Five Favourites Part 1 -
Noriko's Five Favourite Fire Emblem Games
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I, just like anyone else in this fandom, am a massive fan of the Fire Emblem series. As stated in my previous post (which you can read here: http://norikoemblem.blogspot.ca/2017/02/hello-everyone-and-welcome-to-my-fire.html), I've been around this fandom for quite some time. I've seen the ins and outs of each game, as well as those of the various circles within this ever growing fandom.
I want to use this blog as a celebration of the series and as a way to go in depth into its history, lore, storytelling and potentially even its gameplay (though that will not be my focus). However, in order to effectively do so, I've decided it would be best for me to tell you which titles I cherish the most in the series as a whole. So, without further ado, I present to you the first part of what I hope to be a long running mini-feature, titled "Noriko's Five Favourites."
1. Fire Emblem - Gaiden
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Fire Emblem - Gaiden is a side story of Fire Emblem - Shadow Dragon and the Sword of Light for the Famicom. It takes place on the continent of Valentia, in the same world as the original game in the series. The game follows the story of Alm and Celica, childhood friends separated due to unfortunate circumstances.
This game has unique storytelling, as you get to experience the tales of both Lords simultaneously (due to the world map system, which returned for Fire Emblem - The Sacred Stones and Fire Emblem - Awakening), The two stories unfold very differently from one another, as Alm seeks revenge on the Rigelian Empire, while Celica wishes for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war. Despite these motivations, the two have a similar end goal in mind, which ultimately brings the two together and allows them to unite their war torn land.
2. Fire Emblem - Genealogy of the Holy Horse.
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Or, as people who are more correct might say, "Genealogy of the Holy War."
This game is the tale of a man who looks for his own path, even while being betrayed by fate. The tale of a man named Sigurd, whose story ends on a rather grim note. However, that's a little far into spoiler territory, so I'd rather not conquer that castle. That can wait a few turns, don't you think?
Anyways, as back on track. The game follows the story of a man named Sigurd, heir of House Chalphy of the Grannvale Empire. One day, close friend and a lady of the neighboring House Jungby is kidnapped by the unruly Princes of the nearby "barbarian nation" of Verdane. The story of Genealogy of the Holy War is a tale of political intrigue, romance and tragedy. And by god is this story ever a bloody one. Genealogy of the Holy War infamously deconstructs the typical Fire Emblem narrative over the course of its first six chapters, then proceeds to reconstruct it over the latter six, where you control the Sigurd's son Seliph and take on the Big Bad of this story.
The plot of this game is one of its strongest points, which is why I didn't go into much detail, since I'm hoping that (if you haven't already), you'll find it in yourself to experience this epic for yourself.
3. Fire Emblem - Thracia 776
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The story places you into the shoes of the young Prince of Leonster in his pursuit to reclaim his homeland and follow the footsteps of his long deceased father, however, that doesn't come without its challenges. At the start of the game, Leif is forced out of hiding after his whereabouts are discovered by Thracian soldiers. Being strong headed as he is, Leif finally decides that he's tired of hiding and that he wants to fight, and by god does he ever. The boy Prince starts with nothing but a few ill equipped comrades and together, they reclaim the village of Fiana by force.
From then on, Leif's adventures take him across the Thracian Peninsula, escaping from and fighting against the forces of the Thracian Empire. The gameplay and story mesh together perfectly, as Leif's army starts with nothing, forcing them to build up their way up (with use of the AMAZING capture system) with little to no assistance, until their forces are enough to stand up to the massive armies that threaten them.
4. Fire Emblem (Or "Fire Emblem - The Blazing Sword)
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Fire Emblem is the prequel to Fire Emblem - The Sealed Sword (You know, the game with Roy in it). It's a tale divided into three, one for each Lord (Eliwood, Hector, and Lyndis). One serving as a tutorial, while the other two acting as differing perspectives on the overarching plot of the game.
It is also worth mentioning that Fire Emblem was the first entry in the series where the idea of an Avatar was present.
In the first ten chapters we follow the Lady Lyn, the sole survivor of the Lorca tribe of Sacae, as she uncovers her heritage and goes on a quest to meet her Grandfather after she learns that she is related to the Marquess of Caelin. Unfortunately for her, her Great Uncle Lord Lundgren tries to have her killed, as he assumes she wishes to take the throne that he wants for himself. Eventually Lyn triumphs, meets her Grandfather, and takes her "rightful" place in Castle Caelin.
A year passes between this point and the plot of the main story, where things pick up with Lord Eliwood of Pherae. The beginning of this tale sees Eliwood embarking from home with the desire to locate the whereabouts of his long lost Father, Marquess of Pherae. Along his journey he receives the aid of his close childhood friend, Hector of Ostia, and we even meet up with Lyn and her subordinates again. The three make their way across Elibe, eventually making their way to the Dread Isle, where they uncover a plot that will forever change the lives of all three young Lords.
5. Fire Emblem - The Sacred Stones
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Fire Emblem - The Sacred Stones, AKA the spiritual successor to Fire Emblem Gaiden. This is the game that saw the return of two Lords fighting separate battles on opposite ends of the world.
Our story opens with the beginning of the end. The Kingdom of Renais is suddenly invaded, and Princess Eirika is forced to flee from her home with her trusty knight Seth, in hopes that they can seek asylum in the neighbouring Kingdom of Frelia. After she is given the supplies she needs, Eirika heads south to find her twin brother, Ephraim, only to hear rumours of his capture in Fort Renvall. And so, Eirika makes it her mission to save him. Once the two are reunited, they make their way back to Frelia to recover and plan where to go next.
From there, you either follow Eirika on her journey to the Theocracy of Rausten, or Ephraim on his assault on the Kingdom of Grado.
But why did they leave such an impact?
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A good question indeed, and one I won't leave unanswered. Each of the games listed above have that special something that makes my heart ache while playing them. And yes, even Gaiden. I find myself drawn to the characters, to the worlds of these games. The tragedies that play out in each game (and yes, they're ripe with heartache. Except maybe Gaiden. That one is a bit lacking in the sad department. While Gaiden DOES have its sad moments in the lore, it really isn't elaborated on in game. Let's hope Echoes fixes this, yeah?).
As I was saying, these games are dark and gloomy, and the bloodshed that takes place never fails to leave my heart heavy. That being said, most of these games have unique game play elements that directly correlate to whats going on in the story. For example, Genealogy has its massive, nation spanning maps that make you feel like you're a part of an epic war. Thracia has the capture mechanic, which adds that feeling of desperation since you're more or less required to abuse it to build up your stash of equipment so that way you aren't left defenseless against the massive Thracian armies. Even outside the stories of these games, you always feel like you're working towards some enormous goal.
These are the games in the series that keep me coming back for more. These five titles are the ones that leave a hunger in my heart, and whenever I need my Fire Emblem fix, these are the titles that never fail to leave me satisfied.
