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Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Item: Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Third Person Perspective, Turn-Based, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Drama, Casual, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player

AvailableJul 26, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperIntelligent Systems, Koei Tecmo Games

Overview

Here, order is maintained by the Church of Seiros, which hosts the prestigious Officer’s Academy within its headquarters. You are invited to teach one of its three mighty houses, each comprised of students brimming with personality and represented by a royal from one of three territories. As their professor, you must lead your students in their academic lives and in turn-based, tactical RPG battles wrought with strategic, new twists to overcome. Which house, and which path, will you choose?

Elsewhere

8.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the well-developed and engaging narrative, with a focus on the journey of the main character and the different routes they can take. Critics such as App Trigger and DarkStation highlight the captivating and thought-out story, with surprising mysteries and brilliantly written characters. The story is described as epic, filled with personal agendas, sacrifices, and interplay between education and religion, as mentioned by Impulsegamer and Slant Magazine. The narrative is also commended for its shades of gray, branching paths, and the payoffs from the relationships built, as noted by Game Informer. The story is said to be immersive, drawing comparisons to previous entries in the series, and offers multiple storylines and character potential, according to Cheat Code Central. However, there are some criticisms regarding the story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. AusGamers mentions issues with pacing and rudimentary development of some characters. The review from COGconnected states that the reviewer has not progressed far enough in the game to provide a detailed analysis of the story. Additionally, the review from Wccftech mentions religious conspiracies and sides to pick, which may suggest a complex narrative that could potentially be overwhelming for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses is highly commendable. The majority of critics found the story to be well thought out, engaging, and immersive. The game offers multiple paths, surprises, and a deep narrative-driven world full of character, emotion, and rewarding mechanics, as mentioned by Gamers Heroes. The story is described as epic, with player choices having a significant impact on the narrative, as noted by GamesBeat. The focus on human tales of loss and redemption, the importance of each character's backstory and relationships, and the exploration of the influence of religion on the world are also praised, as highlighted by GamesRadar++ and Slant Magazine. Despite some minor criticisms, Fire Emblem: Three Houses delivers a compelling and expansive storyline that has left a positive impression on the majority of critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are overwhelmingly positive about the story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, praising its well-developed narrative, engaging character arcs, and immersive world. Despite minor criticisms like pacing issues and complexity, the consensus is that the game offers a deep, rewarding, and epic storyline with significant player choices and impactful relationships.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Fire Emblem: Three Houses are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the gameplay mechanics, with many highlighting the familiar turn-based strategy combat that the Fire Emblem series is known for. The addition of new features such as combat arts, battalions, and gambits were also well-received, adding depth and strategic options to the battles. App Trigger, Attack of the Fanboy, COGconnected, DarkStation, Destructoid, Gamers Heroes, Hardcore Gamer, Impulsegamer, My Nintendo News, Pure Nintendo, Shacknews, Switch Player, TheSixthAxis, VGC, Wccftech, We Got This Covered, and ZTGD all expressed positive opinions about the gameplay, praising its refinement, variety, and engaging nature. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions about the gameplay, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned. GamesRadar++ mentioned that the difficulty level may be too easy, but acknowledged that a tougher difficulty setting would be added in a future update. Game Informer pointed out that the battlefields could become repetitive and that there was a diminishing creativity in terms of terrain. However, these criticisms were relatively minor and did not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Fire Emblem: Three Houses is excellent. The combination of familiar mechanics with welcomed additions, such as the unique forms of the weapon triangle, magic-based weapons, gambits, and the Divine Pulse ability, were highly praised. The turn-based tactical combat, the ability to choose between permanent or transitory death for characters, and the emphasis on social interaction and character development were also highlighted as strengths of the gameplay. The positive opinions expressed by the majority of the critics indicate that Fire Emblem: Three Houses delivers a satisfying and engaging gameplay experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Fire Emblem: Three Houses gameplay, praising its refined turn-based combat, new features like battalions and gambits, and engaging strategic options. While some minor criticisms were noted, like easy difficulty and repetitive battlefields, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's mix of familiar mechanics with innovative additions, social interaction elements, and character development options make it a must-play for both series fans and newcomers.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Fire Emblem: Three Houses are quite varied. Many critics praised the game's visuals, highlighting the stunning character designs, beautifully designed grid-based combat, and impressive anime-style cutscenes. Critics such as Destructoid and TheSixthAxis specifically mentioned the captivating anime feel of the character designs and cutscenes. AusGamers and New York Daily News also commended the game's fresh and new presentation style, with New York Daily News even describing the graphics as breathtaking. Pure Nintendo and Shacknews praised the game for its spectacular visuals, with Pure Nintendo mentioning the abundance of detail, beautiful animation, and vibrant colors that pop off the screen. GamesBeat noted that the game has a significant visual upgrade compared to previous Fire Emblem games on the 3DS. However, there were also some negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Gamers Heroes criticized the poor textures, limited animations, and lack of map variation. They also mentioned that the performance on the Nintendo Switch was not up to par. Gaming Age found the game unattractive to look at and lacking impressive 3D visuals, although they did appreciate the menus, calendar art, and character portraits. Impulsegamer mentioned that while the graphics were good for a game of its genre, the battlefields could be repetitive and lack excitement. Switch Player and Wccftech both pointed out minor technical issues such as blurry textures and occasional frame rate issues, particularly in handheld mode. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Fire Emblem: Three Houses has impressive graphics and visual design, particularly in terms of character designs, cutscenes, and combat animations. The game's move to a more powerful console, the Nintendo Switch, allowed for a significant visual upgrade compared to previous Fire Emblem games on the 3DS, as noted by GamesBeat. Critics such as Pure Nintendo and Shacknews praised the stunning artwork and visuals that bring the heroes to life. However, there were some criticisms regarding technical issues, such as occasional slowdowns and graphical issues in handheld mode, mentioned by critics like DarkStation, ZTGD, and Wccftech. While there were some negative opinions regarding certain aspects of the graphics, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive side, with the majority of critics appreciating the game's visual finesse and unique art styles.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Positive feedback highlights stunning character designs and anime-style cutscenes, while some criticize poor textures and technical issues like frame rate problems. Overall, the game impresses with its visuals, especially on the Nintendo Switch, but minor flaws hold it back for some critics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the sound design and music of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. They praised the game for its solid full voice acting, energetic and engaging sound design, and epic combat music that enhanced the immersive experience. Critics such as DarkStation and Gaming Age highlighted the game's fully voice acted conversations, with the option to choose between Japanese or English audio, as a positive aspect. The Guardian commended the crisp and colorful script, along with the energetic and justice-filled voice acting. TheSixthAxis applauded the fantastically produced anime cutscenes and emotive score, which brought the characters vividly to life. The music was also highly praised, with Pure Nintendo mentioning the impressive blend of symphonic melodies and modern beats that perfectly complemented the game's aesthetics. We Got This Covered and ZTGD both praised the quality of the music, further emphasizing the positive reception of the sound design and music by the majority of the critics. While the overwhelming sentiment was positive, there were no specific negative opinions mentioned by the critics regarding the sound design and music of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. This suggests that the game was successful in delivering a satisfying audio experience that was well-received by the reviewers. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Fire Emblem: Three Houses received high praise from the majority of the critics. The game's solid full voice acting, epic combat music, energetic and engaging sound design, and impressive soundtrack were all highlighted as positive aspects. The positive reception of the sound design and music reflects the overall consensus that Fire Emblem: Three Houses excelled in delivering an immersive and captivating audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise Fire Emblem: Three Houses for its exceptional sound design and music, highlighting its full voice acting, energetic sound design, epic combat music, and impressive soundtrack. The game's positive reception reflects its success in delivering a captivating audio experience that brought the characters vividly to life. No negative opinions were mentioned, indicating the game's overall excellence in this aspect.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Fire Emblem: Three Houses has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its fully voiced interactions, discussions, and story sequences, with Gaming Age stating that the voice acting is good and adds a lot to the game. Pure Nintendo also commends the voice acting, describing it as splendid and highlighting the convincing voice work from a diverse cast of characters. TheSixthAxis further adds that the full voice acting throughout the game is generally excellent, bringing each of the numerous characters vividly to life. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting in Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a standout feature that enhances the overall experience. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor criticisms regarding the voice acting in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. DarkStation mentions that the avatar's lines are not fully voiced, which could be seen as a missed opportunity for a more immersive experience. However, this critique seems to be overshadowed by the positive comments from other reviewers. Overall, the negative aspects of the voice acting in the game are minimal and do not significantly impact the overall sentiment. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Fire Emblem: Three Houses is excellent. The energetic and justice-filled performances, as noted by Guardian, contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game. My Nintendo News highlights the familiarity of the voices for anime and JRPG fans, further adding to the positive reception. Slant Magazine specifically praises Chris Hackney's portrayal of Dimitri, emphasizing how his performance reflects the theme of the game. The positive feedback from multiple critics, coupled with the lack of significant negative comments, solidifies the notion that the voice acting in Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a strong aspect of the game. Players can expect a fully voiced experience that brings the characters to life and enhances their immersion in the game's world.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics love the voice acting in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, praising its full voice interactions and diverse cast. While some mention minor flaws like the avatar's lines not being fully voiced, overall, the voice acting enhances the game's experience with energetic performances and familiar voices for anime fans. Chris Hackney's portrayal of Dimitri is particularly lauded.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Fire Emblem: Three Houses on the Nintendo Switch, the reviewers had mixed opinions. Some critics, such as Cheat Code Central and Shacknews, praised the game's smooth performance in both docked and handheld mode. They highlighted that the game ran well without any major issues. Additionally, Wccftech mentioned that the game ran wonderfully on the Switch, with only minor faults like occasional slowdown and jagged edges in handheld mode. These positive reviews indicate that the game generally performs well on the Nintendo Switch, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. However, there were also critics who pointed out some negative aspects of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. DarkStation mentioned occasional distracting slowdowns, while Gamers Heroes stated that the performance wanes on the Switch. Hardcore Gamer noted noticeable frame rate issues in battles and occasional odd dips while running around, although they clarified that these issues were not game-breaking. ZTGD also mentioned frequent slowdowns on the Switch hardware, but stated that it did not affect the overall enjoyment of the game. These negative reviews indicate that there are some technical issues present on the Nintendo Switch version of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, including slowdowns and frame rate issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Fire Emblem: Three Houses on the Nintendo Switch is somewhat mixed. While some reviewers praised the smooth performance and minor technical issues, others highlighted occasional slowdowns and frame rate issues. Despite these technical shortcomings, the majority of the critics did not consider them to be game-breaking or significant enough to ruin the overall experience. Therefore, it can be concluded that while there are some technical issues present on the Nintendo Switch version of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, they do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Reviewers had mixed opinions on Fire Emblem: Three Houses technical performance on Nintendo Switch. Some praised smooth gameplay with minor faults, while others pointed out occasional slowdowns and frame rate issues. Overall, technical shortcomings don't ruin the gaming experience, making it still enjoyable on the Switch.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Fire Emblem: Three Houses are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics mention the multiple routes and story paths as a key factor in the game's high replayability. App Trigger, Attack of the Fanboy, COGconnected, Cheat Code Central, DarkStation, Destructoid, Game Informer, Gamers Heroes, GamesBeat, GamesRadar++, Gaming Age, Guardian, Hardcore Gamer, Impulsegamer, My Nintendo News, New York Daily News, Pure Nintendo, Softpedia, Switch Player, TheSixthAxis, Wccftech, and ZTGD all express their satisfaction with the game's ability to provide different experiences based on the choices made and the house chosen. They highlight the desire to play through the game again and try different routes, indicating a strong appeal for multiple playthroughs. In terms of negatives, only a few critics mention any drawbacks. Wccftech notes that some activities in the game can be fairly boring, which may impact the overall replay value for some players. However, this is a minor criticism compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Fire Emblem: Three Houses offers exceptional replay value. The game's multiple routes, different narratives, and character relationships provide a wealth of content and opportunities for players to explore. The desire to start a new game and experience different story paths is a common sentiment among the critics, as mentioned by App Trigger, Game Informer, and GamesRadar++. The majority of critics praise the game's replayability, with many mentioning the ability to choose different houses and recruit students from other houses as factors that contribute to the game's high replay value. The positive opinions from a wide range of critics highlight the game's strong appeal and its ability to keep players engaged and entertained through multiple playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Fire Emblem: Three Houses' exceptional replay value due to its multiple routes and story paths, leading to a desire for multiple playthroughs. Only a few critics mention minor drawbacks, such as some boring activities. Overall, the game impresses with its varied narratives, character relationships, and opportunities for exploration, garnering widespread praise for its strong appeal and ability to keep players engaged through different experiences.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics, making it a highly regarded title in the gaming community. The game has been praised for its beautiful graphics, engaging gameplay, and captivating story. Critics such as App Trigger, Attack of the Fanboy, and Cheat Code Central have all expressed their enjoyment of the game and consider it a must-have for Nintendo Switch owners. The ambition and attention to detail in Fire Emblem: Three Houses have also been commended by Game Informer and Softpedia, who highlight the game's role of the professor and the high level of care for the characters. The emotional depth and masterclass in storytelling and character development have been lauded by GamesRadar++ and Slant Magazine, with the latter describing the game as extraordinary and praising its powerful statement about humanity. Overall, the positive aspects of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, including its graphics, gameplay, and storytelling, have been widely acknowledged and praised by critics. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there are a few criticisms regarding Fire Emblem: Three Houses. AusGamers mentions pacing and character development as areas of concern, while VGC points out uninspired map designs and a lack of challenge. The elongated structure of the game is also mentioned by Slant Magazine, although it is noted that it doesn't weigh down the game's messages. TheSixthAxis acknowledges some technical issues but still considers the game accessible and enjoyable. These criticisms, although present, do not overshadow the overall positive reception of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an exceptional game that sets a new benchmark for the series. The positive aspects of the game, such as its beautiful graphics, engaging gameplay, and captivating story, have been widely praised by critics. The majority of reviewers consider it a must-have title and one of the best entries in the Fire Emblem franchise. While there are some minor criticisms regarding pacing, character development, and technical issues, these do not detract from the overall positive reception of the game. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is highly recommended for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering an immersive and enjoyable experience that will leave players eager for more.

TL;DR

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a highly regarded title in the gaming community, praised for its beautiful graphics, engaging gameplay, and captivating story. Critics laud its ambition, attention to detail, emotional depth, and masterful storytelling. While some critics mention pacing, character development, and technical issues as areas of concern, they do not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive reception of the game. Overall, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is considered an exceptional game that sets a new benchmark for the series, offering an immersive and enjoyable experience for fans and newcomers alike.

MONSTER

Reviews

154 reviews found

100

New York Daily News

Nintendo Switch

Aug 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a turn-based strategy gaming heaven.

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100

Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Aug 19, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that the game is a must-have title.

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100

GamesRadar+

Nintendo Switch

Jul 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Fire Emblem: Three Houses as a emotionally gripping tactics game with a masterclass in storytelling and character development. It mentions that the reviewer cares deeply about their squad and is already invested in replaying the game.

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100

Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Aug 8, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fire Emblem Three Houses is a very special game that redefines the series while maintaining the core strategy gameplay.

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Cheat Code Central

Nintendo Switch

Jul 31, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a fantastic game that will be remembered as one of the Nintendo Switch's best titles.

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Softpedia

Nintendo Switch

Sep 16, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fire Emblem: Three Houses offers an incredible experience from beginning to end, although the “end” is not really the END, as the story certainly deserves to be viewed from more than one perspective.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Aug 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a must-own game for every Switch owner, and it's the biggest and most impressive entry in the series to date.

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Destructoid

Nintendo Switch

Jul 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly enjoyable and exemplifies the RPG part of SRPG. It offers a world to lose oneself in for months.

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App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

Aug 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Fire Emblem: Three Houses has the potential to become Game of the Year material and praises the game as beautiful and engaging. The overall verdict is highly positive.

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Game Informer

Nintendo Switch

Jul 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game for its ambition, the role of the professor, and the high level of care for the characters.

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