Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the latest installment in the beloved Fire Emblem series, is set to launch tomorrow. As fans eagerly await its release, it’s worth exploring the rich history of this franchise that has captivated audiences for almost three decades. While Fire Emblem may not be as mainstream as some other game series, it has garnered a dedicated following and received critical acclaim. In this article, we’ll take a look at how the series came to be and the journey it took to gain popularity.
Origins of Fire Emblem
Before the release of the first Fire Emblem game in Japan, developer Intelligent Systems experimented with simulation and strategy through the Famicom Wars series. This series, later known as Advance Wars when it arrived in North America in 2001, made its debut in 1988. Famicom Wars allowed players to manage combat between the Red Star and Blue Moon armies. However, the developers at Intelligent Systems wanted to offer players a different perspective – one that allowed them to immerse themselves in a world from an RPG standpoint.
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The Birth of Fire Emblem
In 1990, the first Fire Emblem game, subtitled Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light, was released exclusively for the Famicom in Japan. Although the game initially received criticism for its complexity and visual style, it gradually gained popularity through word-of-mouth. Producer Toru Narihiro noted that the game had a slow start in terms of sales, but its reputation spread, and it eventually found commercial success.
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Over the years, various sequels were released for platforms such as the Super Famicom and Game Boy Advance. However, these games did not make their way to North America, leading some to believe that Nintendo had doubts about the series’ appeal to Western audiences.
A Turning Point
In 2001, Super Smash Bros. Melee was released for the GameCube, introducing two fighters from the Fire Emblem series: Marth and Roy. Although relatively unknown outside of Japan, players embraced these characters and became curious about their origins. This, along with the positive reception of the Advance Wars series in North America, gave Nintendo the confidence to bring Fire Emblem to a wider audience.
In 2003, the first Fire Emblem game made its North American debut on the Game Boy Advance. Titled simply Fire Emblem, it was the seventh entry in the series but the first to be localized in English. The game achieved success, paving the way for additional sequels such as The Sacred Stones, Path of Radiance, Radiant Dawn, and Shadow Dragon.
Awakening and Reinvention
Despite its consistent releases and positive reception, the Fire Emblem series still hadn’t reached mainstream success. The fate of the franchise rested on the release of Fire Emblem Awakening for the Nintendo 3DS. In an interview, Nintendo producer Hitoshi Yamagami revealed that there were concerns that the series wouldn’t meet sales expectations. This led the development team to pour their hearts into the game, incorporating everything they wanted to see in a Fire Emblem title. While early ideas included abandoning the Medieval setting and exploring a modern or Martian setting, the team ultimately decided to retain the game’s traditional elements.
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Awakening proved to be a turning point for the series. It was designed to be more accessible to newcomers, introducing features like optional permadeath, a departure from the series’ previous reliance on this mechanic. The game was a tremendous success both commercially and critically in Japan as well as North America, ensuring the future of the franchise. This success led to the release of Fire Emblem Fates and Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, a remake of the previously unreleased Fire Emblem Gaiden.
The Continuing Legacy
Now, with the release of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the series continues to evolve. This latest entry, while not the first to release on a home console, introduces a revamped combat system and casts players as a teacher responsible for a group of students. Early critical reception suggests that the game will be a triumph, ensuring that the Fire Emblem franchise will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
FAQs
1. Which Fire Emblem game should I start with?
It depends on your preferences. If you’re new to the series, Fire Emblem Awakening is a great starting point, as it was designed to be accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. However, each game offers a unique experience, so feel free to explore different entries based on your interests.
2. Do I need to play previous Fire Emblem games to understand the story?
No, each Fire Emblem game features its own self-contained story. While there may be some subtle connections and references between games, you can enjoy each installment independently.
3. What makes the Fire Emblem series stand out from other RPGs?
One of the defining features of the Fire Emblem series is its tactical gameplay, which combines strategic turn-based combat with deep character development and storytelling. The series also emphasizes the importance of permanent character death, which adds an extra layer of tension and decision-making.
Conclusion
The Fire Emblem series has come a long way since its humble beginnings. From its origins in Famicom Wars to the modern success of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the franchise has continuously evolved and captivated players with its unique blend of strategy, storytelling, and character development. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the series, the Fire Emblem games offer an immersive and rewarding experience that will keep you coming back for more. So grab your weapon and embark on your own epic Fire Emblem journey today!
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