![]() It unfortunately does more to diminish than enhance the formula of Birthright and Conquest. Related reading: Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones is a good choice on the Nintendo Wii U Virtual Console if you’re looking for a classic Fire Emblem experience.Īs noted earlier, a third version of Fates called Revelation exists and has been openly acknowledged as the canonical path. These disturbing themes aren’t ever glorified but hit home hard in the context of the endless misery the protagonist must endure without snapping. The supporting cast on both sides feature those with bloodlust, abused children, and survivors that have had their villages wiped out. ![]() I’m simultaneously impressed and perplexed the localisation staff kept the bulk of this heavy-handed material intact while altering a harmless petting mini-game of all things, but that’s neither here nor there. That’s really quite a feat since previous games weren’t very peachy, but I’m struggling to recall many other Nintendo games that have had the player wipe out an entire race, take and manipulate war prisoners, or guide so many tragic characters. It’s truth versus ideals and Fire Emblem’s shades have never been this shade of sombre grey.ĭespite the media’s emphasis on censored content prior to the game’s release, Fates is among the darkest games of its ilk, possibly since the Jugdral duo back on the Super Famicom. Conquest, meanwhile, is a stress-laden tale that sees its protagonist not just clashing with Hoshido but with the powers that be as he frantically scrambles to prove his loyalty while maintaining his sanity. Birthright is more along the lines of a classic Fire Emblem with a “straightforward” villain, but it’s definitely spruced up by the drama inherent in clashing with beloved friends. Even so, Corrin is defensible in becoming a royal pawn as it allows him to coordinate with his trusted brethren, minimize casualties, and reveal the true nature of the twisted king. Whichever route the player picks, King Garon is explicitly depicted as stern and cold-hearted man. The former sees Corrin siding with his blood relatives to save Hoshido from being conquered while the latter has him do the bidding of Nohr’s power-hungry King Garon. The result is a story that can be legitimately heart wrenching when, time and time again, Corrin must slay both misguided heroes and perfectly innocent parties.įates is broken into two halves (there’s technically a third piece, but more on that one later): Birthright and Conquest. Instead, players must incessantly command their soldiers to slay would-be brothers in arms (had you picked to side with the opposing nation) that are, in their own way, fighting for a just cause. The games have always had enemy units that could be recruited via conversations in the midst of battle, but here that number is at a low. By giving protagonists and antagonists equal screen time and sympathy, the latest Fire Emblem becomes more dynamic in its portrayal of characters than ever. This of course means those on the spurned side view Corrin as a turncoat that must be converted or executed. The protagonist, Corrin, must decide whether to support his country of residence or his place of birth. Its plot revolutionises the supporting cast by matching traditional “heroes” with likeminded individuals but ultimately sees them all shed blood. ![]() ![]() With Fire Emblem Fates, Intelligent Systems has sidestepped that issue and blurred a typically more black and white morality scale. ![]() That plot device works as a criticism of the broader ideologies that lead to war in the first place, but far too often they feel like an excuse to bust out a cool-looking monster rather than pen a back story about characters with the psyche required to commit heinous acts convincingly. Nonetheless, there’s a strong tendency for writers to point fingers at boogie men like ancient monsters. There’s the heartbreaking tale of Zephiel, a kind-hearted youth who becomes unstable following childhood trauma, the smarmy but resourceful Lekain, who pushes political agendas from the shadows, and Mad King Ashnard, who represents humanity’s capacity for malice without noteworthy influence. It has, in fact, played host to compelling adversaries that run the gamut from manipulative politicians to sympathetic royalty. Fire emblem fates face touching series#Where I’ve longed to see the series transform is in its conflicts. Another good choice for fans of the genre! Related reading: A review of the first Fire Emblem to land on the 3DS – Awakening. ![]()
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