In the past few years,Fire Emblemhas become one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises across the world. The turn-based strategy RPG was popular in Japan but increased its audience with the release ofFire Emblem Awakeningfor Nintendo 3DS in 2021. This was a turning point for the franchise and has influenced future entries.
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WhenFire Emblem Awakeningbegan development, it was intended to be the finalFire Emblemgame after disappointing sales for previous entries. However, its success gave the series a brand-new life. These aspects that were included in this game are the reasons why it has become a hallmark title in the 3DS library.
10Pixel Art Style
Fire Emblem Awakeningharkens back to the earliestFire Emblemtitleswhen it comes to its aesthetic. During missions, players view 2D pixel-art versions of the characters that they maneuver across the map. These charming, 16x16 depictions of players resonated with both longtime fans of the series and new fans.
The game features numerous other art styles that shake up players' experiences. During combat, the 2D pixel art transitions into a 3D world, where animated characters pull off their attacks. Additionally, cutscenes and dialogue make use of anime graphics that make the world ofFire Emblem Awakeningfeel cinematic.
9Fast-Forwarding Battle Animations
Thoughturn-based strategy is the most fun part ofFire Emblemgames, as the stories progress they can become difficult to slug through. Oftentimes, character animations take up time, so impatient players may find themselves spending a lot of time waiting. WithAwakening, however, speed was taken into consideration.
Battle animations specifically could be fast-forwarded by holding down the A button. Furthermore, pressing the start button during a battle sequence will skip the animations entirely, heading straight into the EXP gain for successful fights. The turns of allies and enemies could also be skipped, leading to a seamless strategy.
8Character Customization
The character of Robin inFire Emblem Awakeningis also known as the Avatar, as their appearance and name can be altered at the start. This includes facial features, haircut, hair color, and voice. Not only does this make each player’s Avatar unique, but it also binds players even closer to what happens with this character.
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FutureFire Emblemgames, sadly, don’t offer this much customization in terms of appearance.Fatesallow a similar amount of customization toAwakeningwith its Avatar, Corrin, though the story for this game doesn’t pack the same punch.Three Housesdoes away with customization completely aside from picking a gender.
7Disabling Permadeath
Awakeningwas one of the few titles in theFire Emblemseries up until that point to include an option to disable permadeath. Previously, if a unit fell in combat, they would die permanently,making the game’s strategy increasingly difficult. This change inAwakening, surprisingly, was controversial among the series' longtime fanbase.
However, this change brought many new fans to the series. By disabling the loss of units, players could grow more attached to their characters as they grow throughout the story. This feature has remained in future titles, such asFire Emblem FatesandFire Emblem: Three Houses, though permadeath remains optional.
6Limited Weapon Usage
An integral part ofFire Emblem Awakening’s gameplay is the loss of weapons after a set amount of uses. Aside from several weapons significant to the game’s story, players would need to keep track of their units' weapon usage. Failure to do so can leave units completely defenseless on the battlefield.
Fateschanged this by making weapon usage infinite for all weapons. Fortunately for diehard fans, the feature returned inThree Houseswith a twist: weapons can be repaired outside of battle. Still,Awakeningset a precedent in these games forplayers needing to be adequately prepared for battle.
5Class System
A player’s units inAwakeningare also not limited to the class they are assigned to when they first join your army. As they level up, new classes become available by using an item called a “Master Seal.” This leads to whole new avenues for many units, turning some subpar soldiers into unstoppable war machines.
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However, even outside of battle, the class system takes some strategy. Though it’s possible to level up a character starting from level 10, it might be more beneficial for their stats to allow them to fully level up before upgrading their class. This feature allowed players to have complete control over their unit’s growth.
4The Characters
Of course, one cannot talk aboutFire Emblem Awakeningwithout mentioning its cast of characters. Many of the units are unique in their personalities, like the tempered Lon’qu or the childish Lissa. However, where the game truly shines is in its central cast consisting of the heroic Chrom, the mysterious Robin, and the brave Lucina.
It’s no surprise that all three of these characters have become popular enough to be added as playable characters inSuper Smash Bros.Their dynamics and backstories are some of the most deeply fascinating in the entire franchise. Thankfully, the option to disable permadeath allows players to really grow close to their selected units.
3Support Conversations
In-game combat is not the only way players can develop bonds with their characters.Awakeningwas also the first entry in theFire Emblemseries to introduce Support conversations. This game mechanic is triggered when units partner up in battle, with some units naturally complimenting others on the battlefield.
Doing this will allow players to access conversations between specific units. Each pairing has its own unique relationship to explore. Achieving an S ranking in the Support conversations of opposite gendered characters will let them fall in love and marry. Later entries in the series would expand this feature for same-sex characters.
2Child Characters
Support conversations had a pretty significant effect on battle, as well. When two characters marry, the option would open up to encounter their child character from the future in a side mission. Lucina, one of the central characters of the game, is actually the daughter of Chrom and any female unit in a player’s army.
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Many of these child characters inherit the personalities of both parents, though they mainly take after the mother. Support conversations between them and their individual parents will also prove to be unique. Overall, it’s a great way to expand your army to include additional powerful units that otherwise can’t be accessed.
1The Story
The main appeal ofFire Emblem Awakeningthat helped revive the franchise is its story. Players take on the role of Robin, a mysterious tactician and magic-user who is found by Chrom and Lissa with no memory of his past. However, Robin and Chrom are tied together by fate as they become allies, and as fate would have it, enemies.
The story features many twists and turns that are guaranteed to pierce the hearts of players. Lucina especially comes off as a deeply tragic character,having journeyed to the past from the future to prevent her timeline from happening. Unlike other games that waste time with cutscenes,Awakeningkeeps its players engaged.
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