Fire Emblem

 Game Boy Advance
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
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. DavidC.
    Nov 14, 2003
    10
    If u ask me this is better that final fantasy tactics.
  2. MarcoF.
    Nov 18, 2003
    10
    I just picked up this game today and I must say , it was worth the money. Lovers of Advanced Wars and Final Fantasy will love this new blend of RPG strategy... comes to show the true classics come in 2-D!
  3. KMustard
    Jul 22, 2012
    10
    Fire Emblem is easily one of the greatest titles ever created for the Gameboy Advance. This game is a turn-by-turn tactical RPG featuring dozens of unique characters to choose from. Gameplay is simple to understand and its user interface and help system makes it easy to approach, yet it provides great challenges of just the right difficulty. Players will fall in love with this game'sFire Emblem is easily one of the greatest titles ever created for the Gameboy Advance. This game is a turn-by-turn tactical RPG featuring dozens of unique characters to choose from. Gameplay is simple to understand and its user interface and help system makes it easy to approach, yet it provides great challenges of just the right difficulty. Players will fall in love with this game's diverse cast of characters, each with their own background story to unravel. Because it is not possible to fully mature every character and reveal each of their side stories in a single playthrough, several plays will be necessary to achieve full completion, resulting in unrivaled replay value. Exceptional gameplay added to a deep, rich story, and met with beautiful art and music Fire Emblem a true masterpiece of entertainment. If you have a Gameboy Advance compatible device and enjoy tactics and strategy themed games, Fire Emblem is an absolute must buy for you!… Expand
  4. JustSomeGamer
    Aug 5, 2016
    9
    Amazing strategy game with a great story. Perfect difficulty, it's not too easy or too hard for the average player. This game is in my opinion the best one of the fire emblem series, mainly because of the intruiging story.
  5. 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 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    Este 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.    … Expand
  6. tukumalu
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    A terrific entry point for the Western audience with captivating characters, branching storyline and stylistic animation.
  7. 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 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 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.… Expand
  8. 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 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.
  9. JoshH
    Sep 7, 2008
    10
    One of the best Fire Emblem games of all time. Yes, I am also comparing this to the Japanese earlier installments and the console Fire Emblem games of today.
  10. EduardForrollI.
    Oct 22, 2003
    10
    FANTASTIC!!!
  11. VonSeux
    Dec 17, 2013
    6
    I wanted to like this game more, but it gets too long to get started with an endless tutorial trough multiple missions. Characters are not well developed like the Consoles games and few strategic tools, basically just move and attack/heal... still lots of content after the first playtrough if you want to dive into.
  12. SamusA.
    Jan 2, 2004
    5
    Anime is dumb, I havent played this game but I see too much anime. Less anime it would be better. And less people with purple or green hair, that looks lame.
  13. BillyC.
    Jan 12, 2004
    0
    I rate this game a 0 becasue THERE IS TO MUCH FREAKEN ANIME why cant it have "REAL LIFE" in it there are no magic spells or people born with green, blue or purple hair . all and all IT SUCKS.
  14. StevenH.
    Dec 22, 2003
    1
    It sux cause i can't find it anywhere in stores!! what is this game? soo popular that it has to be all 'sorry im out'?. farr, now what will i buy for xmas.. lol.
  15. monnomest
    Dec 8, 2016
    7
    I've played this game just after finishing Awakening and it shows. The characters are all fun and the story is nothing special but here are my 2 bigger complains
    1: no support. In FE awakening, I really liked the support system, which is absent in this one
    2: The difficulty. I really suck at video games, so I prefered Awakening's choice to turn permadeath on or off. If you like hard    I've played this game just after finishing Awakening and it shows. The characters are all fun and the story is nothing special but here are my 2 bigger complains
    1: no support. In FE awakening, I really liked the support system, which is absent in this one
    2: The difficulty. I really suck at video games, so I prefered Awakening's choice to turn permadeath on or off. If you like hard games, this one is for you    … Expand
  16. illuvatar94
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Joguei no Nintendo switch online
    Nunca tinha jogado nenhum game de estratégia antes, sendo este o primeiro do gênero.
    Extremamente viciante e divertido, em nenhum momento fiquei entediado ou confuso com as mecânicas, e eu achava que era um gênero muito complexo.
    nota 10!
  17. Rtwh
    Feb 10, 2004
    10
    Best game ever!!!! look at toys rus to find this game and give it a better rating.
  18. GlennH.
    Oct 24, 2003
    10
    The japanese version is the best gba game ever, and i didn't even know what they were saying. this one looks even better.
  19. JosefW.
    May 18, 2005
    10
    This is THE BEST video game EVER for the GBA. I'm talking staying up `till six in the morning playing the game. Best thirty-five dollars I've ever spent. One of my favorite things about the game is the depth. You get approx. forty soldiers and they all have THEIR own backround/personalities. You'll cry when one of your soldiers die and reset the game. I just bought the This is THE BEST video game EVER for the GBA. I'm talking staying up `till six in the morning playing the game. Best thirty-five dollars I've ever spent. One of my favorite things about the game is the depth. You get approx. forty soldiers and they all have THEIR own backround/personalities. You'll cry when one of your soldiers die and reset the game. I just bought the Sacred Stones and I hope it will live up to it's name.… Expand
  20. Jeff
    Dec 9, 2003
    10
    Great game if you love advance wars. Japan took so long to bring it to America but it was worth the wait. It is so fricken hard though. A great item to add to your x mas list!
  21. TroyB.
    Jan 19, 2004
    10
    This game kicks, it gets way better when u get to the point where u can upgrade ur players. I would buy the game boy advance just 4 this game!
  22. DominickF.
    Jan 31, 2004
    10
    it is by far one of the best games I have ever played, and its on the gba. it has great graphics, great music and a very cool story line. but one of my favorite parts is how if a character dies it is gone for good, that is really cool.
  23. ToddP.
    Jan 30, 2004
    9
    If you ever played the classic advanced wars series and enjoyed it. Than this in an instant buy this game which holds an interesting storyline and likable characters. A level up feature gives you a reason not to go kamikazie aganst enemy units. So go and but it
  24. SteveH.
    Feb 18, 2004
    10
    Id have to Say, That Seeing As How This Game Isnt New Whatsoever , It Is Still Amazing For Its Time..... I believe fft is better..but not by THAT much. all we need now is arc the lad fer gba and were set. haha
  25. [Anonymous]
    May 11, 2005
    10
    One of the best rpg games EVER! If you don't own this game, it's a must have. Level up characters while trying to keep your favorites alive. Awesome replay value.
  26. DavidD.
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    Very similar to Advance Wars, but you can't use the "clog their land" strategy because if your guys die, you have to restart, so keep them alive! It's even better than AW. Whaddaya waiting for?
  27. AnonymousMC
    Aug 13, 2009
    10
    A truly outstanding game. It's long, with multiple campaigns & difficulty levels to extend the already great replay value. It's challenging in an almost-too-hard way that keeps you working hard to improve your tactical skills. And the wide diversity of characters, weapons, and team combinations are what good RPG's should be all about. Addicting & entertaining, this is A truly outstanding game. It's long, with multiple campaigns & difficulty levels to extend the already great replay value. It's challenging in an almost-too-hard way that keeps you working hard to improve your tactical skills. And the wide diversity of characters, weapons, and team combinations are what good RPG's should be all about. Addicting & entertaining, this is handheld gaming at its absolute best!… Expand
  28. AlasdairR
    Aug 13, 2009
    10
    A fantastic turn-based strategy brining something new to those of us outside Japan whilst leaving all other hand held strategy games in the dust. With decent visuals, an impressive sound track and characters you could well grow generally detached to, not to mention the replay value found in seeing the main quest from a different perspective whilst unlocking all the extra parts of the plot A fantastic turn-based strategy brining something new to those of us outside Japan whilst leaving all other hand held strategy games in the dust. With decent visuals, an impressive sound track and characters you could well grow generally detached to, not to mention the replay value found in seeing the main quest from a different perspective whilst unlocking all the extra parts of the plot this game has everything you could want.… Expand
  29. MiguelG.
    Dec 26, 2004
    10
    The best GBA game ever! Having control of all kind of warriors and being able to evolve them so you dont get tired of the characters is what i most like.
  30. MycaN.
    Mar 17, 2004
    10
    A TOTAL knock-out game!!!! It rocks!!!!!!I so say u need to get IT!!!!!! OH,GO JAPANESE ANIME.!!!GREAT gameplay, it's one of those games that actually makes u think of stratagey... GAMERS ALL AROUND THE WORL SHOULD GET IT!!!!IT ROKZZZ!!!
  31. Bishop
    Jan 13, 2005
    10
    Funnest game I've ever played in my life. Way better than advanced wars one or two. Best strategy game out there.
  32. ll
    Nov 14, 2003
    10
    Awesome game. The gameplay is really integrated with the story which makes this game special. Excellent storyline.
  33. AndyS.
    Nov 15, 2003
    9
    Beautiful game!
  34. AdamS.
    Nov 18, 2003
    10
    Better than Advance Wars and FFT. Lovely incorporation of multiple story lines.
  35. Drake
    Nov 18, 2003
    10
    THIS GAME ROCKS! :) Yet It should have been longer.
  36. MikeB.
    Nov 24, 2003
    10
    I love that the shops are in the battles and when a character dies he is gone forever because it makes it a lot more challenging.
  37. ChristianH.
    Nov 25, 2003
    10
    It is really cool the best RPG ive played in years I also think is challenging because if one of your players dies they are gone forever.
  38. Elliott
    Nov 26, 2003
    10
    There is no game better.
  39. VannakS.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    I gave it a 10 cause this game has good graphics.
  40. nerority
    Feb 23, 2013
    9
    What a great classic. Story is engaging, characters are very memorable. Very addicting turn based strategy that sucked out 35 hours of my life in a weekend!
  41. SnivySomnia
    Oct 21, 2012
    10
    Best GBA RPG I've ever played. Sorry Pokémon, but you can't match the characters and the story.
  42. NocheShade
    Dec 30, 2012
    9
    Really good. I'm not going to say this is the best fire emblem of the lot because after playing this after Sacred Stones,I just prefer Sacred Stones in most aspects.Still a great game though.
  43. celtqy
    Jun 18, 2013
    9
    Astonishingly good, entertaining, challenging and long game for GBA. FE was unlike anything I played on the handheld so far and most of strategic games for GBA pale in comparison (maybe except Advanced Wars 2).
  44. Eithi007
    Mar 30, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A incredible tactical-rpg it has so much detail every character has their own backstory and personality you can do anything. it has a battle system so deep that i didn't knew much of it, every character can do things that others can't Lyn, Elliwood, Hector they are so complex but incredible, the weapon triangle, the weapons that can contradict the weapon triangle it is so deep. A must buy it is easy to learn but difficult to master buy it or play it from an emulator or wait if it is in the virtual console of the wiiu that will bring gba games.… Expand
  45. Franky3121
    Sep 14, 2014
    10
    Yes i am playing in 2014,
    It's a really fun game, really irritating to lose your characters, but that just makes you treasure your characters more and forces you not to make stupid decisions.

    So fun, great music.
    Turn base similar to Pokemon with a but more, but very fun overall and addictive
    10/10
  46. kooltrex
    Feb 23, 2015
    10
    A true masterpiece! Really irritating to lose your characters, but that just makes you treasure your characters more and forces you not to make stupid decisions. One of the best gba games ever! Characters are well developed plot is great and music is awesome. Definetly get it.
  47. JuanLuisGG14
    Feb 2, 2018
    10
    Excellent strategy game for the Gameboy Advance, an absolute blast to play!
    maybe my favorite game in the system
  48. TremHq
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    Everyone needs to play this game. It wil help you with your life probably. With this game i learned about thinking multiple ways. Now whatever i do i will think more than 1 way easily. BEST RPG SO FAR
  49. Invader9
    Oct 26, 2017
    10
    Engaging story, memorable characters, catchy soundtrack and fun game-play! Fire Emblem GBA ( A.K.A Blazing Sword ) remains a timeless classic. The absolute best GBA game to date.
  50. frederik1478
    Mar 5, 2020
    8
    a really good Fire Emblem game but it has a bad habit of being useless enemies at you
  51. LordDecky
    Aug 2, 2019
    10
    This is extremely close to perfection. The turn-based gameplay is sharp and ruthlessly difficult. I love the perma-death because it causes you to become more attached to the characters because you know that they can die. This also causes you to try to be the smartest you can because otherwise, you're losing somebody. Strategy games are my favorite game genre, and Fire Emblem the best. EachThis is extremely close to perfection. The turn-based gameplay is sharp and ruthlessly difficult. I love the perma-death because it causes you to become more attached to the characters because you know that they can die. This also causes you to try to be the smartest you can because otherwise, you're losing somebody. Strategy games are my favorite game genre, and Fire Emblem the best. Each character is extremely well crafted because they are simultaneously interesting and provide unique strategical advantages.… Expand
  52. aditya1101
    Oct 11, 2017
    9
    Fire Emblem is one of the greatest tactical RPG franchises of all time, and this is one of the best Fire Emblem Games. The story is great, all of the characters are awesome, and the classic Fire Emblem strategy is on full display.
  53. shootingstars99
    Aug 23, 2019
    8
    This was my gateway into Fire Emblem, similar to most American gamers I would imagine. This is a great title, and is a really solid strategy game (especially compared to the easy garbage/waifu simulator that Fire Emblem is now). The game has two points it drives home to emphasize the strategic aspects, the first being if a unit dies, they cannot be used again for the duration of the game.This was my gateway into Fire Emblem, similar to most American gamers I would imagine. This is a great title, and is a really solid strategy game (especially compared to the easy garbage/waifu simulator that Fire Emblem is now). The game has two points it drives home to emphasize the strategic aspects, the first being if a unit dies, they cannot be used again for the duration of the game. They will still appear in cutscenes and plot points, but they are out of commission as far as combat is concerned. The second point is that there is no grinding. You cannot sit and level up every unit, you have to decide which units are worth leveling up and taking to the end, and which ones are not going to be used, as trying to level up everyone along the way will lead you to have an under-performing squad.

    The art and characters are really well done. The sprites are gorgeous and never get dull to look at. The combat and map design are very solid, and actually encourage some thought to it. Different game play modes available, such as difficulty settings or main character choice in a second play through provide multiple opportunities to enjoy and replay the scenarios.

    This is what Fire Emblem should aspire to be again.    … Expand
  54. davygravy93
    Nov 21, 2022
    10
    The first American release of a Fire Emblem game aka "blazing blade" in Japan was and still is a phenomenal handheld strategy game. zippity bibbity
  55. spencerplewe
    Oct 2, 2022
    8
    Being the first Fire Emblem game to be localized outside Japan, it hits the right notes with its challenging tactical RPG elements, likable characters, and just about enough story density to justify its length, if the static & emotionless talking heads don’t do it.
  56. DryToaster
    Jun 7, 2020
    10
    Easily one of my favorite games ever. Great plot, great design, great visuals, amazing characters, just barely hard enough, all on GBA.
  57. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    8
    Primer Fire Emblem que nos llegó a Europa y solo aptos para expertos del género. No entiendo la dificultad tan desmedida que colocaron en un juego para todos los públicos. Jugarlo en emulador tiene su salvación debido al guardado manual, hacerlo en su día... me imagino las horas tiradas a la basura al ver que matan 5 unidades casi al final del episodio.
  58. LJLomar
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    This is my favorite strategy and roll game, as soon as it starts to play I got stuck to it, this game can not miss
  59. Link_Zelda_4432
    May 22, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like this game, And this game was easy, but the drawback is only 1, why is this game not made like a fire emblem the sacred stones where we can move the world map, but it doesn't matter for me (Sorry Bad English, I'm From Indonesian)… Expand
  60. Entagonist
    Jul 2, 2021
    10
    This game introduced me into the Fire Emblem world - and I'm grateful for that.
  61. Alizema09
    Mar 16, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love the Strategie and Story from the game one of the best Gba games for ever.You waren up in the house from lyn than Bandits are comming and you are the Strategie.You gonna find New friends they name are Saint and Kent (Saint>Kent btw).In the End Lyn find her Granddad and we leaving the Group.Btw 99% from the guys have a crush of Lyn. But i love the game from the Story to the Gameplay… Expand
  62. mobius_01
    Nov 10, 2022
    10
    This is the best original RPG on GBA. The story is interesting. The gameplay starts simple, but builds the player into a tactical thinker. The presentation also looks phenomenal. Fire Emblem is well known for the series' character animations, and this game holds up. It looks amazing on the original hardware, and even better blown up on modern screens in an emulator.
  63. Plastikschaufel
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    In my opinion this is easily the greatest game for the system by far and one of the best games ever. I put 1000+ hours into it since 2004 and no end in sight. Presentation, replay value, gameplay, strategical depth is top notch. The story, soundtrack and graphics are nothing than epic. Today this is a true classic SRPG, and a must have for any GBA owner.
  64. Yojimbo2015
    May 11, 2023
    7
    Turn-based strategy set in a fantasy world of swords and dragons that's a little shallow and repetitive compared to the mighty Advance Wars, but still has enough going for it to please fans of the genre.
  65. klaaz
    Jan 25, 2023
    9
    The best installment of the saga in GBA, a story that has a cast of the best characters of the saga. One of the best games of its generation.
    Pd: I hate the tutorial
  66. Cakiws
    Apr 24, 2023
    9
    I love this game, the first time i played this game was like, this game seems boring and repetitive, but the fact that your characters can die, it gives some vibes of survival, the first fire emblem game to was published in america, is very cool and fun, simple, and the characters are memorable, the graphics are also cool, I so good, seriously.

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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."
    Read full review
  2. AceGamez
    90
    Provides an excellent story-driven, but more linear, alternative to the likes of "Advance Wars," for the budding portable strategist.
  3. 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]
See all critic reviews »