Fire Emblem: Three Houses

 Switch
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2891 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,540 out of 2891
  2. Mixed: 124 out of 2891
  3. Negative: 227 out of 2891
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  1. rodericrinehart
    Aug 21, 2019
    10
    This is the best Fire Emblem game ever and my favorite turn-based strategy game (surpassing XCOM, Tactics Ogre, Final Fantasy Tactics, Into the Breach, Advance Wars, and all the rest).

    Great storyline and well-developed characters. Superb replay value with the three houses and branching storylines. I love the direction Nintendo has taken with the last three Fire Emblems, and so    This is the best Fire Emblem game ever and my favorite turn-based strategy game (surpassing XCOM, Tactics Ogre, Final Fantasy Tactics, Into the Breach, Advance Wars, and all the rest).

    Great storyline and well-developed characters.

    Superb replay value with the three houses and branching storylines.

    I love the direction Nintendo has taken with the last three Fire Emblems, and so happy to finally have it back on my TV *and* on the go at the same time!    … Expand
  2. Gamingking007
    Jul 26, 2019
    10
    Perfection. The people who give this game any less than a 9 is a complete moron especially if all the critics can't see the epicness fantasy in this masterpiece !
  3. teler
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    An incredible game that, while flawed in a few ways, is exceptional on so many fronts that it constitutes the best squad based tactical rpg I have ever played. I bought a Nintendo console for the first time in over a decade and couldn't be happier at my decision.

    The vast majority of the criticisms I have seen are based in nostalgia, such as the affinity for the weapon triangle, a    An incredible game that, while flawed in a few ways, is exceptional on so many fronts that it constitutes the best squad based tactical rpg I have ever played. I bought a Nintendo console for the first time in over a decade and couldn't be happier at my decision.

    The vast majority of the criticisms I have seen are based in nostalgia, such as the affinity for the weapon triangle, a mechanic which broke immersion by having nonsense like unshielded axes countering spears which in actual combat is a recipe for getting impaled. For fans of xcom, dragon age, and other games here you will find a synthesis of those great games into something truly exceptional.    … Expand
  4. Greggor
    Jul 31, 2019
    10
    Outstanding gameplay. This game has me addicted moreso than any previous installment in the series. The addition of the training and social aspect of the academy is a welcome breath of fresh air. I find the school atmosphere vaguely (just vaguely) reminiscent of the Persona series, but the strategy and mechanics are definitely going to feel familiar and interesting to fans of the olderOutstanding gameplay. This game has me addicted moreso than any previous installment in the series. The addition of the training and social aspect of the academy is a welcome breath of fresh air. I find the school atmosphere vaguely (just vaguely) reminiscent of the Persona series, but the strategy and mechanics are definitely going to feel familiar and interesting to fans of the older games. The story is captivating, and I can feel myself conflicted during certain parts and empathizing with the characters I've met as well. Overall, I've found so far that this installment is more accessible to casual gamers and yet has more than enough to sink your teeth into for hardcore gamers. I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend it to.… Expand
  5. pcuk
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    I don't frequently replay games right away, but this one I jumped right back in. The NG+ options are excellent. If you like TRPGs, JRPGs, any Fire Emblem games, or just... good games, you will likely love this one.
  6. thekylekurtz
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    The culmination of the series so far. The only slight complaint is the backgrounds sometimes look poor, but everything else is sublime. The characters, story, gameplay and music are all wonderful and memorable. The review bombs are a shame, as it's unlikely they even purchased the game they detest on some sort of principle.
  7. Okami195
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Incredibly in depth and addictive strategy game with brilliant relationship aspects and an exciting storyline one of the best games on Switch
  8. ExplosPlankton
    Jul 8, 2020
    10
    This is pretty much my first fire emblem game outside of playing fire emblem blazing blade on gba for about an hour before putting it down. At first I wasn't into three houses because of the monastery sections as playing all these mini games and running around talking to people etc was pretty boring. However, once I really dug in and gave it a chance, I was hooked and I would say now I'mThis is pretty much my first fire emblem game outside of playing fire emblem blazing blade on gba for about an hour before putting it down. At first I wasn't into three houses because of the monastery sections as playing all these mini games and running around talking to people etc was pretty boring. However, once I really dug in and gave it a chance, I was hooked and I would say now I'm even having fun running around trying to find all the items, raise support with my students, and generally be as efficient as possible. Certain things like fishing are still tedious however and make the game less replayable. For me, there could be improvements in certain areas like better end game class balance/diversity and making the students/units feel more unique. And despite it being a series staple, I'm not entirely sold on the idea of permadeath as pretty much any unit dying of yours is a reset, although divine pulse is a clever solution here. Overall, three houses is addicting fun once so I have to give it a 10. Looking forward to finishing my GD hard run and then playing through the BE route on maddening.… Expand
  9. Kenmei
    Aug 8, 2019
    10
    Easily the best game to come out on the Switch this year and a top 3 game for the system. The story is wonderful full of great characters and with tons of replay ability as there are 3 factions to take through it, each with their own perspective on the things happening. The battle system has been simplified a bit from previous games but it still works very well. This is easily the totalEasily the best game to come out on the Switch this year and a top 3 game for the system. The story is wonderful full of great characters and with tons of replay ability as there are 3 factions to take through it, each with their own perspective on the things happening. The battle system has been simplified a bit from previous games but it still works very well. This is easily the total package for SRPG fans. There are some very minor annoyances that creep up here and there but they are negligible compared to the rest of the game. If you own and Switch, and are even sort of a fan of the FE games, this is a no brainer.… Expand
  10. kiwijinxter
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Before I started this game, Monster Hunter was the game that kept me playing in excess of 200 hours per game. I couldn't imagine any other game which could match the MH series. Enter Fire Emblem: Three Houses. I have clocked nearly the 300 hour mark (including 4 playthroughs - I won't put spoilers here but you'll find out - of the main game and a playthrough of the DLC) and all this isBefore I started this game, Monster Hunter was the game that kept me playing in excess of 200 hours per game. I couldn't imagine any other game which could match the MH series. Enter Fire Emblem: Three Houses. I have clocked nearly the 300 hour mark (including 4 playthroughs - I won't put spoilers here but you'll find out - of the main game and a playthrough of the DLC) and all this is because of the combination of riveting stories and excellent gameplay. The Fire Emblem series is based on its turn-based, tactical and addictive gameplay.

    The reason we kept coming back for more is the outcomes of relationships between members, the multiple divergent paths you can take, and the diverse number of characters you can battle with, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The difficulty level is completely up to you. You can play super-hard and have perma-death on your characters, or you can play on casual and have any dead characters mercifully revived in the next mission.

    The story is so well written, and the in-game animation during the "exploration" days in the monastery is utterly beautiful. There are so many things to do during exploration too, so it's not just a tactical turned-base game. This is hands-down the most unique, most beautiful game (characters especially) and character-driven Fire Emblem of all Fire Emblems. I cannot recommend enough of this game. It really caught me unaware how the game never grows old despite multiple playthroughs, because it feels different in each playthrough.

    I highly recommend this - well worth the money paid for both the main game and the DLC.    … Expand
  11. CrazyRah
    Aug 1, 2019
    10
    - OST and Visually it's up there with the best. Now by visually I mean the art style they went with is one that the Switch got no problem handling and is a massive step up from what Awakening and Fates had with them being on handheld. Animations are great with surprisingly few mistakes which is great to see. OST is.. it's Fire Emblem so of course it's fantastic.

    - Combat is mostly like    - OST and Visually it's up there with the best. Now by visually I mean the art style they went with is one that the Switch got no problem handling and is a massive step up from what Awakening and Fates had with them being on handheld. Animations are great with surprisingly few mistakes which is great to see. OST is.. it's Fire Emblem so of course it's fantastic.

    - Combat is mostly like it's been in Fire Emblem and it's still as enjoyable as ever. Missions are overall the best out of Awakenings and Fates. Not every mission is mega memorable but they gradually got better and better as the story and narrative progressed.

    - Characters are improved upon in comparison to the ones in Awakenings and Fates, By that I mean that the ones in 3H are in general more fleshed out, more reasonable and less reliant on "unique" character traits that replace any semblence of the character being an actual person. Still a few of those characters are there and that's fine, they are minority now and not the main portion    … Expand
  12. Constipator
    Jul 22, 2021
    10
    Easily the best game in the series. IS worked with Koei-Tecmo to create an unforgettable masterpiece. If you're new to FE, deciding where you should start, and don't want to start with Awakening(because maybe you feel it's dated) then I highly recommend this game. Some of the old school players don't like the improvements made to the games over the years but I quite enjoy it. It's like theEasily the best game in the series. IS worked with Koei-Tecmo to create an unforgettable masterpiece. If you're new to FE, deciding where you should start, and don't want to start with Awakening(because maybe you feel it's dated) then I highly recommend this game. Some of the old school players don't like the improvements made to the games over the years but I quite enjoy it. It's like the development took notes from Persona and found ways to implement them in the game. It's kinda cool to have a self insert protagonist(but they really need to stray them away from using swords). They keep trying to make the games have an open world/sandboxy mechanic. Also, as someone who enjoys persona it was refreshing that they added a new experience to a beloved franchise.
    Lastly, the in game CG for cutscenes has improved from their previous ports, the music is timeless, and the character design are great(Marianne is my favorite).    … Expand
  13. iozay
    Dec 17, 2019
    10
    This game is simply amazing :) (Hint! Try replaying it multiple times, you might miss a few things in the first playthough :) )
  14. Ozzybananas
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Do not listen to the haters... They just hate and This game is pure love.

    Do you like anime? do you like rpgs? do you like japan? do you like strategy? do you like the switch? This is the game for you!!!! Best game i've ever played... Period!! The story is deep.. from any angle. I've played 120 hours and I can't put the game down. It's that good!. Now, if your are dumb.. then you    Do not listen to the haters... They just hate and This game is pure love.

    Do you like anime? do you like rpgs? do you like japan? do you like strategy? do you like the switch? This is the game for you!!!! Best game i've ever played... Period!!

    The story is deep.. from any angle. I've played 120 hours and I can't put the game down. It's that good!.

    Now, if your are dumb.. then you won't like the game.    … Expand
  15. theirrelephants
    Feb 7, 2020
    10
    On the 3rd branching plot line out of 4 and I have to say it's been a fun ride. Let me put it this way: I spent ~$200+ for a Switch and this game and I don't regret it.

    I beat it on casual once, almost on hard (made it all the way to enbarr and got stuck because it put my death knight killer on the wrong side of the map) once, and hopefully on hard this run. I hope to do maddening on    On the 3rd branching plot line out of 4 and I have to say it's been a fun ride. Let me put it this way: I spent ~$200+ for a Switch and this game and I don't regret it.

    I beat it on casual once, almost on hard (made it all the way to enbarr and got stuck because it put my death knight killer on the wrong side of the map) once, and hopefully on hard this run. I hope to do maddening on my 4th.

    The characters are largely fun, with a few being one dimensional and boring but that's par for the course for this genre. With well over a dozen characters you're not going to like everyone.

    I enjoyed the story more than awakenings, and something something dragons something something. If you've played a fire emblem game you know what I mean.

    The mechanics are hard to judge because I am complete trash at turn based combat games like this. I didn't even realize you could swap out abilities until my second run. Maybe it's difficult, maybe it isn't. Play it and find out for yourself.    … Expand
  16. wattmatrix
    Jul 16, 2020
    10
    I'm not going to say it's perfect but its close. For the price tag the sheer amount and quality of content is amazing.
  17. adrenilinmatt
    Dec 3, 2020
    10
    Absolutely my favorite part of my Switch library.

    Hundreds of hours of gameplay, on maddening, failure after failure, and im still as in love now as i was the very first day i bought the game. It's brutal but fair, long yet never boring, fully voice acted and beautifully so. The battles are well thought out and offer variety and incredible map design. The cast of characters with their    Absolutely my favorite part of my Switch library.

    Hundreds of hours of gameplay, on maddening, failure after failure, and im still as in love now as i was the very first day i bought the game. It's brutal but fair, long yet never boring, fully voice acted and beautifully so. The battles are well thought out and offer variety and incredible map design. The cast of characters with their quirks and personalities off and on the battlefield is amazing.

    It's a 10/10 for me. Easiest one ive ever given.    … Expand
  18. Dragonred1700
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    A masterpiece of a game. Ignore the haters(they’re just salty fanboys lol)
  19. kaitgamer
    Aug 25, 2019
    10
    I very rarely speak up in games. If you enjoy strategy games with a story this is as good as it gets
    The battles themselves are well done. They are not as difficult as prior games but I am happy for that. The time spent between battles is just AAA+ quality. Lots of choices. Lots of systems. Lots of personal relationships. One thing that amazed me is that every character can have    I very rarely speak up in games. If you enjoy strategy games with a story this is as good as it gets
    The battles themselves are well done. They are not as difficult as prior games but I am happy for that. The time spent between battles is just AAA+ quality. Lots of choices. Lots of systems. Lots of personal relationships. One thing that amazed me is that every character can have meaningful interactions with every other character. Many of the meetings between characters are poignant, informative or LOL funny. Have Bernadette the shy girl talk to Sylvian the flirt. The back story is one of the few game stories I have ever cared about. There is mystery, politics and a real sense of loss. The main character doesn’t talk but their story is very interesting and gets more interesting over time. This is my strategy game of the year.    … Expand
  20. FirstAidErrata
    Jul 28, 2019
    10
    Game is more of a 9 or 9.5 but have to give a 10 since all the 0s! I've played a lot of FE and welcome the changes made to the series. Been playing it 3 days straight. It's super addicting and rewards you for putting the time in. Hard classic mode is the regular mode you should be playing on if you're a veteran.
  21. rammsteks
    Aug 3, 2019
    10
    Great game. Very enjoyable to me( i play 120 hours almost an a row)
    Class system the best i ever seen
  22. Leo13
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    FINALLY!!! Another Fire Emblem I enjoy as much as Fire Emblem Awakening! Don't hesitate just buy this game. The story has me completely sucked in.
  23. jholden3249
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    One of the best games I’ve ever played. The natural evolution of Fire Emblem. It even outdoes Persona at its own game. Just incredible. Lot of 0/10 review bombing from salty fanboys... you guys know the drill. Just look at all the people saying it’s a masterpiece. The choice of who you believe is up to you
  24. germanik
    Nov 28, 2019
    10
    10 из 10! Это произведение искусства, созданное мастерами тактики и стратегии. Обожаю!
  25. irrael
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    It was good and enjoyable. I liked the graphics and the water looked good. Buy it
  26. thedreadedzero
    Jul 26, 2019
    10
    Love the new monastery and all the new elements it brings to the game. Also liking a lot of the characters. Edelgard, Bernadetta, and Petra are my favorites. Doing side missions on your off days is fun, and getting to know the characters deeply is rewarding. The slightly altered battle system also feels fresh. The graphics don’t push the system but the style serves its purpose. I feel likeLove the new monastery and all the new elements it brings to the game. Also liking a lot of the characters. Edelgard, Bernadetta, and Petra are my favorites. Doing side missions on your off days is fun, and getting to know the characters deeply is rewarding. The slightly altered battle system also feels fresh. The graphics don’t push the system but the style serves its purpose. I feel like I can pour hours into this game.… Expand
  27. coolflare
    Jul 28, 2019
    10
    People who are giving this game a 0 (zero) is very disturbing (or just butt hurt individuals?)

    No matter if its the audio, visuals or just the baseline combat system, this game deserves more than that. Its a nicely polished game that weaves interesting characters, stories and combat we love. The people who are complaining that the saga changed in 'Awakening' and degraded, are the    People who are giving this game a 0 (zero) is very disturbing (or just butt hurt individuals?)

    No matter if its the audio, visuals or just the baseline combat system, this game deserves more than that. Its a nicely polished game that weaves interesting characters, stories and combat we love.

    The people who are complaining that the saga changed in 'Awakening' and degraded, are the people who don't understand that Fire Emblem only survived BECAUSE of awakening. That was the game that kept this franchise from being closed down by Nintendo. So of course they are going to continue with the same formula that kept the game success. I'm glad they did :). This is a fun game, it may not be perfect due to how much it throws at you especially if you are new (I feel they could do better with this) but definitely 7/10 or higher score is well deserved.    … Expand
  28. YoSahop
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    This game just gets better and better. A must buy to play. Strategy, high replay value, and choosing a house is stressful but rewarding.
  29. mosabbir
    Aug 4, 2020
    10
    Three Houses was my first forray into this franchise and I've been addicted to this game ever since. Must have put 60 hours into the game in 4 days since I started playing it.Not many games have that impact on me.

    I'd easily recommend this title to fans of games like FF tactics or real time strategy as well as social sim like Persona.
  30. Philistine21
    Jul 26, 2019
    10
    An absolute blast to play, one of the best turn based strategy games I've ever played.

    Great leveling and unit training system make the perfect counterpart to an enjoyable combat system and it's all rounded out with interesting story and characters as the cherry on top.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Switch Game of 2019
4
#4 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019
4
#4 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 102 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 102
  3. Negative: 0 out of 102
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 28, 2020
    95
    There may be too much content here for busy adults to tackle! I don't know when I'm going to find the time to do full playthroughs of the other two Houses that I didn't choose to begin with! [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 74]
  2. Universo Nintendo
    Oct 29, 2019
    90
    Fire Emblem Three Houses is one of Switch's best games of 2019 and a breeze of fresh air to this franchise. Unfortunately, its poor animations preclude any possibility of being the game of the year.
    Read full review
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 11, 2019
    86
    Large selection of classes, good AI and wide variety of missions make Fire Emblem: Three Houses one of the best turn-based tactics. [Issue#240, p.50]
See all critic reviews »