Fire Emblem GBA is a great strategy/RPG, but has a few flaws that keep it from being the best on the system.
User Rating: 8 | Fire Emblem: Rekka no Ken GBA
Fire Emblem is a long series... at least in Japan. We Americans, however, get to experience Fire Emblem for the first time in this gameboy advance installment of the series. While Fire Emblem is a great strategy/RPG it has several distinct faults that keep it from being as awesome as it has the potential to be. Gameplay: Fire Emblem, being a strategy/RPG is all about the battle system. Fire Emblem has an interesting battle system that differs greatly from what you may be used to if you have only played Final Fantasy Tactics as your strategy/RPG. Fire Emblem uses a rock/paper/scissors type set up; basically, this means that a sword is great against an axe, while an axe is great against a spear, and a spear is great against a sword. Magic also has an inherent rock/paper/scissors strategy. This simplifies the gameplay immensely and makes it rather easy to get in to, but later on in the game it gets a little stale. I have played some of the Super Famicom FIre Emblems, as I imported off good ole ebay, but I must say that even though this rock/paper/scissors strategy is a series staple, it needs to be improved. While there are some weapons that allow for some nuances, such as swords that are good against spears, it is all very, very simple. Leveling up is also a simple afair, randomly assigning stats. I saved before a battle in which I levelled up to see if it was a set stat assignment or random, and it is completely random how many stat bonuses u get and where. While all of this may make it seem like the gameplay is bad, it is far from it. The battle system, while easy to get in to, is an extreme challenge in some points. Often you will be quickly surrounded and cut down if you do not plan your moves correctly. Storyline is also a big thing in any type of RPG and Fire Emblem does indeed have a good storyline. While it is cliche in many areas, it is done well, and you will find yourself liking the characters. Graphics: On the battle screen, the graphics are not that great, but when it zooms in to show individuals fighting against each other, the graphics are great. The cut scenes also have nice backgrounds and visuals. Sound: While the sound that is present is wonderfully done, there is simply not enough, and you find yourself getting sick of the same tunes. Value: This game is certainly worth the current price tag of around 10-20$ depending where you get it. Tilt: It is an enjoyable strategy/RPG, but not the best the Gameboy Advance has to offer.
