straightforward than Rekka no Ken's story was. The cast of characters has also been reduced,    After the relative success that was Fire Emblem (Rekka no Ken, to be precise), Nintendo decided to release it's successor, The Sacred Stones, in the west as well. And, let me tell you this, it was the right decision.
    The game's art style is a bit darker than before, and the story is a bit more straightforward than Rekka no Ken's story was. The cast of characters has also been reduced, allowing for a deeper view on each character this time around. Gameplay wise, this game plays exactly like it's predecessor. The only notable differences are special class skills that some classes inhabit, and, most importantly, the world map. The world map feature allows the player to visit shops freely after clearing a certain chapter, and it also grants access to what most people would call training grounds: The Tower of Valni. It allows the player to go through it over and over, thus training your units. This can be used to make the game easier, or to level up characters post-story. Concerning difficulty, this game should be a good one for beginners, as it is a bit easier than other Fire Emblems, not only but also thanks to the Tower of Valni mentioned earlier. The replayability is, as one would expect knowing the franchise, very high. Not only can you continue playing after beating the story (to unlock certain characters, for example), but there are also two main routes to follow the story on. One has to play the game at least twice to get to enjoy all chapters, which could tick some people off, but shouldn't be a big deal, as this game is very addicting.
    To conclude, the game is one of the best in the franchise, and one of the best games for the system as well. It manages to be absolutely "Fire Emblem" while adding some spice with some small changes and attracting new players that are easily frustrated by the other installment(s). If you own a GameBoy Advance or a Nintendo DS/DS lite and are at least remotely interested in turn-based strategy, this game is a must have.    … Expand
  4. Sunshadow87
    Jun 4, 2020
    9
    Una genial entrega a la saga, pero no una de las mejores. Comparándola con el juego justo anterior (al cual más se parece) pierde parte del encanto. La historia es buena, los personajes son buenos, pero no es un juego que resulte tan rejugable como el anterior. Es posible que esto sea debido al mayor tamaño de algunos mapas, que aunque hacen de estos muy disfrutables una vez, no incitanUna genial entrega a la saga, pero no una de las mejores. Comparándola con el juego justo anterior (al cual más se parece) pierde parte del encanto. La historia es buena, los personajes son buenos, pero no es un juego que resulte tan rejugable como el anterior. Es posible que esto sea debido al mayor tamaño de algunos mapas, que aunque hacen de estos muy disfrutables una vez, no incitan tanto a repetirlos especialmente cuando pueden costar dos horas completarlos (y no olvidemos que la dificultad no es moco de pavo y el permadeath).… Expand
  5. Teru_XD
    Jan 23, 2013
    10
    Amazing game. I was a bit skeptical at first, but when I finally got to play it through the 3DS Ambassador Program, I was floored. This game is addictive as hell! The replay value is definitely strong in this one.
  6. baydejay
    May 24, 2014
    10
    My favorite game in the entire series. Fun gameplay that improves on previous entries. Memorable characters that you will find yourself restarting the game for, so as not to lose them. An opportunity to strengthen characters at the Tower of Valni which helps if you're struggling. And lastly, fantastic replayablility seeing as you can have a completely different team that you focus on inMy favorite game in the entire series. Fun gameplay that improves on previous entries. Memorable characters that you will find yourself restarting the game for, so as not to lose them. An opportunity to strengthen characters at the Tower of Valni which helps if you're struggling. And lastly, fantastic replayablility seeing as you can have a completely different team that you focus on in each play through. Its easy to pick up and play even for newcomers to the series, I would strongly recommend it… Expand
  7. [Anonymous]
    Jan 5, 2007
    7
    An alright game, however, the Tower of Valni simply makes this game no challenge.
  8. jacobm
    May 30, 2009
    10
    I'm only on chapter 18 but i swear to god its the best game in the world , but its frustrating that if you lose someone you can either go on without them(not a wise move)or start the chapter over. I play it on the Visual Gameboy Advance practically every day. IT IS AWESOME!!!!
  9. SnivySomnia
    Oct 21, 2012
    9
    Pretty damn good. I still prefer most of the other games, but this is still well done. The characters don't have AS MUCH life to them, but they're still great.
  10. MrZlayerX
    Jul 13, 2013
    7
    The only problem with this game, its the items to make the promotions, you need to think very smart and pick your favorite characters. But still fun and the choices of histories are great
  11. Phuz
    Feb 11, 2023
    10
    I have this ported on WiiU rather than on GBA. What a fantastic game. FE done right. Story, combat. OST is amazing.

    Easy 10.

    Loved it straight away.
  12. ThomasW
    Oct 18, 2009
    7
    With slick graphics, phenomenal gameplay and plenty of replay value, Sacred Stones has a lot to offer. I have a few issues, though. First up, the game automatically saving when you turn off the game mid-battle is arbitrary. This leads to scenarios where you have played 3 hours, cleared 9 tenths of a battle and lose your best unit to a zombie's claw, AND YOU HAVE TO START THE FIGHT With slick graphics, phenomenal gameplay and plenty of replay value, Sacred Stones has a lot to offer. I have a few issues, though. First up, the game automatically saving when you turn off the game mid-battle is arbitrary. This leads to scenarios where you have played 3 hours, cleared 9 tenths of a battle and lose your best unit to a zombie's claw, AND YOU HAVE TO START THE FIGHT ALL OVER AGAIN IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THAT UNIT! I simply cannot exaggerate the frustration caused by this. The storyline and characters are also a cavalcade of cliches for the most part and weapon degradation as a design concept is as bad as it has always been. At least they could have made the sacred weapons unbreakable or at least make them a bloody lot more usable, but oh no, if you want to clear the Lagdou Ruins you practically have to decline from using them for about 4/5 if the time you have them.… Expand
  13. Chris
    Dec 11, 2005
    10
    It is simple to play but it is a worthwihle game to play. it was very good.
  14. Relkin
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    one of hte better tactics games ive played jsut saves to much and wont let you try and redo a coulple moves to save some one you have to start over.
  15. Natalie
    May 28, 2005
    9
    Many improvements from 1st Fire Emblem. Being able to constantly have an armory, being able to supply during play, being able to go back to previously played levels and being able to build up strength this way is great. Buy it if you enjoyed the 1st Fire Emblem.
  16. SebastianP.
    Jul 30, 2005
    10
    The BEST!! Gives great strageties to challenge the mind and body. Fire Emblem gives the feeling of being a major ruler.
  17. BenH.
    Aug 21, 2005
    10
    Really really fun and addicting.
  18. Debomb
    Sep 18, 2005
    9
    The extra freedom is cool but the charactors have less "charator" and charm opposed to the original Guys better than Joshua.
  19. Ike
    Aug 3, 2006
    9
    Not as good as the original but still really good
  20. Acornman
    Jun 8, 2007
    10
    Continues the greatness that was the original with more freedom. The tower of Valni makes the game easy but only if you use it to much. Fire Emblem is still the greatest in turn based strategy.
  21. Falak.D
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    Best RPG Game To Date! This game is the best because it has more characters to choose from and a lot of enemies to KILL. Swordmasters and Heros are the BEST!
  22. BryanB.
    May 16, 2005
    9
    Game is awesome! but the fact that they talk so much is kind of boring. also that you support your own teams to make em stronger is so cool.
  23. BenD.
    May 23, 2005
    10
    Outstanding the best gba game ever!!!!!
  24. Rocraidenrrr
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    Best GBA game ever.
  25. SarmedS.
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    DA best game i've ever played...... I LOV IT....
  26. XX
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    The best GBA game I have ever played!
  27. MikeG.
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Better than the original with new classes, a more intriging storyline, and a much harder challenge than the first Fire Emblem. Creating a band of powerful units and watching them wipe out 30+ units in a single turn is all too gratifying. If you liked the first, buy this one. Most awesome time-waster you can buy.
  28. SanchezfromPoland
    Aug 2, 2005
    10
    Holy Cow! This is one of the greatest games that I ever played. Great! I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E-!
  29. PaulK.
    Aug 23, 2005
    10
    Great for ppl that like RPGs its the real deal untill you play to many times.
  30. ShogunM.
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    Incredible game with tons of replay value and and amazingly cool characters. Just as good as the fire emblem seven. For True die-hard fans of the series this is a must have and for others its just a great game.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
3
#3 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
7
#7 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Da Gameboyz
    88
    One of the deepest and enjoyable games I have played in sometime, let alone the fact that is on the GBA.
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  2. GameSpot
    88
    Offers a lengthy, rewarding, thought-provoking experience that truly makes you feel as though the decisions you make, waging one exciting battle after the next, carry serious consequences.
    Read full review
  3. Worth Playing
    88
    If you can handle a strategy game that'll ruthlessly punish you for making even minor mistakes, pick this up the next chance you get.
    Read full review
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