Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Image
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Generally favorable reviews - based on 76 Critic Reviews What's this?

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8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 410 Ratings

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  • Summary: In 1992, the second game in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem Gaiden, launched exclusively in Japan. Now, for the first time, fans outside of Japan will get a taste of this classic game on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is inspired by the 1992In 1992, the second game in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem Gaiden, launched exclusively in Japan. Now, for the first time, fans outside of Japan will get a taste of this classic game on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is inspired by the 1992 original, reimagined on a grander scale. Every aspect of the Fire Emblem Gaiden game's presentation has been updated, along with the game being fully voiced. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia recreates classic Fire Emblem gameplay with a modern twist, mixing in exploration of dungeons crawling with enemies. Expand
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Nintendo Direct - Nintendo 3DS Headlines
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 76
  2. Negative: 0 out of 76
  1. May 19, 2017
    100
    I really, really like Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. Shifting the focus from character interactions to more gameplay mechanics was a huge deal for me, along with a story that feels like it’s developing with you, rather than happening in the background. Definitely pick it up if you’re a Fire Emblem fan, either new or old!
  2. May 16, 2017
    90
    It’s difficult to imagine executing a remake of a near 30-year-old experience more effectively and efficiently than Intelligent Systems has, applying just the right amount of refinement and new ideas to antique gameplay systems that clearly still work.
  3. May 23, 2017
    90
    Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a great remake of the classic Fire Emblem Gaiden of 1992. Its old mechanics and level design, works perfectly with a modern look.
  4. May 16, 2017
    83
    Shadows of Valentia has a rocky start, but after that it turns into an amazing game that is not afraid of taking risks. It has a colorful cast that is off to an interesting sidestep instead of following a beaten path.
  5. May 22, 2017
    80
    Whereas Shadows of Valentia suffers from uninspired level design, it makes up for it with its twin armies, fun dungeons, and returns to form. It is a welcome step back from the previous 3DS Fire Emblem games as it focuses on a tighter narrative while providing us with a glimpse towards the future as Shadows of Valentia ventures into new territory with its explorable areas and fresh gameplay mechanics.
  6. May 16, 2017
    80
    Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia brings the series back to its origins in several ways. Featuring a very captivating plot and cast as well as some new and welcome gameplay elements, it leaves the feeling that this game is putting Fire Emblem back on its original course. Even if some of its missions might feel uninspired and the combat excessive at times, this is still a very good omen for upcoming Fire Emblem games.
  7. May 19, 2017
    60
    With its visuals Echoes might lure you into believing that it is as captivating as Fire Emblem Fates. But in the end this is the weakest and most unnecessary entry of a franchise I played and loved dearly since its humble origins.

See all 79 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 91
  2. Negative: 8 out of 91
  1. May 20, 2017
    10
    this game was made for the fans of the older titles and i feel like its not fair to compare its game play to fates or awakening as it wasthis game was made for the fans of the older titles and i feel like its not fair to compare its game play to fates or awakening as it was taking a different approach . this game trumps both in presentation and story the side characters are way more fleshed out and the two protagonists are much better written then the avatar characters of both awakening and fates. The game play tho simplified is much more satisfying for older fans of the series . Expand
  2. Aug 19, 2019
    10
    Even with Fire Emblem: Three Houses released for the Nintendo Switch... I'm keeping this game as my absolute favorite Fire Emblem game. Why?Even with Fire Emblem: Three Houses released for the Nintendo Switch... I'm keeping this game as my absolute favorite Fire Emblem game. Why? The answer is quite simple: old-school mixed with new-school is my school.

    This game is as good as people have told me it is... however I was a little discouraged when I heard commentaries like: "meh, it could've been better." or "remember everything you knew about Fire Emblem? Well this game throw that to the dumpster" and I was quite hesitant when I bought my own copy... they lied. Or worse yet... they didn't know.

    Just when I booted up the game and saw the title screen and then heard the main theme playing I was like: "wait... is- is this real?". Heck yeah it was. Just when I was about to start, characters were reciting everything the dialogue box was saying and well... don't mind if I do. I love the whole VA thing, it just adds so much life to the story!!

    And now a big "oof"... the characters. And it's not a bad "oof", it's an actual great "OOF" i'm going for here. The characters. Oh, my, god! I just can't hate them, I love hating some of them: Jedah, Saber, Alm, Celica and even minor characters. Everything stays in line with a good and complete character development.

    A heartbreaking story, an amazing "new" mechanic where you have to use HP points to use things like magic or even special moves, a great cast, freaking Hidari as lead artist... heck, this game has everything.

    I'm keeping it and replaying it for years to come. A must-play treasure and an underrated masterpiece, and believe me, I'm choosing my words wisely.
    Expand
  3. Apr 12, 2018
    10
    I'm a happy man that i got to play this game. After a good Awakening and not bad Fates (only Conquest could give you a challenge) Echoes is aI'm a happy man that i got to play this game. After a good Awakening and not bad Fates (only Conquest could give you a challenge) Echoes is a shiny diamond. Finished it in 46hrs. Best game in series for me so far. I loved the most Radiance Dawn before, but today it's FE Echoes. For games like this you should buy consoles. Expand
  4. Mar 5, 2020
    9
    One of my favorite in series #best presentation of any Fire Emblem game and it is Unique Experience
  5. Jul 21, 2017
    9
    FE Echoes: Shadows of Valentia received some negative feedback for its changes from the previous two 3DS titles in terms of combat and in-gameFE Echoes: Shadows of Valentia received some negative feedback for its changes from the previous two 3DS titles in terms of combat and in-game relationships. However, I don't see the problem with either. While the previous two FE 3DS titles were great in their own right, they were easier than Echoes. This latest FE game removes the rock-paper-scissors battle system for a cleaner and more challenging experience. Echoes also provides more of a challenge by removing the team up advantage introduced in Awakening. In addition, for those not interested in a dragging relationship builder, Echoes has character conversations on the fly—during battles and in towns and they are quick. The full voice acting ends up providing a surprising amount of depth by comparison to the grunting or silent convos of the past. Overall, Echoes is a great 40 to 60 hour playthrough that will please most fans, but less particularly the newer crowd. That said, I am actually a part of that newer crowd, having first played the series with Awakening. I suppose to each their own. Expand
  6. Dec 29, 2020
    8
    I think this game sets the standard for how an NES remake should be done. The updated art and voice acting along with new characters andI think this game sets the standard for how an NES remake should be done. The updated art and voice acting along with new characters and features breathes new life into the game. Sometimes the map design shows its age, but other than that it’s a captivating adventure. Expand
  7. Aug 9, 2021
    0
    the dungeons a terrible, later on into the game you have you main character fight 1v10 and its rng if you win or not, and thats at the end ofthe dungeons a terrible, later on into the game you have you main character fight 1v10 and its rng if you win or not, and thats at the end of the dungeon, so if you lose you have to replay an 1 hour of gameplay, so **** terrible game design Expand

See all 91 User Reviews