Now Playing: Fire Emblem

Yes, the first one (released outside Japan) for the GBA. I’m completely addicted to it, right now.

It’s virtually the same game as Path of Radiance, only with different characters, plot and world – and, of course, no 3D graphics, though I still think they’re great for a GBA strategy game. Of course, in this case, “more of the same” is a great thing – I really love these games, and must order The Sacred Stones soon.

To anyone who doesn’t know about FE, it’s a story-based tactical RPG, much like Shining Force. Characters gain experience by fighting, and any one who doesn’t survive a battle is really gone for good (though some characters who are essential to the plot just become “wounded”, meaning that you can’t use them anymore, but they still appear in cut scenes). With such fragility, added to the fact that they really have distinct personalities, backstories and such, you tend to get really attached to them. Which only makes it harder, when, in the last couple of turns of a long, drawn-out, tough battle, one of them dies. Do you continue the game? Sometimes, it has to happen, I think.

If you like tactical games such as Laser Squad or Advance Wars, and have a GBA (or a DS, where I play this game), trust me: buy both Fire Emblems soon. They should be relatively cheap, now, too. And don’t forget Path of Radiance, if you also have a GameCube.