Fire Emblem: Three Houses is now just over a month away from release and you may well be starting to think about the age-old question: to go physical, or digital?
Hopefully helping your decision, a Japanese download card for the game has now been spotted, giving us the all-important file size. In Japan, a digital copy will take up 11.9GB of space - you can expect the western versions to either be practically identical or marginally larger after any localisation additions.
The card also reveals a few extra details. It notes that a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be required for some online aspects (from the details we've seen so far, online activities should be rather minor), that amiibo functionality will be supported, and that DLC will be made available. This DLC will reportedly include new missions, paralogues, and costumes.
Looking forward to this one? Are you thinking of picking it up digitally, or physically? Let us know in the comments below.
[source m.gamer.com.tw, via reddit.com, miketendo64.com]
Comments 97
Day one purchase (probably with Nintendo vouchers)
I have the collectors edition paid off and can’t wait for it to come in.
Pre-ordered the Limited Edition.
I’m taking a wait and see approach. I haven’t been happy with FE lately. I wish the games were less fan servicey
Lot's of full motion video will do that. Take all that out and it probably does go over 5.
Buying digital with a voucher. 11.9 GB sounds good to me.
I'll probably buy it around launch.
I was really hoping for English language support even with the Japanese version. I guess that won't happen now huh. Living here in Japan and already preordered the Fodlan Collection Edition. Same goes for Astral Chain
@BacklogBlues just play without permanent death🤷♂️
They offer it for a reason
I’m so hyped for this one! Had to skip out on Fates due to funds at the time, so I’m eager to dive back into the series!
Sn: I’mma 100% Warriors one of these days. 🙃
gzus, I just bought (I mean 10 mins ago) mario maker 2? how is it possible? the question is, marvel ultimate alliance 3 or fire emblem?? waiting the reviews coz I want them both.. hehe
Wholly reasonable size. Just waiting for them to make it pre-purchase eligible still!
Thank god there's only one version.
I thought they named it 3 houses so they can sell them as 3 separate games like on the 3DS.
@LUIGITORNADO
As longtime fan of the franchise, I have to agree. Awakening saved the franchise, but it also changed it to what I think is worse.
I wish they would get away from the anime wifu, baby, and grinding and back to hardcore strategy.
Unfortunately, I'll probably end up getting it.
Cover the new store open up today in Israel!
Second store in the world! Even before Japan!
@LUIGITORNADO Have you played Echoes though?
I never understand what people mean with fanservice and FE, but I know Echoes is very different to Awakening and Fates.
I think people mean character designs, but to me they each have 5 out of 40 charachters that I could call fanservice'y.
Digital or physical depends on whether the full game is on cart.
I hope the Amiibo functions work like the 3DS FE games. Where you can scan the Ike and Robin figures and add those characters to your party.
@Belatarr I don't think so, or I just haven't found any shop that sells one. I can porbably buy from Amazon, but I just being cautious since there might be scams out there, and it will also take time importing one. I'm so excited to play this game at launch!
Yeah, I am going to have to pass too. These types of RPG's I need to have some type of interesting and unique (almost awe inspiring designs). This game is just looking uninspired, almost like they were making it for the 3ds and then switched development. After playing persona and Octopath I am not impressed with Fire Emblem this time around.
However this game isn't out yet and I am open to getting it down the road. Who knows, maybe it will be a masterpiece! There are just wayyyyyy to many games coming out from Nintendo I am going to have to pass on this one at this moment.
Also, I'm wondering if the online functionalities will work like Fire Emblem Fates in that you can fight against players online with your own team. Or if online will be reserved just for DLC quests and what not.
This easily looks like the worst FE yet.
Seems like there are a ton of extraneous systems that won't add to the enjoyment - just busy work.
Might use one of my vouchers for this but I'm not 100%, Echoes was amazing (minus the season pass) but this is a little underwhelming...
Yes physical and trade it if its not as good as previous versions. The graphics may take some getting used to.
Already pre-ordered. Looks pretty awesome to me! Glad Amiibos will be supported. It would be cool to have special missions for characters from other games, or perhaps costumes based on them.
DLC is no surprise, though I hope they concentrate it into larger chunks instead of having a bunch of small ones this time.
Not an FE fan (in fact, the Smash over-representation has honestly drawn me away from the series) but I'm glad Nintendo's still giving amiibo support.
@Belatarr I've won the Splatoon 2 set but sold the game since it's Japanese only. Bought Snack World but barely had any progress since it was taking me quite some time to translate the dialogue. Sometimes I just check the eShop first if English is supported and then buy the game. If only I aint so stubborn and just buy digital instead of physical LOL. Though honestly that voucher is neat. I guess I should reconsider.
I really need to find a way to get huge memory cards a lot cheaper than they are....
@King47 I often wonder how the franchise would look like if they instead doubled down on the medieval dark fantasy. I rather liked the serious notes of slavery with the laguz. That’s not to say the newer games are all puppy dogs and rainbows, but I feel like the fan service with the mini games, revealing outrageously designed armor, and marriage-child component underhanded any sort of seriousness the franchise had.
I wish they could have invested into the strategy gameplay a bit more, where the maps are more interactive, with active choice decisions resulting in varying story branches, kind of like Divinity Original Sin.
The school mechanic to me is kind of different in that I see where the devs are trying to do with customizing units, but I still feel like the setting is fan servicey. Watching Audrey play through it during the treehouse and fan-girling over how “cute” the characters are and how she loved being their teacher was disappointing in that it reaffirmed the game’s approach of being more fan service than substance.
I know they keep talking about this 5 year time jump, and to hold out for it because it’s shocking and sets the tone for the rest of the game, but I feel like they should be doing more within the first hour of the game to get me interested; not telling me to be patient.
@BacklogBlues not being a jerk, but if difficulty is a problem, why not play on easy mode?
@getyourak more like a Xenoblade game in that regard.
I have my Voucher ready and waiting for me to download it once it's available. I really enjoy Fire Emblem games and I'm hoping this iteration is a fresh take on the genre.
I preordered limited edition like a month ago can't wait!
Have my voucher ready! Lemme Pre load nintendooooooo
I've pre-ordered a physical copy for about £35. Reckon if I don't like it, I should be able to get my money back pretty easily.
Pre ordered the collectors edition. Can't wait to get into this game!
Day one for me. Probably digital.
Really like the look of this one!I think I may of played one Fire Emblem game years ago but can't remember much about it.But this one has my attention for sure.But digital or physical?No idea.
I have 500gb micro SD card in my switch, so I'm getting it digital.
@LUIGITORNADO I agree with you all the way. After playing Fire Emblem Heroes on and off for a while, it has really frustrated me with the direction they've gone with the characters and their outfits. It's a strategy game, not an adult-oriented anime intended for you to ogle the female characters. And I feel like this school setting only goes further down this path of fan service fantasy. "I get to be a teacher and then later enter into a relationship with my students."
That being said, Sacred Stones was my first FE game with Awakening being my second and solidifying my love for the series. I do find value in the support conversations and seeing where the individuals' stories go. I just feel like some of this stuff is a bit over the top and, dare I say, inappropriate for the series.
Pre-ordered the Japanese limited/collectors edition (Fódlan Collection) months ago from Amazon Japan. Hope the Japanese edition has english text option, otherwise the game has to wait a bit longer while I study more Japanese...
Voucher, day one.
@Sinton Same!!! I pre-ordered 2 of the limited edition sets. One for me and one for a friend who is working up in the Arctic & doesn't have any means of getting the limited edition for herself. So luckily I was able to secure two at two different retailers and it'll be waiting for her when she returns later in the summer!
Though I love Fire Emblem (the ones before Awakening) but really DLC already Nintendo? But why? The game is not out yet and you already plan in cutting contents for extra money? Why not just make the game complete first then announce DLCs later?
@LUIGITORNADO Whilst I can see your point of view, ironically based on discussions I’ve had with a few people, it suggests that the changes they made to Awakening are what saved the franchise. In fact when they toned down the relationship mechanics and such in Fates, some of those people skipped the game itself as the strategy gameplay wasn’ t enough to hold their interests. Whether that would remain true today I can’t say but the branching out from being a purely fantasy strategy game is kinda what the series needed to survive.
So...no mention of what Amiibo do...at all? I'm surprised the Treehouse didn't go over it...but then again, I think most people don't want the Treehouse anywhere near FE games in general...
The DLC is probably going to be 40+ dollar again which is my biggest reason for not playing these newer entries. Yes, I know the games are essentially complete without the DLC, but I can't enjoy them knowing there's so much, or such expensive, DLC also out for these games and it bothers me.
@retro_player_22 the game is not outbuet, but I'm quite sure it's already finished and in manufacturing process. That leaves the devs (especially art directors) to plan future content
@Tethutendo My guess is the opposite of a prologue.
It's being developed by Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo; of course there's going to be lots of stuff cut out for DLC.
@Tethutendo
A side mission.
@YessMasster Completed but not release. As a consumer we don't want to hear about contents that's not going to be in the base game way before release. It makes it feel like the contents got cut like I was mentioning. Yes those could had just been contents that started after the game was finish (if you ask me they could had just work on the next game instead of dealing with DLC) but hearing these makes the game feel less like a complete product and more like a scheme for more money.
What they should had done is release the game first and see if people really enjoys it, if the results are good then they could release more extra contents as DLC later so to prolong the game but announcing DLC at the time when the game is not yet and not knowing if the game would suck or not won't do it any justice. What if the game does sucks and no one wants to buy it? Then what is the point of the DLC then? Will those fix the disappointment of the base game cause if they do then those cut contents should had been on the base game to begin with.
@FX102A I disagree. I feel like it needed a change and there were different ways it could have been done. Considering how some fans of the franchise were always kind of weebs and idolized/pined after characters it seemed like the easy way out to double down on the waifu stuff.
I understand that there are gameplay mechanics that are more unit/character focused behind these changes, but personally it would have been more interesting to see interactive environments and choices during battles that effect story and character. They could have even taken advantage of the recent popularity of game of thrones with a “realistic” and serious approach to the story and characters. I’m sure the franchise would have see a boon with that. Another example of what they could have done is a “hardening” mechanic where a decision is made and a character’s personality is effected because they don’t agree with it. For an example a clear condition could be defeat an enemy unit, but it just so happens you have a character in your party who is family with this enemy. This character asks you to take them along, so they can reason with the enemy. If you refuse and kill the enemy perhaps that character leaves your party and becomes an enemy, or they think less of you and there full potential can’t be realized. To create more conflict thee could be character who wants to kill the enemy, and maybe they leave your party if you choose to save the enemy. Those are tough decisions more befitting a strategy game then some lame marriage-children-romance mechanic.
Make no mistake. Nintendo knew what they were doing. They took the easy way out. I don’t blame them, it just doesn’t really align with my tastes and that’s disappointing.
Good stuff. Looking forward to this one
Agreed with previous posters that I'm not really a fan of the character/outfit designs, and the extraneous "busy work" could indeed get in the way of the meat and potatoes of FE (the strategic gameplay). That said, I have it pre-ordered, but I can't shake the feeling that something is "off" about this installment.
In my humble opinion, the pinnacle of the FE franchise (at least as far as the ones I've played) remains the Path of Radiance/Radiant Dawn arc on the GameCube/Wii. From the characters to the storyline (which delved into some serious and occasionally dark themes) to the world-building and most importantly the epic battles and gameplay, it was pretty much as great as SRPGs get.
@retro_player_22 while i understand your point of view, and generally I do agree that it'd be better if they waited with the announcement of dlcs, I do think the problem is bigger and more complex. Costs of development rose much more than costs of games and dlcs are often the way to make it even. And the fact that there will be dlcs and season pass was kinda certain.
Not a bad file size at all! But still, my stubborn butt will get this in physical form down the line. I still love my physical media.
@Tethutendo Ah, that makes sense.
That install size is pretty good
A little while ago Amazon was selling a 400GB micro SD for $59.99. I was able to get my local micro center to match this price, a huge markdown from their regular $169.99. So I went 100% digital on my switch due to its portable nature I didn’t want to have to fumble around looking for game cards nor worry about stashing them. I fully realize the draw backs (no resale mostly) but for me the switch is a portable gaming tablet and game carts just don’t appeal, also I’ve been digital for a over a decade and a half on my PC and that’s worked out well so far. Near 20 games installed and I still have 280Gb so this will
Be another digital purchase for me.
It can be any size... Day 1. And whatever new Story DLC they make.
Almost here!
I'm anxious for the pre-load to go up. I want it ready to go at midnight of launch day. I'm ready to be excited by Fire Emblem again.
@LUIGITORNADO Same here, friend. Here hoping for Burning Sword or Radiant Dawn port/remaster
Already preordered but whether I get around to playing this day 1 is another question.
Hopefully the dlc will be more then just fetish outfits.
@retro_player_22 exactly. That's how they work lately. To get more money from people. I bet this DLC was actually the part of the game but instead lets keep it lets earn more money. A DLC should be always as an after-thought like about 6 months afters release when you come up with extra stuff... THEN it's ok. But that's already so why don't they include? money money money. Thank you Microsft. You started this with paid DLC. Now we're hear and every gamestudio asks even more money for the parts that should've been there in the first place. It's a marketing trick
@King47
Did you play Conquest?
@Chunkboi79
There's so much coming out. I usually get FE games but I think I might get Oninaki before Three Houses, and I'm not sure I can even swing that one. Everything is taking a back seat when Dragon Quest XI arrives.
@Dilated The Switch's diversity is great. It can fit a number of different lifestyles. I play docked and undocked. Curiously I went all digital with Wii U and 3DS, and have no regrets, but with NS I usually buy physical games.
Physical for me then. Not sure how much I want this game but since it's Fire Emblem I'll probably get it at some point.
@crudfish There really is honestly! My wife and I both have a switch so I am going to buy 2 each of dragon quest builders 2, Pokemon, and Animal Crossing. I am eventually going to get God Eater once that goes on discount. I loved monster hunter world and always wanted to play a game like that with my wife but since dauntless is coming out on switch, my wife and I will wait for that to scratch our Monster Hunter itch. In addition, Links Awakening, Astral Chain, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, and Luigi's Mansion are all looking to be great additions.
My poor wallet...
I am eyeing this one. Loved Awakening (introduced me to the franchise), liked Fates and loved Echoes.
I do hope that more games from previous eras are rereleased like Gaiden was as being a relative newbie I really appreciated seeing some of the history of the series.
Love the FE series so much. Its day one purchase for me but I am still playing Fates and I am loving it, I also have Echoes in line...So many good games and barely any time to play nowadays.
I'm really looking forward to a new FE for the home console, since the last one I played was Radiant Dawn. Really loved that game. Hope I can get back in to it after the changes they've made during the past years.
Dammit, another FE DLC festival. Just once I'd like an FE game to be complete without that big fat DLC asterisk on day one.
@LUIGITORNADO Fire Emblem Echoes wasn't fanservice-y and only released less than 2 years ago. You should check it out
@JMR_Alden I sold my 3DS a while back. Heard by it’s nature of being a remake it was more like the old games
Just make it available for pre purchase and take my money already.
@LUIGITORNADO same here.
@LUIGITORNADO Did you play Echoes on 3DS? If not, you owe it to yourself--it takes the worst game in the series and remakes it into the best IMO.
@NerdyBoutKirby unfortunately I no longer have a 3DS.
no plans to get the game, but im always impressed by the amount of character designs and personalities they have to come up with for it. too bad i couldnt find a favorite in fates
Odd how little footage we've seem for this, and it's odd how the collectors edition didn't sell out instantly.
Three Houses looks so dang good. They toned down the fan service, dumped the children mechanic, went back to writing story in house and added a bunch of cool Persona-like side content to spice up the game, all 100% skippable though. Weapon triangle is out, deeper system using combat arts is in, and tons of customization. Story looks more serious too. I'm going Black Eagles.
@Chunkboi79
Should check out Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. I honestly had more fun with that game than World, and I LOVED World. Have to get used to some more rigid mechanics, but likewise for God Eater 3 and Dauntless. MHGenUlt does have a ton of awesome improvements though and even stuff World didn't have, crazy number of monsters, and the 2 pages if free DLC packs pretty much negate the early game gathering grind.
Highly recommended. That final boss is, to this day, the best monster in the series. Me and my bro played online the entire game beginning to end and had such a blast. Both of us were like WOAH, HOLY CRAP when we fought Ah-tal-Ka
@Lord
Treehouse has 2 missions of gameplay and some Garrag Mach Monestery activity on YT, which is about as much as I'd expect.
Also the LE did sell out, then came back in stock later. Ever since Echoes they've done a much better job stocking adequate special editions.
@Agramonte
Feels so weird agreeing with you about something. But ya, FE rocks and this one looks so good.
I preordered the US limited edition.
It would be awesome if they released amiibo of the three royals (rather than the Avatar/PleaseTeacher, or none at all!).
@FiveDigitLP
Are you...me? Am I...we?
I stopped playing fire emblem heroes because of two reasons.
1. The pull mechanic gives you maybe 1 new person for every 30 pulls.
2. They’ve made it into a soft core porn vehicle almost.
@JaxonH fingers crossed for a re-stock of Zelda LA collectors edition
@Lord
I'm sure it will.
@JaxonH I'll take it!!
Lots of other chances for agreement... Astral Chains, Metroid, A new Zelda, MM2, BloodStained, YoungBlood, Daemon, Oninaki.
Things are balancing out. We usually disagree on playing a game we both like again. Not the game itself 🙂
@Agramonte
Fire Emblem Three Houses is my most hyped game since Monster Hunter World 2 years ago. It feels good when your fave series drops an awesome new release.
Started Bloodstained. Keep hearing complaints about Switch version. Crashes, lag, framerate issues, graphics. So far my opinion is, ya it's kinda meh docked, looks excellent in portable though, and (at least so far) no issues with lag, framerate or crashes. But I'm early in so we'll see. Great game though. Really loving it so far.
Astral Chain for sure. Huge P* Games fan. Bayonetta and Nier meet and have a child? Sign me up.
Also super hyped for Dragon Quest XI S, which I've been holding off on for the Switch version (bought in a sale on PS4, though I'm not sure why since I really had no intention of playing till Switch anyways). Hear its wonderful. A real classic. Also super hyped for Witcher 3 on Switch. Started a file on X1X, then got distracted. Will actually play if its handheld. Looking forward to that. And Luigi's Mansion 3. Game looks super slick. And DOOM Eternal.
Oninaki is getting a physical release in JP with English btw. Import for physical is always a great option.
Also reasonably hyped for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, DQ Builders 2, Daemon X Machina (they basically addressed all feedback, added motion, fixed framerate, out of bounds boundary, gunfire audial feedback, etc), Zelda Links Awakening (not a fan of the 8 directional movement but, I'll get over it) and Pokemon, which it may not be a BotW leap but it's way more appealing than what I played on 3DS, and a step up from Let's Go which actually got me into the series more.
Picking up Judgement today after work along with Yakuza 6 and Yakuza Kiwami 2. Dont spend much time gaming on other platforms anymore but, I want to make an effort to diversity more into other platforms and games. I bought the systems, I should be using them more. Actually started Spiderman the other day. Pretty great game actually.
@MjekuMati
I think...we are one.
In fact, I almost compared FE Heroes to porn, but didn't want to start any arguments. And yes, I felt like I rarely got any new characters as well! Got tired of seeing Oboro's face...
Also, gotta say I love your profile picture!
@JaxonH I came here see if there was a review on Bloodstained, I just read all the craziness at the kickstarter page, but saw a youtube video and it looked fine.
So it is OK hand-held? I get mine on Thursday for a 5 hr NY to Boston bus ride - I just need hand-held to work.
Yeah!, Judgment (PS4) + Bloodstained (switch) are my game combo for July.
I also got SpiderMan in the sale (Spider Cop Narration 😂) really enjoying it. I skipped it for DragonQuest XI (PC) + Torna when it first came out... DQ Is Such a great game. And everything I seen on Switch for it looks great. And perfect fit for Switch.
I thought I didn't care about Link awakening... but now I have the game and Amiibo on pre-order. Gets me every time.
I have Lost Sphere/I am Setsuna digital on Switch. Oninaki will also join them digital on the SD card.
The Daemon demo was the worst move they could have made, but I feel a bit better after the last game play trailer. I was calling 2019 "Year of the MECH"... Anthem+Daemon... It didn't start all that well 🙄
I haven't been crazy about this game since I think it's visually a downgrade from previous ones, which I find absurd since every resource should go into making the character designs look as good as possible. It kinda looks like a budget otome game than anything else. Having said that, as a fan of the franchise's gameplay I will still support it but it'd be nice to know if the physical version will actually include those 11.9 giga in a cart or not. I feel like Nintendo should be more outspoken about this 'cause I don't see the point in buying physical if the whole game (sans patches) isn't included.
@Agramonte
Having played some more, Bloodstained is a little rough. It looks pretty good in handheld but, started noticing some framerate issues . Apparently they're shifting resources to Switch version so, that's good at least. I mean, its playable, should manage fine.
@JaxonH Ok thanks for the reply and info.
I still wanted to support it on Switch - I'll hold on to it, wait for the patch. The Tower slowdwn and missing rain is the worst I have seen on YouTube so far. Other parts seem fine.
@Agramonte
That seems like the best course of action. The visuals I can deal with. Ya its subpar but, I'm a Vita owner. I remember Resident Evil Revelation 2 compared to other versions. It was so bad. As long as it plays good I accept a downgrade for handheld games (which can be optionally played on TV if at home, which is a bonus). But they really should have done better. RE Revelations 2 on Switch comes really close to looking as good as the X1 version, yet Bloodstained somehow takes a massive hit. I dont get it.
But ya, they did follow through on improving the visuals before so I trust theyll follow through for the Switch fixes. Even if it doesnt improve visually. Just get performance resolved and bugs ironed out and we're good.
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