Satisfying role-playing and strategic depth coupled with interesting plot and characters make this game a must-have.
Graphics
The maps feature small but easily recognized and identifiable sprites. The in-battle sprites are well-made, and the animations are carried out smoothly, although they can get very repetitive after time. The game lacks, for the most part, cutscenes. There are story sequences where the characters move around on the map, and talking scenes, but the story is advanced mainly through text. Overall, the graphics aren't the best on the GBA, but they get the job done.
Rating: 7/10
Sound
The music is enjoyable, and always matches the mood. Although it can get old after hearing the same battle theme over and over, this is an RPG we're talking about. Battle sound effects are nothing to write home about, but they are very clear and not annoying, even after hours of gameplay.
Rating: 7.5/10
Gameplay
Ahh, the game's (and series') strong point. You move your customizable army of diverse units, such as swift sword-wielding myrmidons, heavily armoured knights, swift-moving mounted cavaliers, vicious pirates, frail but versatile mages and flying units mounted on pegasi and wyverns. The list goes on, and there is no shortage of choice on who to include in your party. These characters will level up as you command them to defeat enemies, leveling up and eventually class changing, to become more powerful and versatile. The controls are simple and easy to use, and the features make the game deep but not overly complicated.
Units that die are gone permanently, a feature which makes the game more difficult for purists, and makes many newcomers turn away from the series. However, it is an interesting tactic that will have you thinking about your moves, and not charging recklessly. Objectives are fairly standard and linear, for example defeating all the enemies, capturing the castle or defeating a boss, but every mission has different terrain, units and events, so they all feel different.
Overall, the game has great strategic depth, draws you in, and does not want to let go.
Rating: 10/10
Story
The story is fairly standard at first, involving a princess and a brave knight serving as her protector, fleeing their country after a friendly nation attacks them. They search for her twin brother, and only the twins can save the world... yadda yadda yadda. However, it soon becomes very interesting, as deep characters and several plot twists are introduced. The characters are very memorable, from the apprentice axefighter trying to live up to his father's legacy to the conflicted Grado (enemy) general who does not support the war, and tries his best to protect his brother.
That said, it is overshadowed by the stories in other Fire Emblems.
Overall, a well written, deep plot that will keep you guessing.
Rating: 9/10
Value
While the main game is rather short, only taking about 10-20 hours, (depending on choices made in the game) you can play through from another viewpoint, fight monsters in maps you've already cleared, fight your way through a monster-infested (and treasure-filled) tower and dangerous ruins to get more experience, or just start over to train different characters. No two playthroughs will be the same, since characters level up with a degree of randomness, and units can choose from multiple classes to promote to, altering the way they play completely.
This game will keep you hooked for a long time.
Value: 9.5/10
Overall
This game is not the best looking or sounding thing I've ever played, but its deep, fun and addictive gameplay, intriguing story and immense amounts of replay value make it a worthwhile purchase for anyone owning a GameBoy Advance, Nintendo DS or GameCube and GameBoy Player.
Rating: 8/10