Fire Emblem

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. G4 TV
    100
    Although the automatic save system makes it a great handheld title, it's perhaps even better suited to relaxing marathon sessions on your couch. Fire Emblem is well-crafted, and unless you have an aversion to turn-based strategy, it's highly recommend.
  2. Nintendophiles
    97
    It is a game with flaws but it is an infinitely better game that "FFTA" is and yet still miles away from achieving the perfection that is "Advance Wars 2." That being said, I love this game, and I honestly cannot wait to see further installments.
  3. IGN
    95
    The single player quest is incredibly challenging and fulfilling, but the decent multiplayer mode doesn't quite reach what the team did for the "Advance Wars" series. A small gripe for an otherwise outstanding, satisfying Game Boy Advance design.
  5. Pocket Games
    95
    One of the most well-crafted RPGs we've seen. If you are into RPGs at all, run out and pick Fire Emblem up right now! [Spring 2004, p.28]
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  6. Deeko
    95
    Featuring a beautiful storyline with many personable characters, a well written musical score and an incredible amount of exciting and variable gameplay, Fire Emblem is one of those few games that you must own.
  7. Nintendojo
    94
    It came with the polish of "Advance Wars" and brought a tighter battle system, fresher presentation, and new epic feeling to the table.
  8. N-Insanity
    94
    The graphics in those cut scenes are better than what we had really seen in a tactical RPG up to that point.
  9. Nintendo Power
    92
    I love how everything in this game is incorporated into the battle, including speaking withi NPC's and buying and equipping items. [Dec 2003, p.142]
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  10. Armchair Empire
    91
    Simply put, Advance Wars + Golden Sun + anabolic steroids = Fire Emblem.
  11. GameNow
    91
    The game continues to surprise you by tossing curveballs like siege weapons, random weather effects, and time-sensitive goals into the mix. [Dec 2003, p.75]
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  12. Eurogamer
    90
    It's a game with real heart that fans of Japanese RPGs can't fail to fall in love with. It's also the best turn-based title on the Game Boy Advance since the original "Advance Wars."
  13. AceGamez
    90
    Provides an excellent story-driven, but more linear, alternative to the likes of "Advance Wars," for the budding portable strategist.
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  14. GameSpy
    90
    Here's to Nintendo for finally removing its blinders and giving us the chance to make our own decisions.
  15. GameCube Advanced
    90
    Fans of Strategy/RPG titles will love every second of Fire Emblem. From the involving story and deep characters, to the intense battles and thrill of victory.
  16. Inside Gamer Online
    90
    If you're looking for a game with a great story, flawless gameplay, great music, and one that you want to be playing for hours upon end, then Fire Emblem is without a shadow of a doubt the game for you.
  17. GamePro
    90
    The generic blend of fantasy elements doesn't detract from the fact that this is a fast-paced, compelling, excellently designed strategy game. Try it if you found "Advance Wars" too simple and "Final Fantasy Tactics" too complex.
  18. Cheat Code Central
    90
    Although compared to Advance Wars, Fire Emblem has its own personality that is worth making friends with - just don't loose any.
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  19. eToychest
    90
    Anybody who enjoys turn-based tactical combat games will thoroughly enjoy this, and with its learning curve, anybody who was curious about playing this style of game will not be let down either.
  20. GameSpot
    89
    Couples a compelling, character-driven epic tale with strategic gameplay that is accessible and still manages to be challenging and satisfying.
  21. Game Informer
    88
    Fire emblem is good, but be prepared to sit through some boring tutorials, restart often, and cry like a little girl when you lose a key member of your party. [Dec 2003, p.184]
  22. NintendoWorldReport
    85
    With a noble history on the Famicom, Super Famicom, and now the GBA, Fire Emblem holds up the tradition of excellent gameplay, interesting scenarios, and an engaging storyline. The only real complaint I have as a Fire Emblem fan is that the game is very easy.
  23. Siliconera
    84
    One that every strategy game fan will love.
  24. Play Magazine
    83
    Though a few facets of Fire Emblem did get on my nerves - permanently losing characters that fall in battle, for example - they didn't detract from the experience so much that I ever wanted to stop. [Dec 2003, p.95]
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  25. GMR Magazine
    80
    Offers up some solid gameplay, sharp visuals, likable character designs, and a fairly compelling (if somewhat typical) story. Fans of "Advance Wars" will particularly enjoy it. [Dec 2003, p.102]
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  26. games(TM)
    80
    For its few flaws, Fire Emblem rivals the "Advance Wars" duo in terms of addictiveness and style, only really falling short due to its straightforward approach and character mortality that will frustrate those used to more forgiving titles. [Feb 2004, p.102]
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  27. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    Emblem has some issues, like repetitive visuals and weirdly balanced narrative (you'll spend the first few hours on a massive tutorial), but it's still a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs. [Dec 2003, p.236]
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  28. GamerFeed
    80
    The quest itself is one of the longest found on the GBA to date. Gamers will be keeping this cart in their GBAs for a long, long time.
  29. Gamenikki
    75
    Fires on all cylinders until the end, but doesn't really put itself above superior competition.
  30. Nintendorks
    70
    Playing this game requires a fair amount of patience, because the hasty gamer will only wind up losing members, and even the best tactician will have to play certain levels more than once.
  31. Gamestyle
    70
    Only the forced structure of progression and often frustrating punishments give rise to concern in an otherwise excellent game.
  32. netjak
    70
    Nothing more than a fair game. It's not quite as innovative as Advance Wars, but it still manages to offer a fun, nice-looking strategy gaming experience despite the frustration factor.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
7
#7 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
1
#1 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 282 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 258 out of 282
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 282
  3. Negative: 8 out of 282
  1. GregS
    Dec 7, 2009
    10
    THE definitive strategy title for the GBA. The story is exceptional, and all the characters have their own background stories and reasons for THE definitive strategy title for the GBA. The story is exceptional, and all the characters have their own background stories and reasons for fighting with you. The gameplay is also very good too. The leveling system encourages a diverse use of characters, not just a single juggernaut. The statistics driven strategy of the combat makes for a very enjoyable tactical experience forcing you to constantly evaluate risks to your units. The only downsides come from the predictable AI and the fact that after playing for 300-400 hours you've practically played the game to death.… Full Review »
  2. OmanL
    Mar 22, 2009
    8
    It's a good game but not the best in the series as some might claim. Maybe it's because I ddn't play it at the time it came It's a good game but not the best in the series as some might claim. Maybe it's because I ddn't play it at the time it came out, but it seems inferior to the most recent installments. It's the one that took me the longest to complete, but not because it's the hardest or longest game.… Full Review »
  3. Sunshadow87
    Jun 4, 2020
    10
    Este fue mi primer FE, y aun hoy lo considero uno de los mejores en la saga. Genial historia, personajes, mapeados, dificultad muy ajustadaEste fue mi primer FE, y aun hoy lo considero uno de los mejores en la saga. Genial historia, personajes, mapeados, dificultad muy ajustada para el gusto de todos y muy buena rejugabilidad.
    Una obra maestra.
    El juego tiene 3 protagonistas, cada uno con su propia historia, batallas, etc, y también diferente dificultad. Comenzaremos con la campaña de Lyn, que es el tutorial del juego y la campaña mas fácil. Después pasaremos a controlar a Eliwood, cuya campaña es la historia normal de dificultad media, y en la que podremos reclutar a los otros lords. Y al acabar el juego desbloquearemos la campaña de Hector, que nos cuenta los sucesos acaecidos por este protagonista a mitad del juego, y es la campaña difícil. Esto sin negarte de elegir la dificultad de cada campaña.
    Un juego al que poder disfrutar con muchas, muchas horas.    … Full Review »
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