Fire Emblem Engage Reviews
Fire Emblem Engage offers the most rewarding, fleshed out and beautifully balanced strategic combat of the series so far, and performs beautifully on the Switch. Its story, characters and social sim element, however, are not up to the standard expected of this beloved franchise. While the combat has matured beautifully, the overall tone has taken a step back. If you're only interested in the trademark Fire Emblem combat, then you'll likely have more fun than you ever have with the series. For players who want a little more from Engage's characters and story, though… you may be disappointed.
I should say thanks to Fire Emblem Engage for gifting us with the Four Hounds though – they are easily my favourite part of the game.
Still, this isn’t a bad game. The cast isn’t quite as good as previous entries but is still solid. The combat mechanics are stellar and will keep you excited throughout the 30 or so hours it takes to complete the main plot. Everything outside the combat, however, feels like it was added simply because they couldn’t possibly ship a JRPG without a host of mini-games to pad out the runtime. I went into Fire Emblem Engage expecting “great”, so “good” feels like a disappointment.
Fire Emblem Engage features familiar excellent gameplay with copious ways to customize your team. However, the story is rather dull, and the large roster is hurt by the limited character depth. There's plenty of tactical RPG gameplay to enjoy here, but it feels like a light step back for the series.
It's time to engage.
Fire Emblem Engage explores new formulas with a splash of nostalgia. While it's full of chliché moments, its agile battle system will test in you in battle to come up with a good strategy. Fire Emblem Engage takes a risk with a new proposal that highlights his legacy.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Some minor technical issues aside — like hair clipping through character models in a way that feels lazy and haphazard for a big release like this — there is more to like than dislike in Fire Emblem Engage thus far. My biggest worry, looking forward to the next several dozen hours of my life, is that some of the more interesting characters aren’t being introduced as early as I would like. But we shall see!
Fire Emblem Engage is a mix of steps forward and back. On a gameplay level, it's pretty much the absolute best the franchise has ever been, with excellent level design, great new gimmicks and features, and a customization system that offers a ton of depth. The storyline feels too much like standard Fire Emblem to stand out, and the side content that isn't focused on combat feels tacked-on. It's still a delightful game to play, and despite my nitpicks, I had a fantastic time. Fire Emblem fans will find a lot to enjoy, even if the story might not be to their tastes.
As much as I loved the chance to play an additional chapter, Tiki's paralogue doesn't live up to the standard set by base game maps, and the Emblem Bracelets themselves don't add much to a completed save file-though it was nice to see Tiki and the house leaders get a chance to talk to Marth and Byleth since the Emblem characters never actually talk to each other in the base game. The expansion pass is a better value if you purchase it early in your playthrough, but you'll likely be stuck in the same position I am now for the remaining five Emblem characters to be added throughout 2023. Ironically the DLC is likely to be more enticing for players who pick up Engage late after all of the additional content has been added, since it's tough to say you'll get your money's worth now unless you're confident you'll still be playing Fire Emblem Engage at the end of this year.
The timing after Three Houses is challenging and expectations are high, but FE Engage serves as the best of series in 30 years. Solid, although uneven plot, still interesting social interactions and non-combat parts are merged with excellent tactical strategy gameplay. Mixing new Engage tricks with established weapon-triangle and great maps layout will please fans for tens of hours.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
I have never played a game quite so ravenously, sinking over ninety hours into my first playthrough in just two weeks (though don't get too intimidated by that number, it counts all of my resets from playing on Hard difficulty, and I also played all fifteen optional chapters). At the end of it all I didn't feel exhausted or burnt out, but rather like I somehow wished that I could play for even longer. Fire Emblem Engage may not check every box that fans were hoping for, but it is easily the strongest showing for the series in the last decade.
Fire Emblem Engage is everything I love about Fire Emblem, bundled up in a way that does justice to both the classics that got me into the series, and the production values of modern gaming. Brilliant.
If you're new to the mainline Fire Emblem games albeit an enthusiast of SRPGs in general like I am then Engage will surely wow you with its tight old-school gameplay, incredible presentation, and fantastic cast of characters. Heck, it might even turn you into a dedicated fan.
A worthy celebration of the series.
Fire Emblem Engage represents the ultimate expression of the Shouzou Kaga concept, with its bright spots and its torpid spots. Despite a simple and at times all too banal story, the combat system shines its own light, an overwhelming splendor that will seduce anyone who comes into contact with it.
Review in Italian | Read full review
"I found the rings of power, but where's Smeagol?"
Review in Finnish | Read full review
It’s not Three Houses but there’s still a lot in terms of gameplay and characters that people who have played Three Houses will enjoy.
Fire Emblem: Engage will captivate you with its visuals, demos, and music. But if you've played Fates, for example, you'll be surprised initially by the changed battle system. However, you'll enjoy the game if you're only playing for the tactical turn-based battles.
Review in Czech | Read full review
Despite a disinteresting narrative and lack of focus on the supporting cast, Fire Emblem Engage is another stellar entry in the franchise, improving on nearly every other aspect. Intuitive strategic gameplay, a loveable main cast, and the fascinating Engage system, which pays homage to previous mainline entries, make this a Fire Emblem any strategy game fan won't want to miss.
Fire Emblem Engage is an enjoyable back-to-form romp from start to finish. While its narrative takes a massive departure from the familial drama and deep-rooted political unrest the franchise is known for, it still serves as a decent entry with enough intrigue to keep players hooked. Gameplay, more than anything, is what makes Fire Emblem Engage such a fun romp. Thanks to its emphasis on battlefield tactics more so than a tedious grindfest, players will stay engaged during all battles; even with the battle maps as boring and empty as they can be. Thankfully the game looks great, and runs as smooth as a first-party title rightfully should. Fire Emblem Engage may not be setting the bar the same way its predecessor did, but it remains a good experience worthy of being played.