• Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: May 23, 2005
User Score
9.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 67 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 67
  3. Negative: 0 out of 67

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  1. Jan 23, 2013
    10
    Amazing game. I was a bit skeptical at first, but when I finally got to play it through the 3DS Ambassador Program, I was floored. This game is addictive as hell! The replay value is definitely strong in this one.
  2. [Anonymous]
    Jan 5, 2007
    7
    An alright game, however, the Tower of Valni simply makes this game no challenge.
  3. ThomasW
    Oct 18, 2009
    7
    With slick graphics, phenomenal gameplay and plenty of replay value, Sacred Stones has a lot to offer. I have a few issues, though. First up, the game automatically saving when you turn off the game mid-battle is arbitrary. This leads to scenarios where you have played 3 hours, cleared 9 tenths of a battle and lose your best unit to a zombie's claw, AND YOU HAVE TO START THE FIGHT ALL OVER AGAIN IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THAT UNIT! I simply cannot exaggerate the frustration caused by this. The storyline and characters are also a cavalcade of cliches for the most part and weapon degradation as a design concept is as bad as it has always been. At least they could have made the sacred weapons unbreakable or at least make them a bloody lot more usable, but oh no, if you want to clear the Lagdou Ruins you practically have to decline from using them for about 4/5 if the time you have them. Expand
  4. Chris
    Dec 11, 2005
    10
    It is simple to play but it is a worthwihle game to play. it was very good.
  5. Relkin
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    one of hte better tactics games ive played jsut saves to much and wont let you try and redo a coulple moves to save some one you have to start over.
  6. Natalie
    May 28, 2005
    9
    Many improvements from 1st Fire Emblem. Being able to constantly have an armory, being able to supply during play, being able to go back to previously played levels and being able to build up strength this way is great. Buy it if you enjoyed the 1st Fire Emblem.
  7. SebastianP.
    Jul 30, 2005
    10
    The BEST!! Gives great strageties to challenge the mind and body. Fire Emblem gives the feeling of being a major ruler.
  8. BenH.
    Aug 21, 2005
    10
    Really really fun and addicting.
  9. Debomb
    Sep 18, 2005
    9
    The extra freedom is cool but the charactors have less "charator" and charm opposed to the original Guys better than Joshua.
  10. Ike
    Aug 3, 2006
    9
    Not as good as the original but still really good
  11. Acornman
    Jun 8, 2007
    10
    Continues the greatness that was the original with more freedom. The tower of Valni makes the game easy but only if you use it to much. Fire Emblem is still the greatest in turn based strategy.
  12. Falak.D
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    Best RPG Game To Date! This game is the best because it has more characters to choose from and a lot of enemies to KILL. Swordmasters and Heros are the BEST!
  13. BryanB.
    May 16, 2005
    9
    Game is awesome! but the fact that they talk so much is kind of boring. also that you support your own teams to make em stronger is so cool.
  14. BenD.
    May 23, 2005
    10
    Outstanding the best gba game ever!!!!!
  15. Rocraidenrrr
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    Best GBA game ever.
  16. SarmedS.
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    DA best game i've ever played...... I LOV IT....
  17. XX
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    The best GBA game I have ever played!
  18. MikeG.
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Better than the original with new classes, a more intriging storyline, and a much harder challenge than the first Fire Emblem. Creating a band of powerful units and watching them wipe out 30+ units in a single turn is all too gratifying. If you liked the first, buy this one. Most awesome time-waster you can buy.
  19. SanchezfromPoland
    Aug 2, 2005
    10
    Holy Cow! This is one of the greatest games that I ever played. Great! I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E-!
  20. PaulK.
    Aug 23, 2005
    10
    Great for ppl that like RPGs its the real deal untill you play to many times.
  21. ShogunM.
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    Incredible game with tons of replay value and and amazingly cool characters. Just as good as the fire emblem seven. For True die-hard fans of the series this is a must have and for others its just a great game.
  22. jacobm
    May 30, 2009
    10
    I'm only on chapter 18 but i swear to god its the best game in the world , but its frustrating that if you lose someone you can either go on without them(not a wise move)or start the chapter over. I play it on the Visual Gameboy Advance practically every day. IT IS AWESOME!!!!
  23. TylerW
    Aug 21, 2009
    10
    This is the best RPG game for the GBA ever. I mean great visuals exclusive game play everything it rocks.
  24. GeoffreyP
    Jan 12, 2010
    10
    I loved this game from the beginning. I love how you aren't stuck to the story line. The dragons are great and summoners are even better! It is one great strategy game!!!!
  25. A.A.
    May 24, 2005
    10
    Rawks.
  26. CoryF.
    May 26, 2005
    10
    This is way better then the first!
  27. Stevenho
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    This is the bestest game I ever played. It has all the thing that I liked.
  28. alexn.
    Aug 25, 2005
    10
    Have you noticed that you can get orson at the end of the game also riev/caellach and isamire so far that's what i got cool eh?
  29. CobraJ.
    Jun 15, 2007
    7
    Even with the cheap Tower of Valni to train everyone, there are still weak bosses late in the game. There are fewer chapters than in Blazing Sword, with only 1 side quest that isn't even optional. Sacred Stones is really a lesser form of Blazing Sword, except for the fact that you can choose what class you change into, and the skills like Great Shield.
  30. YotikY.
    Aug 18, 2007
    10
    A very excellent rpg tactics crossover.
  31. Nov 10, 2011
    9
    Definitely a weaker entry after the absolute masterpiece that was Fire Emblem, but manages to be good on it's own. It's a good entry on the series, but i find the Tower of Valni being more of a con than a pro, it makes the game just too easy. That's more or less what'r wrong with it, the rest is superb. more classes, more things to do. It's great.
  32. May 27, 2012
    9
    One of the greatest RPG games I've ever played! Amazing storyline, interesting battle animations and fantastic music as well. This is a must have for RPG lovers!
  33. Feb 11, 2012
    10
    The game is one of the most addicting original gameboy games I have. Everytime I go on vacation, I always pack my DS and this game. I have gone over the campaign multiple times, on different modes and various challenges and tasks for myself. The campaign is well thought-out and thrilling, and the graphics can definitely satisfy your eyes. Even in 2012 you should buy it, as it is worth every single penny. Expand
  34. Oct 21, 2012
    9
    Pretty damn good. I still prefer most of the other games, but this is still well done. The characters don't have AS MUCH life to them, but they're still great.
  35. Dec 30, 2012
    10
    Tenouttaten!
    Truly the best game I've played.The story is well written,the graphics are well done and the game play is superb.With 2 to 3 characters of every class and each character being individual statistic-ly and personality wise,each play through is different and fresh.Amazing
  36. Feb 5, 2013
    10
    After the relative success that was Fire Emblem (Rekka no Ken, to be precise), Nintendo decided to release it's successor, The Sacred Stones, in the west as well. And, let me tell you this, it was the right decision.
    The game's art style is a bit darker than before, and the story is a bit more straightforward than Rekka no Ken's story was. The cast of characters has also been reduced, all
    owing for a deeper view on each character this time around. Gameplay wise, this game plays exactly like it's predecessor. The only notable differences are special class skills that some classes inhabit, and, most importantly, the world map. The world map feature allows the player to visit shops freely after clearing a certain chapter, and it also grants access to what most people would call training grounds: The Tower of Valni. It allows the player to go through it over and over, thus training your units. This can be used to make the game easier, or to level up characters post-story. Concerning difficulty, this game should be a good one for beginners, as it is a bit easier than other Fire Emblems, not only but also thanks to the Tower of Valni mentioned earlier. The replayability is, as one would expect knowing the franchise, very high. Not only can you continue playing after beating the story (to unlock certain characters, for example), but there are also two main routes to follow the story on. One has to play the game at least twice to get to enjoy all chapters, which could tick some people off, but shouldn't be a big deal, as this game is very addicting.
    To conclude, the game is one of the best in the franchise, and one of the best games for the system as well. It manages to be absolutely "Fire Emblem" while adding some spice with some small changes and attracting new players that are easily frustrated by the other installment(s). If you own a GameBoy Advance or a Nintendo DS/DS lite and are at least remotely interested in turn-based strategy, this game is a must have.
    Expand
  37. May 21, 2013
    8
    Great fun. Nice gameplay, great story and very, very addictive. Hard and infuriating when you lose a great unit, but still one of the best strategy games I have ever played.
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 38
  2. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. One of the deepest and enjoyable games I have played in sometime, let alone the fact that is on the GBA.
  2. Offers a lengthy, rewarding, thought-provoking experience that truly makes you feel as though the decisions you make, waging one exciting battle after the next, carry serious consequences.
  3. If you can handle a strategy game that'll ruthlessly punish you for making even minor mistakes, pick this up the next chance you get.