Ranking the Best Fire Emblem Games of All Time
The tactical JRPG series Fire Emblem has been a favourite among players for more than 30 years. It has become a great choice for both casual and serious players because of its unique gameplay mechanics and interesting story.
The series takes players on epic journeys through the lives of famous lords like Marth, Seliph, Roy, Ike, Lucina, and many more as they fight in dangerous battles and get through the hardships of war.
Different from other games, Fire Emblem can offer fun gameplay while still providing a classic and consistent experience. There are no two games that are exactly the same in this series because each one is a unique take on the strategy RPG genre. There may be games that are better than others, but that’s what keeps people coming back for more. Here are the Fire Emblem games that have earned their place among the very best.
#1 Fire Emblem: Awakening
When this new game came out, Fire Emblem was already a famous series made for the 3DS. But this new game was even better. In fact, that’s when Chrom and Robin became famous all over the world. What more could you want? A great story, strange gameplay, and smooth 3D graphics.
You could feel the characters and fights in other games, but in Awakening, you could connect with them. You will have a hard time with this game, but the fights with Lon’qu, Cordelia, Donnel, or Gregor will be ones you will never forget.
#2 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Switch felt like the ideal console for the series. Soon after its release, Three Houses came in to stimulate your strategies and give you countless possibilities. Three Houses also brought in a plethora of new concepts to the game, such as the academy growing along with the relationships you develop.
Like other Fire Emblem games, this one helps you build a relationship with the characters. In fact, that’s one of the things that make the series so popular. There are lots of options, plenty of possibilities, and charismatic characters to help you emerge into a totally new world.
#3 Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
This was the first home console game in the series released to the western world, and the impact was huge. Perhaps that’s why it’s still considered one of the best games ever made, especially for GCN. It was also the first game in the collection to boost incredible 3D graphics.
For avid Fire Emblem fans, Path of Radiance brings in the deepest storyline. You’re introduced to Ike, who joins a fight to become famous and return in further sequels. It’s not the top game in the series in terms of presentation, but it compensates for this minus everything else.
#4 Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation
Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation is a downloadable content (DLC) for the Fire Emblem Fates game. It serves as the third version of Fire Emblem Fates, providing players with a unique storyline and gameplay experience. It is known as “Invisible Kingdom” in Japan.
Revelation offers a middle ground in terms of difficulty compared to the Birthright and Conquest paths. While it is more challenging than Birthright, it is less difficult than Conquest. The DLC expands on the war story that engulfs the Hoshido and Nohr families, providing a satisfying conclusion to the narrative.
Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and compelling narrative. Players have praised the DLC’s ability to offer a “true ending” and its balanced mix of elements from both Birthright and Conquest paths. However, it is worth noting that Revelation is a separate purchase from the main game.
#5 Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
The Blazing Blade was made for GBA and is often referred to as the original Fire Emblem, although it’s not. It’s a prequel to a game in the series that was only released in Japan. While this game wasn’t really targeted at the western market, it built its way through in no time.
All in all, the story follows Eliwood, Roy’s old man, and takes you through his adventure. To most players in the West, this is the game that introduced the audience to the mystic world and its unique experience. It may have relatively basic graphics, but the storyline and action stand out in the crowd.
#6 Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
The Sacred Stones is the eighth game in the Fire Emblem series. It was made for the GBA. But it was only the second game that was advertised outside of Japan, so fans in the West jumped on it right away. It’s about twins Ephraim and Eirika who are always fighting to keep their home safe from bad people.
Even though it didn’t add too many new features from the last version, it did add a fun new way to fight. Other than that, it made the switch to more advanced Fire Emblem guys easier because fans already knew what to expect from new games.
#7 Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Radiant Dawn was an excellent addition for Wii systems. It was a joint production between Nintendo SPD and Intelligent System. It’s a sequel to a previous game, and believe it or not, it could even take saved games from it, meaning you could continue with the character stats from the previous release.
Radiant Dawn is now better known for its incredible difficulty. It wasn’t as popular as Nintendo hoped, despite a wide variety of new characters. With all these, it’s considered a top release in the series, and a must-have for every Fire Emblem fan out there.
#8 Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Shadows of Valentia is not an original release, but a remake of the second Fire Emblem game. It takes you back in time a little, as the game is incredibly simple and smooth. It incorporates some concepts from previous releases too, yet the free roaming RPG style is what makes it stand out.
From many points of view, Shadows of Valentia was a farewell release for the 3DS. With all these, it’s still a fine game with numerous elements to keep you hooked for days.