Fire Emblem (gba: 2003): Reviews

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Fire Emblem


8.8

based on 31 reviews
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How did we calculate this?

based on 45 votes
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GAMES:

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Cheat Code Central

After many years, the rightful heir to the throne of Rikea has been found. Now, she must be defended against usurpers and assassins as she makes her way to her homeland. Take control of an army of loyal soldiers, but use them wisely. Each of your soldiers possesses unique skills, but if they fall in battle, they're lost forever. Test your skills as a military strategist as you guide your forces into battle. Strike from above with your Pegasus Knights, of guide your armored footmen in close combat. You'll need to gauge your enemy wisely and use the terrain to your advantage as you fight across hostile lands and restore the lost heir to her birthright. [Nintendo]

PUBLISHER:	Nintendo
DEVELOPER:	Intelligent Systems
GENRE(S):	Role-Playing Game, Strategy
PLAYERS:	4
ESRB RATING:	E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE:	November 3, 2003

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

G4 TV

Although the automatic save system makes it a great handheld title, it's perhaps even better suited to relaxing marathon sessions on your couch. Fire Emblem is well-crafted, and unless you have an aversion to turn-based strategy, it's highly recommend.

Nintendophiles

It is a game with flaws but it is an infinitely better game that "FFTA" is and yet still miles away from achieving the perfection that is "Advance Wars 2." That being said, I love this game, and I honestly cannot wait to see further installments.

IGN

The single player quest is incredibly challenging and fulfilling, but the decent multiplayer mode doesn't quite reach what the team did for the "Advance Wars" series. A small gripe for an otherwise outstanding, satisfying Game Boy Advance design.

Deeko

Featuring a beautiful storyline with many personable characters, a well written musical score and an incredible amount of exciting and variable gameplay, Fire Emblem is one of those few games that you must own.

Pocket Games

One of the most well-crafted RPGs we've seen. If you are into RPGs at all, run out and pick Fire Emblem up right now! [Spring 2004, p.28]

N-Insanity

The graphics in those cut scenes are better than what we had really seen in a tactical RPG up to that point.

Nintendojo

It came with the polish of "Advance Wars" and brought a tighter battle system, fresher presentation, and new epic feeling to the table.

Nintendo Power

I love how everything in this game is incorporated into the battle, including speaking withi NPC's and buying and equipping items. [Dec 2003, p.142]

GameNow

The game continues to surprise you by tossing curveballs like siege weapons, random weather effects, and time-sensitive goals into the mix. [Dec 2003, p.75]

Armchair Empire

Simply put, Advance Wars + Golden Sun + anabolic steroids = Fire Emblem.

GameSpy

Here's to Nintendo for finally removing its blinders and giving us the chance to make our own decisions.

AceGamez

Provides an excellent story-driven, but more linear, alternative to the likes of "Advance Wars," for the budding portable strategist.

EuroGamer

It's a game with real heart that fans of Japanese RPGs can't fail to fall in love with. It's also the best turn-based title on the Game Boy Advance since the original "Advance Wars."

GamePro

The generic blend of fantasy elements doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a fast-paced, compelling, excellently designed strategy game. Try it if you found "Advance Wars" too simple and "Final Fantasy Tactics" too complex.

eToychest

Anybody who enjoys turn-based tactical combat games will thoroughly enjoy this, and with its learning curve, anybody who was curious about playing this style of game will not be let down either.

Cheat Code Central

Although compared to Advance Wars, Fire Emblem has its own personality that is worth making friends with - just don't loose any.

GameCube Advanced

Fans of Strategy/RPG titles will love every second of Fire Emblem. From the involving story and deep characters, to the intense battles and thrill of victory.

Inside Gamer Online

If you’re looking for a game with a great story, flawless gameplay, great music, and one that you want to be playing for hours upon end, then Fire Emblem is without a shadow of a doubt the game for you.

GameSpot

Couples a compelling, character-driven epic tale with strategic gameplay that is accessible and still manages to be challenging and satisfying.

Game Informer

Fire emblem is good, but be prepared to sit through some boring tutorials, restart often, and cry like a little girl when you lose a key member of your party. [Dec 2003, p.184]

NintendoWorldReport

With a noble history on the Famicom, Super Famicom, and now the GBA, Fire Emblem holds up the tradition of excellent gameplay, interesting scenarios, and an engaging storyline. The only real complaint I have as a Fire Emblem fan is that the game is very easy.

Siliconera

One that every strategy game fan will love.

Play Magazine

Though a few facets of Fire Emblem did get on my nerves - permanently losing characters that fall in battle, for example - they didn't detract from the experience so much that I ever wanted to stop. [Dec 2003, p.95]

GMR Magazine

Offers up some solid gameplay, sharp visuals, likable character designs, and a fairly compelling (if somewhat typical) story. Fans of "Advance Wars" will particularly enjoy it. [Dec 2003, p.102]

games(TM)

For its few flaws, Fire Emblem rivals the "Advance Wars" duo in terms of addictiveness and style, only really falling short due to its straightforward approach and character mortality that will frustrate those used to more forgiving titles. [Feb 2004, p.102]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Emblem has some issues, like repetitive visuals and weirdly balanced narrative (you'll spend the first few hours on a massive tutorial), but it's still a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs. [Dec 2003, p.236]

GamerFeed

The quest itself is one of the longest found on the GBA to date. Gamers will be keeping this cart in their GBAs for a long, long time.

Gamenikki

Fires on all cylinders until the end, but doesn't really put itself above superior competition.

Nintendorks

Playing this game requires a fair amount of patience, because the hasty gamer will only wind up losing members, and even the best tactician will have to play certain levels more than once.

Gamestyle

Only the forced structure of progression and often frustrating punishments give rise to concern in an otherwise excellent game.

netjak

Nothing more than a fair game. It’s not quite as innovative as Advance Wars, but it still manages to offer a fun, nice-looking strategy gaming experience despite the frustration factor.

The average user rating for this game is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 45 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
Fire emblem was epic exiteing and thrilling, and even after beating it 4 times, it still is.

David D. gave it a10:
Very similar to Advance Wars, but you can't use the "clog their land" strategy because if your guys die, you have to restart, so keep them alive! It's even better than AW. Whaddaya waiting for?

Josef W. gave it a10:
This is THE BEST video game EVER for the GBA. I'm talking staying up `till six in the morning playing the game. Best thirty-five dollars I've ever spent. One of my favorite things about the game is the depth. You get approx. forty soldiers and they all have THEIR own backround/personalities. You'll cry when one of your soldiers die and reset the game. I just bought the Sacred Stones and I hope it will live up to it's name.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
One of the best rpg games EVER! If you don't own this game, it's a must have. Level up characters while trying to keep your favorites alive. Awesome replay value.

Bishop gave it a10:
Funnest game I've ever played in my life. Way better than advanced wars one or two. Best strategy game out there.

Miguel G. gave it a 10:
The best GBA game ever! Having control of all kind of warriors and being able to evolve them so you dont get tired of the characters is what i most like.

Myca N. gave it a 10:
A TOTAL knock-out game!!!! It rocks!!!!!!I so say u need to get IT!!!!!! OH,GO JAPANESE ANIME.!!!GREAT gameplay, it's one of those games that actually makes u think of stratagey... GAMERS ALL AROUND THE WORL SHOULD GET IT!!!!IT ROKZZZ!!!