Image via Intelligent Systems
Fire Emblem has come a long way, from being a Japan-exclusive franchise to one of Nintendo’s main sources of revenue. The most recent entries in the series have not only been phenomenal in terms of gameplay, but have also gotten fans to play some of the older games. With some fans preferring the newer style while others prefer the challenge of older games, debates about the best Fire Emblem game can heat up quickly.
Which Fire Emblem games are the best?
18. Fire Emblem Gaiden
Several of the Fire Emblem games simply suffer from their time limits, and such is the case with Gaiden. Many of the maps in this game are simply overwhelmed with tedium, without things like the Weapon Triangle to make things easier for the player.
17. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and Blade of Light
While this gives players the classic story with Marth and his comrades, the original version of this game lacks many quality of life mechanics that Fire Emblem fans have come to know (gun triangle, weapon handling, etc.). .).
16. Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright
This game provided a good experience for newcomers, but for everyone else this game was too easy. Birthright offers a decent cast of characters, but Ryoma and Takumi pretty much win the game on their own.
15. Fire Emblem Fates: Revelations
This was the “true ending” of the Fire Emblem Fates story, and it has been plagued with anger from most of the community. However, the reveals still deserves some respect for offering a great sandbox where both Hoshido and Nohr combine to make for some wild team compositions.
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14. Fire Emblem: Emblem Mystery
As it turns out, the first Fire Emblem was so good that Intelligent Systems decided to rerun it. However, Mystery of the Emblem is more than just a remake, it’s a new story with the same characters.
13. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
This title may irritate people as it is a new version with some unpleasant graphics. However, Shadow Dragon introduced reclassification, which would become a staple in the series going forward.
12. Fire Emblem: The Binding Sword
The Binding Blade is a great story with a lot of great units, but there are several things holding it back. Some maps are unforgiving, units have horrible hit rates (unless they’re called Rutger), and Roy doesn’t get promoted until right before the game is about to end.
11. Fire Emblem: New Emblem Mystery
This game deserves credit for introducing the first character avatar: Kris. Some elitists hate Kris, but it gives players the freedom to have a strong unit in whatever class they want to add to the mix of Marth, Caeda, Tiki, and the other great units from the first Emblem Mystery.
10. Fire Emblem: Awakening
Yes, it’s true that this game saved the franchise, but it’s also a grind. Most maps are the route to win, and they love to drop surprise ganks everywhere. Many of the first generation units are also dwarfed by their much stronger children.
9. Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
Much of the criticism that its sister games received does not apply to Conquest. It’s certainly not easy, as many of the maps are challenging and dynamic. A key example would be the defense chapter where Camilla joins, which could be one of the best maps in the series.
8. Fire Emblem: The Flaming Sword
If players can look past the long and tedious tutorial, this game has a lot going for it. It’s generally one of the better stories, following three leads instead of one. There are plenty of subplots (including the one about Nino and the Black Fang) that add flavor and intrigue to this game.
7. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
One of the reasons Fire Emblem games have gained popularity is that players have more freedom. This trend started in Sacred Stones, where units eventually got branching class promotions.
6: Fire Emblem: Thracia 776
This title is essentially what Fire Emblem looks like on hard mode. While some of the elaborate maps might put off the casual, winning this game involves a great deal of item management and strategy that veterans of the series crave.
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5: Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Since so many fans love Ike, it’s surprising to see one of the best games in the series being one where he leaves. However, the Dawn Brigade has its own charms, and everything sets up a triumphant return for Ike and Greil’s mercenaries.
4: Fire Emblem: Shadows of Valentia
This isn’t so much a remake of Fire Emblem Gaiden, but a reimagining. He made the decision to ditch the triangle of weapons again, but it was worth it to see Alm and Celica in the new age. The music in this game is also perfectly sublime.
3. Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War
The fourth title in the series incorporated a truly wild story, with a jump in time, two generations, and a really cunning villain. Many fans keep this at the number one spot, but the long and huge maps may not excite newer fans.
2. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Path of Radiance has a great reputation for having a combination of great story and great gameplay. Ike goes down a dramatic path with virtually everyone he loves at risk at one point or another. Greil’s mercenaries have plenty of units to fall in love with, all of which can easily be brought up to speed with additional experience.
1. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
This is, simply put, the pinnacle of freedom for Fire Emblem players. Do you want to make Felix a magician? Go for it. Do you want to form a team of Wyvern Lords? Advance. The possibilities are endless in this wild story with four routes, each one worth taking.
Want more Fire Emblem guides? MyFullGames has you covered with Fire Emblem Three Houses Advice Box Answers (before the time skip).