Fire Emblem Fates is now just days away from release in North America, with 3DS owners facing the choice between two editions (or buying both) of the latest in Intelligent Systems' strategy series.
With the arrival so close Nintendo has published another entry in its 'Life on the Front Lines' series, in this case explaining the key choice to be made in the game and then going into details on teaming up units, building relationships and also outlining some new items and character classes. You can see that below.
In addition the most recent episode of Nintendo Minute may be handy for those yet to decide on a version, as Kit and Krysta talk about both iterations.
Are any of you in North America planning to pick this up on 19th February?
Comments 53
European release date PLEASE...
I'm not North America, so I won't be getting a copy. But that's good because it will give me a chance to read the reviews. and comments.
To be honest all the talk or relationships and the previous hype has put me off wanting to play the game.
Also the way Intelligent Systems have packaged the game or games and priced them makes me wonder if the game content has been stretched a bit thin between the three games and dlc and Amiibos. Whether the content per game is value for money.
Paper Jam as a crossover game has not worked. And I wonder if this game is drifting of course as well.
Meanwhile in Europe...
Meanwhile in USA, we don't get to play Bravely Second until April.
I preordered both games and can't wait and hopefully they give a release date to Europe
@Zoriam @Splatburst As I have said before we all know it is getting delayed as a launch title for the European release of the NX.
These videos are really interesting as I have tried to avoid getting too much into the game before it hits the streets.
Saw several adds for this game set in the Sunday flyers, Best Buy even spelled it all out about the map pack and DLC. Toys R Us was all about Pokémon though.
Torn between wanting this to do well and the 3 parts sold separately. I know Pokémon has been doing 2 games for 20 years and it seems to be working really well for them, but I don't recall all the extra DLC expenses as well. Seems like a lot, like free -to-start games are pointing their fingers and saying - hey, at least we are FREE to start.
@rjejr I think picking up multiple versions in this case is a lot more worthwhile than in Pokemon's. Pokemon is a full price buy for a few different Pokemon in game whereas with Fates it's a half price buy for another full game's worth of content added on. And anything beyond the three main paths is mostly unrelated to the main games, so you don't have to pay or play it if you don't want too.
European here, may I ask if we can have a release date? Thanks.
Interesting new options such as the partner seal.
Well, can't wait to play the game.
Also, a note about the multiple games, from what I gathered info, they made it that way because they got multiple writers for the game, which explains the 3 different storylines. While it would have been cool to get them in all a single package, it was too much content for the standard price, which is what I presume they split up into different versions.
But hey, each games looks to have good content, and supposedly you can get the other game cheaper if you already bought a path.
Interesting stuff, but man, everytime I see those cutscenes, I wish they would put another one of those games on a homeconsole. I'm looking forward to Fates, but I think after that, I would much prefer another PoR/RD-esque game, with some really nice high-def stylised visuals ala Valkyria Chronicles, where the difference between ingame play and cutscenes is not as stark and grating as it has become here.
Therefore I really hope Fates will turn into another, possibly even bigger success than Awakening, as I guess that would make a homeconsole entry that much more likely, even if we have to wait for the NX for this to happen!
I get the feeling the Fire Emblem Fates and Bravely Second will get switcharooed US/EU release dates so they don't clash.
I'm still frustrated about the whole split storyline. I really haven't got the time to play the game twice let alone 3 times. I'll buy the game, but the question is- which version? I'm not the best strategy player so the goodies gamd may be better, but I like the look of being a baddie with a more interesting story.
Firstly, cue my obligatory complaining of a release date for PAL regions.
@Ralek85 I think I read somewhere in an interview, that the folks at IS also think Fire Emblem is definitely suited for home consoles, and they've wanted to make one for a while, but I think, due to lacklustre sales, Nintendo didn't let them (although if Fates does as well/better than Awakening, then I think we might end up seeing a home console FE finally)
Yes I'm counting down the days! Every morning I wake up I say "just 6 more days" and "just 5 more days".
I haven't been this hyped for a game since... well, ever.
These games look like they're just stuffed to the brim with content- it's insane! The My Castle area, capturing enemies as prisoners, all the new seals, classes and items... it's overwhelming. They really spared no expense with this entry.
@MrGawain
I would recommend Birthright if you're not a Fire Emblem veteran. Conquest affords no opportunities to grind for XP and money, has tougher objectives and maps, and is basically targeting the hardcore FE fanbase. Of course, you could play on casual mode and enjoy it, but classic mode may prove a bit much for someone such as yourself.
I'll be getting Birthright, but I don't know if I'll be able to pick it up at launch.
As someone who played Awakening and loved it, you can pretty much ignore the weird, wanna-be cartoon wife stuff (whatever that word is...wifo or something).
@rjejr
Each Fates version is literally equal to Awakening in size and content.
This means all 3 versions combined should net you ~100+ hours of play.
Remember peoples you get to buy the other version for 50% off on the eShop.
I can't wait to get the SE version on Friday morning (I preordered).
I love it.
Chomp, CHomp, CHOMp, CHOMP. I am eating this stuff up.
@Yorumi
The children mechanic has been around since the early Fire Emblem entries, just so you know. As has the support system.
I really have to stress that each game is a full game as well. Not out of a desire to defend Nintendo or any other fanboy reasoning, but just out of objective logic.
If you take away Conquest, Revelations, all that stuff, and just look at Birthright, you're getting more than Awakening ever brought to the table. Comparing pound for pound, Birthright is no slouch on content. And the same can be said for the other paths.
It all stems from the split in the fanbase with the revival of the series. 2 games, one targeting Awakenig fans and the other targeting pre-existing fans, was a logical choice and the only way to appease both sides.
Losing patience of no EU release date really fast. At least I've got Hyrule Warriors and my Xbox One to keep me occupied, saving starting XCX for a few months in case of the inevitable bad news (i.e. NX news).
@Zoriam not to mention we have to wait until april for Bravely Second lucky
@Yorumi
I know, but I do think those aspects of the game are being, how shall I say it... over-represented?
I can assure you as someone who has played both old entries and Awakening, the game still very much priorities strategy. These little extras are just there to make it a more robust experience. The supports just happen naturally by fighting alongside characters. And it's not purely romantic. You're support rank can be raised with anyone. The children, that's just an interesting little side bit that allows you to gain new characters. It's hardly the focus of the game. Once you reach S rank you'll get a 15 second scene where they "get married" and that's it. That's pretty much the extent of it.
@Grumblevolcano
Rise of the Tomb Raider and Ori & the Blind Forest... I hope you've experienced those games because they're absolute gems. And btw, I thought you were already playing Xenoblade Chronicles X?
As big a fan of FE as I am, I would have imported a New 3DS and the game from EU had the tables been turned. Ever thought about doing something like that? I hear there's a number of other NA games that haven't seen an EU release...
I can't wait to get the game!
Can't wait for these to release! It's a shame that I won't be able to pick up Conquest for a while, however....
@Yorumi Congrats, I had to Google eroge. At first I thought it was a typo, then I started figuring it out what it could mean, but then I had to Google it. Always makes me happy to learn a new word.
@Yorumi Well, if I'm seeing this correctly, the children units are only available on the DLC maps this time, meaning they're not considered canon for the main storyline. Plus, don't forget that the Pair Up system has been heavily nerfed this time.
Your concern for the petting is validated, which is why they restricted it to between spouses for the Western versions.
As for the content debate, while you're correct that it's different in that you're not meant to buy both Pokémon versions (although some idiots do it anyway), they aren't splitting up content here with FE: Fates. Each version has a full game's worth of content, so it's like buying three full 3DS games for $80 (or two for $60 for those like me who only want one initial version plus Revelations). The GBA games don't have that much more content. Not counting the prologues or finales for each game, Awakening has 25 chapters, Fire Emblem GBA has 32 chapters, and Sacred Stones has 28 chapters counting both routes. I don't know the count for Fates, but if each version has even more chapters than Awakening as reported, we're probably looking at a similar amount to the GBA games even if you don't recount the few chapters at the beginning that they have in common.
@Yorumi
The petting thing I get. But as it doesn't really detract or add to the game, I just can't force myself to care either way.
I agree the pairing was OP in Awakening- one of its apparent flaws (I don't think it was a perfect game, but I did very much enjoy it). But I'm glad to report they have balanced most of what was wrong with Awakening.
So now, when you pair, your movement is impeded. The second person also can now only defend, not attack, and enemy units can likewise pair. It needed to be done, and I'm glad they did, because I was unstoppable by Ch. 25 in Awakening due to pairing.
But getting back to the whole relationship thing, I rather enjoy it tbh. Not the petting mini game (which isn't even in this version) but I always enjoy pairing units to marriage. It's not so much speed dating as it is a focus on relationships between characters, and how that relationship grows through time. It brings more emotion to the storyline, and I appreciate that. One of the best things about Awakening (to me) was the support convos unlocked as your relationships grew. I don't see that as a bad thing, but rather something that makes the game much more enjoyable.
@JaxonH I was going to start in January but got distracted by Hyrule Warriors (actually made lots of progress during that month). Then I figured I'd wait until either a Direct or real NX news (not the constant rumours but something actually from Nintendo) to start as I know that game can provide several hundred hours of fun. So chances are March will be a mixture of XCX, TPHD and Hyrule Warriors (don't forget that Wolf Link does something in Zelda U!).
As for the XB1 games, yeah I have both. Having issues regarding memory space though so Rise of the Tomb Raider is slightly on hold). Sadly I need my hard drive for Wii U because of stuff like the XCX data packs and my vast VC library but also Microsoft's "must install to hard drive to actually play" approach (Wii U is the only current gen console that doesn't do this) means I need an external hard drive for that too.
@Yoromi We can only hope for sex scenes. We both know that will never happen. This game is going to be good and you know it. You should get Conquest and be happy. Awakenings pair up was too easy, but it still was good and like BulbasaurusRex said, "has been heavily nerfed this time". You are in for great game play. You probably can just press start to not read the dialogue of the relationship aspect of the game, but you know you want to.lol
@Grumblevolcano
Ya I know, Wii U and 3DS are my only platforms where space isn't an issue (ironically). My 64gb memcard for Vita is full, my PS4 has been upgraded internally to 2 TB but less than 400gb left, and I took the stock 500gb from my PS4 and am using as external for X1. Eventually I'll upgrade to 2-4 TB for X1 considering all these 360 games that are now compatible.
You'll love XCX- it's fantastic. Same for Rise of the Tomb Raider. Just excellent. So much better than the reboot.
@rjejr
This isn't Pokemon. These are actually different games. Characters, maps, storyline, all different. And, half off to buy additional games beyond the first. Basically it's like getting 3 Awakening games all at once, but for the price of 2.
@Xenocity
100 hours for all 3?
I got 100 hours in Awakening on only one playthrough (including paralogues). I'm thinking more along the lines of 200-300 hours for the whole package. Map Pack DLC will just extend it even further.
Not to mention, this game adds in MyCastle, which I'm sure I'll be sinking plenty of extra hours into.
@JaxonH
It is dependent on how obsessive you are at unlocking for everything.
You can beat Awakening in under 30 hours, if you are just wanting to beat the story.
I bet most people didn't think Awakening was worth spending 60+ hours on.
You may have spent over 100+ hours on Awakening, I bet you are in the smallest minority.
@Xenocity
Maybe, maybe not. Most people loved the game. Each chapter takes at least an hour, and time spent in between managing inventory or grinding just adds to that.
30 hours is insanely fast. Maybe everyone didnt spend 100 but I imagine it was much more than 30. 65 hours would be a good estimate for people who played all the chapters and paralogues. And that's not counting people who did multiple playthroughs (and many did)
@Yorumi
It's actually not over charging if you get 3 games each having the same amount of content as Awakeing.
Nintendo told IS, if Awakening sold on par with the GBA/GC/Wii/DS games, that Awakening would be the final game in the series.
IS was given a mandate to find away to make Fire Emblem sell well, if they wanted to continue the series.
Fire Emblem starting on GBA regularly struggled to 100k globally and this low sales trend continued all the way until Awakening.
The content added Awakening helped boost the sales to record heights leading to Nintendo green light Fates.
Fates sold really well in Japan due to the Anime and Waifu stuff leading it to edge out Awakening in sales.
You seem to forget the huge outrage the Western gaming media and gamers had when they found out that Awakening had an easy/"casual" mode.
They demanded that Nintendo break the game into two separate games, with one being for those who wanted an easy mode.
Nintendo and IS listened to the outrage and broke the game into two this time around.
Conquest = Traditional
Birthright = easy mode
Revelations was released months after the Japanese original release and is for those who want closure on characters and sub plots.
@JaxonH
I bet majority played on easy mode, just because they didn't want to pour all the time required to beat it the traditional way.
If PS Trophies, Xbox Live Achievements and Steam Achievements are anything to go by, the majority rarely finishes games.
You really overestimate how many gamers actually play all the content in any game.
@Xenocity
For those that don't finish though, well, those people are irrelevant. We're talking what the game can provide to those that do play it through.
@JaxonH
Obviously.
As long you get your money's worth
@Yorumi
In fairness, Awakening had 25 normal chapters, plus 23 paralogue chapters, plus the Premonition, Prologue and Endgame chapters. So roughly 50 all together.
That's basically what previous games had. In fact it's actually a little more- past games averaged 40-45 chapters, with the exception of Fire Emblem (GBA) which had 44 distinct chapters in a playthrough (some chapters had 2 maps, and the one you played was determined by conditions met) but then had you replay most of them for Hector's story.
@BulbasaurusRex Hey I used to be one of those idiots who would buy both Pokemon versions D:. I have all the Pokemon main games and nearly every spin off up to Black2/White2. I stopped caring after that, Pokemon got too... Can't think of a word for it, but basically I "quit" Pokemon. Good times though.
@Yorumi As I pointed out above, when you count the unique main story chapters, Awakening is only a few shy of the others. Sure, some other games artificially increase the replay value by having alternate version chapters or have you replay some chapters on multiple playthroughs with branching paths; but those don't really count as separate chapters, and Awakening has its own version with the paralogues, anyway.
Oh well, we can just play Twilight Princess HD in europe while we wait
Could at least give some hints!
@Yorumi
"What really bothers me so much about the direction this series is going is that they're practically turning it into an eroge."
"At this point there's less suggestive material in a HDN game than FE."
Excuse me, but... what? That just doesn't make any sense. How is a head patting mini game in any way comparable to all the suggestive and straight up raunchy stuff present in eroges? I think you're exaggerating by generalising a bit here.
GAH! COME ON EUROPE! HELLOOOOOOOOO?? ( goes back to try to complete FE Awakening on HARD level. Jeeeeeeeeeeez!
@Chubblings You do know though, that there were two recent homeconsole FE already, right? I'm just saying because your comment ("finally"), made it sound so as if you didn't. In any case, I do agree, FE was at the brink of being abandoned until Awakening rolled around, turning it all on it's head (just goes to show how extremely and outstandly poorly Nintendo performs in terms of managing in second-tier, non-Mario franchises). If Fates can in fact continue this renewed success for the franchise, a homeconsole title will hopefully become more likely once more indeed.
@Yorumi
As already pointed out, Awakening wasn't light on content.
This is how many chapters each Fire Emblem
Fire Emblem Gaiden (NES) has 5 chapters
Genealogy of the Holy Wars (SNES) has 1 prologue, 10 chapters, and an endgame
Thracica 776 (SNES) has 24 chapters, 7 side chapters, and an endgame
Binding Blade (GBA) has 24 chapters, 6 side chapters, and an end game.
Fire Emblem (GBA) has 32 chapters, a prologue, an end game, and like 10 side chapters.
Sacred Stones (GBA)had 20 main chapters, a prologue and the end game.
Path of Radiance (GC) had 28 chapters, a prologue, and a end game.
Radiant Dawn (Wii) has 25 chapters, 4 prologues (at the beginning of each chapter) and an End Game with 4 stages.
Shadow Dragon (DS) has a prologue, 25 chapters, and a few side chapters.
Mystery of the Emblem remake (DS) has 26 chapters, 8 prologue chapters, 3 part end game, 6 side chapters, and 3 new episodes.
Awakening has an introduction level, prologue, 25 chapters, 23 optional side chapters, 25 optional DLC chapters.
Fates: Conquest has 27 chapters
Fates: Birthright has 27 chapters
Fates Revelations has 27 chapters
The prologue and the first 5 are the same on each version.
There are also 22 optional side chapters and 13 optional DLC chapters.
http://fireemblem.wikia.com/wiki/Fire_Emblem:_Binding_Blade
As it stands the Fire Emblem games by required playable levels are:
Fates > Fire Emblem (GBA)>Awakening> Path of Radiance
Based on total content then Fates and Awakening are neck and neck followed by Fire Emblem (GBA).
@Ralek85 Just for clarifications sake; what exactly do you mean by "recently" in regards to home console FE? The last home console Fire Emblem was Radiant Dawn, which came out in Europe in 2008 I believe (2007 everywhere else). That was about 7-8 years ago, so I was just wondering whether that, and Path of Radiance, were the "two recent homeconsole FE" you were referring to.
When I first played Awakening(my first Fire Emblem title), I didn't think the support system was OP. I did realize however, by around Chapter 13(When the game's story and difficulty were supposed to really start taking off), The Valmese army(portrayed in the game as incredibly dangerous soldiers) were rarely able to defeat more 1 than of my pairings in battle, and that was usually because they weren't at S support with each other yet.
This time around, with the inclusions of turrets, enemy units pairing up,, changes to the players' units pairing up, and the Dragonvein feature, I'm really looking forward to more strategy being needed to win battles.
@Chubblings Maybe that was poorly phrased, but until FE's "revival" on the 3DS with Awakening, PoR and RD represent the most two recent FE games - and they were homeconsole entries. Sad as it is, FE:A was the first game since 2007 indeed ...
I may sound like a baby but I'm not buying this @ release unless I can get the special edition.....and it's looking highly unlikely. I was going to pick it up now for the "complete" cart and goodies. Without the complete cart and goodies, I am no longer in a hurry to buy. I'll most likely finish Xenoblade Chronicles 3D & my newly acquired Ocarina of Time 3D before I buy this......if I buy it. Sorry Nintendo but next time produce enough stock for the people who want to buy it.
Meh, still looks like trash.
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