Fire Emblem Engage

 Switch
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 822 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 451 out of 822
  2. Mixed: 154 out of 822
  3. Negative: 217 out of 822
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  1. reachlivingston
    Jan 25, 2023
    8
    I don't know how how to explain all the 0 scores except to say that they are from tantrum throwing juveniles who are mad because FE Engage is not a Three House's clone. The characters in FE Engage that I have met so far are fun, the battles are stellar, and the whole game reminds me of earlier FE games before the social simulator was added to Three Houses. The game looks great, althoughI don't know how how to explain all the 0 scores except to say that they are from tantrum throwing juveniles who are mad because FE Engage is not a Three House's clone. The characters in FE Engage that I have met so far are fun, the battles are stellar, and the whole game reminds me of earlier FE games before the social simulator was added to Three Houses. The game looks great, although some of the color choices are a bit suspect (I am not a fan of the super bright and colorful main character design, for example). The story is so so and I would like to see a bit more I. The way if building relationships with characters, but not to the extent of the ss hool simulator we got in Three Houses. Overall, this is a great entry into the FE franchise that hardens back to pre Three Houses installments and is worth the asking price based on the great combat alone.… Expand
  2. kaestro
    Jan 30, 2023
    10
    If you're a fan of srpg, this is a one of a kind you would want to play!
    Engage gives you awesome battle experience with somewhat diverse strategies you can use.
    I'm a fan of xcom series, and honestly three houses was not of my taste for I think it was too easy to play
    But Engage challenges you to win each stages
    Play and enjoy!
  3. Plumbo2000
    Jan 22, 2023
    3
    People are overhyping the gameplay. It doesn't suck but it's nowhere near good enough to make up for how bad the story, characters, music, worldbuilding and dialogue are. Also it has a major flaw in that the units are badly balanced and tend to be either amazing or immediately benched, if you get any satisfaction from raising your units up this is not the Fire Emblem game for you.
    It's    People are overhyping the gameplay. It doesn't suck but it's nowhere near good enough to make up for how bad the story, characters, music, worldbuilding and dialogue are. Also it has a major flaw in that the units are badly balanced and tend to be either amazing or immediately benched, if you get any satisfaction from raising your units up this is not the Fire Emblem game for you.
    It's just a thoroughly boring experience that tries to posit itself as the new mainline entry whilst giving you nothing but shallow garbage and leaning on nostalgia for older, better games as a crutch.
    They should take the Break mechanic and put it into a real FE game, because this half-assed garbage is going to be forgotten in a month. Engage is going the same way as Fates where people are blinded during the honeymoon period and then realise shortly afterwards that the game was thoroughly disappointing. Intelligent System seriously need to get their act together and show that 3H wasn't an outlier and that they can make Fire Emblem games that take themselves seriously and stand on their own merits rather than leaning on self-references and parodying itself.

    You're better off buying Conquest, 3H, the GBA era or the Tellius games.
    The one thing Engage does right is shoving old characters in your face and reminding you that there are better Fire Emblem games you could be playing.    … Expand
  4. redsaltedegg
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    A return to form. Performance is surprising considering how 3H did on release. Less social aspects which makes multiple playthroughs actually fun. Maddening is hard, yet somewhat balanced and not a turtle fest like on 3H so that's a plus as well.

    A must buy and must play for FE fans.
  5. gq_foine
    Jan 23, 2023
    10
    One of the best in the series and reminds me of Awakening and much better than Three Houses.

    Overall, 9.5/10

    Graphics - 9.5
    Music and sound 10
    Story and cast of Characters: 9
    Gameplay: 9
    Controls. 9.5
    Replay and value: 9
  6. FrangDang
    Jan 21, 2023
    10
    The perfect fix to an RPG craving. First time playing a Fire Emblem game. Wonderfully beautiful Nintendo Switch Exclusive. Delicious strategy fun that you can’t get enough of. Shotgun blast of characters to your face (my favorite amount of characters in RPGs is too many). Seriously great job by Intelligent Systems on the huge buffet of characters to choose from. This game has been on myThe perfect fix to an RPG craving. First time playing a Fire Emblem game. Wonderfully beautiful Nintendo Switch Exclusive. Delicious strategy fun that you can’t get enough of. Shotgun blast of characters to your face (my favorite amount of characters in RPGs is too many). Seriously great job by Intelligent Systems on the huge buffet of characters to choose from. This game has been on my mind for awhile and am very happily with the decision to purchase. This will have me keeping an eye out for future Fire Emblem releases. Many parts in this game have put a big smile on my face and that’s what makes a great game. An awesome experience you don’t want to walk away from. I hope the series continues to focus on great strategy turn based fun, heaps of playable characters, and an enjoyable memorable story. More people need to give this game a chance.… Expand
  7. Rottencucumber
    Jan 24, 2023
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am getting tired of the FE plot now. Because the Engage story was so childish, I was able to tell clearly the issue now. That 'I am the child/vessel of Final Boss???' setting has been used 4 times in a row now. They really have to stop using that setting now, because now it's becoming so predictable. Also I am not liking how most female characters faces look the same except for the hairstyle,eye and some tattoo. I actually tested myself by covering their hair and putting on grayscale. I could not tell who they where. Plus they all got babyfaced from previous FE games, I thought I was dating a minor during the pact ring confession scene. Please don't do that.… Expand
  8. Tragglix
    Jan 23, 2023
    10
    excellent game that returns to the roots of Fire emblem, it is undoubtedly a more classic experience for fans of the entire saga, the gameplay is wonderful and the return of the triangle of weapons improves everything, something worth enjoying, the story complies with the standards of what Fire Emblem is and without a doubt it is a worthy game that celebrates the 30 years of this wonderfulexcellent game that returns to the roots of Fire emblem, it is undoubtedly a more classic experience for fans of the entire saga, the gameplay is wonderful and the return of the triangle of weapons improves everything, something worth enjoying, the story complies with the standards of what Fire Emblem is and without a doubt it is a worthy game that celebrates the 30 years of this wonderful franchise.… Expand
  9. The_Darkest
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    Better than Fire Emblem Three Houses!

    Music and Combat is very great!

    And the Character Designs is not very bad!
  10. Scratcher
    Jan 22, 2023
    9
    Fire Emblem Engage despite drifting from very good three houses is not a disappointment. Game is going back to its roots, being more expansive and graphically impressive version of the 3ds games in the likes of awakening and echoes. As every FE game engage offers unique mechanic in summoning heroes from older games. Overall every fe should have a lot of fun with neatly prepared battlesFire Emblem Engage despite drifting from very good three houses is not a disappointment. Game is going back to its roots, being more expansive and graphically impressive version of the 3ds games in the likes of awakening and echoes. As every FE game engage offers unique mechanic in summoning heroes from older games. Overall every fe should have a lot of fun with neatly prepared battles with wide roster of characters. Let’s just hope intelligent systems will be back someday to some new innovative experiments in the likes of three houses. For second fe game on the system, engage is getting strong 9/10 from me… Expand
  11. Phantasmagarlic
    Jan 24, 2023
    9
    This feels more like an actual Fire Emblem, while 3 Houses is amazing, it always felt like a new iteration on the FE formula, and while many players fell in love with that iteration, pretty much all other Fire Emblem fans love the franchise because of the original formula. This game feels much more like an enhanced and fleshed out version of previous FE games and therefore still manages toThis feels more like an actual Fire Emblem, while 3 Houses is amazing, it always felt like a new iteration on the FE formula, and while many players fell in love with that iteration, pretty much all other Fire Emblem fans love the franchise because of the original formula. This game feels much more like an enhanced and fleshed out version of previous FE games and therefore still manages to feel new and refreshed, despite sidestepping the 3 House's 'iteration'. I'm happy to see Intelligent Systems still cares about fans who have been around before 3 Houses, because there are still a lot of us out here!! And we are loyal fans who love this kind of Fire Emblem!!… Expand
  12. kawoods2
    Jan 23, 2023
    9
    Visually, it looks great in handheld with awesome battle animations.
    Gameplay is great with straight forward battles and the triangle weapon system.
    Audio is good with most interactions being fully voice acted, with the voice acting being fairly decent. Story is mediocre with a fairly straightforward plot. Overall, I really enjoy the straightforward SRPG gameplay versus the social    Visually, it looks great in handheld with awesome battle animations.
    Gameplay is great with straight forward battles and the triangle weapon system.
    Audio is good with most interactions being fully voice acted, with the voice acting being fairly decent.
    Story is mediocre with a fairly straightforward plot.
    Overall, I really enjoy the straightforward SRPG gameplay versus the social aspects in Three Houses. If story and social aspects are what you enjoyed most about Three Houses, this may not be your favorite Fire Emblem.    … Expand
  13. Stigs
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    The game is divisive. That's because it's definitely a quality product, but the direction they took it in is a harsh step in the opposite direction of one of the most popular entries in the series. The story is more simple and juvenile, and if you're a huge fan of the morally ambiguous nature of 3H, then you will likely not find what you are looking for here. It's a very vanillaThe game is divisive. That's because it's definitely a quality product, but the direction they took it in is a harsh step in the opposite direction of one of the most popular entries in the series. The story is more simple and juvenile, and if you're a huge fan of the morally ambiguous nature of 3H, then you will likely not find what you are looking for here. It's a very vanilla experience that honestly feels as though it were written for kids. Considering it's age rating and artstyle, it's entirely possible it actually WAS written for kids. The ending even attempts to impart some very shonen-anime-esque moral lessons on the player.

    Regardless, the division is a result of the conflicting priorities of this franchises' playerbase. The music is still top notch, the maps have some of the best designs this series has seen since Conquest, the rings are loads of fun to plan around, the supports are as good as they've always been, and I never want to see an FE game without the break system ever again; it's that good.

    You'd think people would respect that Intsys isn't content to rest on their laurals and are willing to take risks. The games are iterative, but compared to other franchises FE places a higher value on novelty. Just looking back in the last 6-7 entries in this 17 game long franchise you can already see a wide variety of artstyles, the combat systems shifting in radical ways, and a variety of musical styles tailored to the series' many settings. Maybe they have more similarities than difference overall, but again, compared to other franchises, FE does a lot more. Hell, Three Houses was a result this series' commitment to reinventing itself.

    Regardless of what I prefer, I fully expect the next entry to resemble 3H more than it does Engage, and when that happens I'll probably modestly enjoy it and give it a 7-8 or something; as opposed to slapping a 0 on it and complaining about the balance or something.    … Expand
  14. DaBigBoss
    Jan 24, 2023
    10
    What a **** review bombing this game have ... if u love fire emblem this game is for you
  15. Spacemerune28
    Feb 14, 2023
    10
    Easily the best Fire Emblem to date. Incredible graphics, best combat yet. I'm glad they went more on combat this time around!
  16. shoghidx
    Feb 5, 2023
    10
    Despite a simplistic approach to story (not necessarily bad by any means), the gameplay is peak fire emblem turn based strategy, and while not every character has the charm of 3 Houses or Awakening's cast, there are plenty of gems and is a wonderful experience start to finish for longtime fire emblem veterans
  17. Connnnor93
    Jan 25, 2023
    9
    Excellent Fire Emblem game. It's one that was definitely made for the fans. The art style may put some people off which is understandable. But saying it's a "bad" game because of character development are clearly people who have never played an entry before awakening. Just because it doesn't have romance building and a less developed support building in no way make it a worse game. TheExcellent Fire Emblem game. It's one that was definitely made for the fans. The art style may put some people off which is understandable. But saying it's a "bad" game because of character development are clearly people who have never played an entry before awakening. Just because it doesn't have romance building and a less developed support building in no way make it a worse game. The tactical gameplay which is what really matters is solid. It's most definitely an entry which has been made for the fans.

    The new break system can really start up a great strategy and clerics are now more viable, instead of just healing they can be effective against spell users, archers and thief classes.

    If you are a true fan of fire emblem from entries before awakening, then this game will appeal to you. Especially with the return of characters from previous entries in the form of 'emblems'.    … Expand
  18. mipoberry
    Jan 30, 2023
    10
    Made an account just to write this. Engage was an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Build customization and strategy of classic Fire Emblem is back in full swing. Class tree is gone which makes experimentation easier, returning heroes from old games as emblem rings, and the MC is voiced! Maddening mode now uses fixed stat growth and was play tested (finally). People review bombing itMade an account just to write this. Engage was an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Build customization and strategy of classic Fire Emblem is back in full swing. Class tree is gone which makes experimentation easier, returning heroes from old games as emblem rings, and the MC is voiced! Maddening mode now uses fixed stat growth and was play tested (finally). People review bombing it with 0 are Three Houses crybabies because it's not as interactive, does some crazy time skipping, and where you can date your students. I find the linear aspect superior because I didn't feel like need to play it 3x to get the full experience - which gets old fast doing all the menial things at the monastery.… Expand
  19. ronaldmcdonaldm
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    Losers review bombing this game only because it has worlds better gameplay than their favorite fire emblem, lol. People acting like FE had the pinnacle of writing for video games, when literally only the Tellius series had good writing and maybe Jugdral series. Could the story of Engage been better? Absolutely yes! But dont act like this game is the worst offender Lmao. It also happens toLosers review bombing this game only because it has worlds better gameplay than their favorite fire emblem, lol. People acting like FE had the pinnacle of writing for video games, when literally only the Tellius series had good writing and maybe Jugdral series. Could the story of Engage been better? Absolutely yes! But dont act like this game is the worst offender Lmao. It also happens to be an anniversary title, btw.… Expand
  20. kamisamadesu19
    Feb 5, 2023
    10
    Major Performance and gameplay improvements

    More of this in future FE games if possible, with Tellius handling the lore/world building. FE3H staff could handle the characters.
  21. Dauvas
    Feb 5, 2023
    10
    Finally a true fire emblem game with focus on strategy and the war. No more school simulators which makes me love it even more!
  22. Nox_b
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    Intelligent Systems worked hard to make this game and it really shows. Here in this new installment of the fire emblem series we have everything that fans expect and more—well designed maps, always with new features and challenges, compelling characters, and a ton of support conversations and mini games you can do to bond with your units outside battle. If you're a fan or with you're a newIntelligent Systems worked hard to make this game and it really shows. Here in this new installment of the fire emblem series we have everything that fans expect and more—well designed maps, always with new features and challenges, compelling characters, and a ton of support conversations and mini games you can do to bond with your units outside battle. If you're a fan or with you're a new welcomer, I'm sure you will love the fun strategic, nail-biting stages, the quirky, unique characters, and overall one of the best recent fire emblem games.… Expand
  23. aWiNkInGsKe3v3r
    Feb 8, 2023
    10
    Genuinely innovative on the gameplay; and it fixed my biggest gripe with the series, the lack of active abilities. I love resource management and this game does it amazingly, some things on maddening and with the class system I don’t like but overall phenomenal game
  24. MinePlay512
    Jan 21, 2023
    10
    Engage is a love letter to the past entries and will help the Fire Emblem series move forward in a very huge way.
  25. Tailed-Raven
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    .Most likely my favorite combat system and characters are fun so big ups from me. Dont listen to 0/10 reviews this game is super fun.
  26. Sleepytea_
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    Typical metacritic users with their very braindead reviews. Engage is not three houses, but it is very good. I'm not going to go crazy with this review but if you like FE gameplay, you'll like Engage. Story/Characters are just okay but the rest of the game is fantastic. Gave game a 10 to mitigate the random 0/10 reviews lol I hate metacritic.
  27. Imupsetaboutow2
    Jan 23, 2023
    10
    I started to play FE in the GBA with sacred stones.

    I give engage a solid 9/10. It's a different game from three houses, but it doesn't make it a worse game. I love the gameplay, the support, the characters. At first I had mixed opinions about the trailer that I watched and the emblems, I thought it would be a justice league, lol. Turns out the emblems are not a "main focus",    I started to play FE in the GBA with sacred stones.

    I give engage a solid 9/10.
    It's a different game from three houses, but it doesn't make it a worse game.

    I love the gameplay, the support, the characters.

    At first I had mixed opinions about the trailer that I watched and the emblems, I thought it would be a justice league, lol.

    Turns out the emblems are not a "main focus", the main focus is mostly on the new characters, and the emblems are here to help a lil bit.

    I loved three houses.
    I'm loving engage.

    The only thing that both of these games need is a post-end content => Tower of valni.    … Expand
  28. SAKI2020
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    Better than three houses…especially the fight aspect. the characters are all fine as far as i concerned.
  29. Baraky
    Jan 23, 2023
    10
    My latest addiction. I don't know why the people want the same game over and over.
  30. Emanyueru
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    El juego es muy bueno y divertido si bien su historia no es tan buena como Three Houses pero en cuanto jugabilidad lo supera. Haber que sorpresa seran los proximos DLC
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Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best Switch Game of 2023
2
#2 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 129 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 102 out of 129
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 129
  3. Negative: 0 out of 129
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 24, 2024
    80
    Hogwarts Legacy is definitely a beautiful-looking game that doesn't have a groundbreaking story, but does have a beautiful world, a fun combat system, broomstick flying, and of course an incredible amount of side quests and missions. [Issue#325]
  2. Gamereactor Spain
    Oct 16, 2023
    80
    It’s a title where difficulty isn’t just about advancing mission after mission but doing so with as few casualties as possible. This makes Engage the perfect gateway to the series, as well as a handful of good memories for those already familiar with it. A game which perfectly balances periods of action with quiet, enjoyable interludes in which to chat with other characters, play minigames and try out new weapons.
    Read full review
  3. Pocket-lint
    Jun 23, 2023
    90
    Fire Emblem Engage is a superb strategy game that has taken a major technical leap forward, graphically superior to its predecessor in every meaningful way.It tells a well-meaning story that still manages to pack in a few surprisng twists, and while its social features are a little extraneous this time, it's still super relaxing to fall into its world.Multiplayer expands things even further, leaving us confident that the future is very, very bright for this excellent series.
    Read full review
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