I have never followed a game’s lead-up to release as closely as I watched Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Ever since its announcement at E3 2018 (remember E3?), I watched all of Nintendo’s social media sites like a hawk.
I wanted to see how the titular houses would be incorporated into the gameplay. I couldn’t wait to meet the new characters. And, of course, I wanted to see how developer Intelligent Systems expanded and innovated on the Fire Emblem formula for its 16th entry.
As soon as it went on sale, I ordered the game’s special edition on Target’s website. When Target cancelled my order for some reason, I dropped $100 at Gamestop instead.
After a few delays, the game was released on July 26, 2019. I remember coming home to my apartment and seeing the box from Gamestop. I knew my most anticipated game in years had arrived.
What I didn’t know at the time was that it would become my favorite video game of all time.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is everything I want a video game to be. It has a colorful cast of likable characters, the gameplay is engaging, the soundtrack is excellent and its replay value is immeasurable.
In the land of Fódlan, our silent avatar Byleth is a mercenary with their father. By chance, they happen to meet the heirs to all three of Fódlan’s nations, who are being chased by bandits. They assist the trio and proceed with introductions.
Edelgard von Hresvelg is the level-headed princess of the Adrestian Empire. She is headstrong and passionate but struggles to express her true emotions.
Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd appears to be the epitome of nobility. The prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus is well-mannered and idealistic. However, he appears to have some sort of chip on his shoulder that he can’t let go.
Claude von Riegan is the grandson of the head of the Leicester Alliance. He’s intelligent and sociable, though he’s always scheming something.
As it turns out, all three of them are students at the Officer’s Academy at Garreg Mach Monastery. The monastery is the head of Fódlan’s largest religion, the Church of Seiros, so it is located in neutral territory in the middle of the continent.
They bring Byleth to the monastery, where Archbishop Rhea offers them a position as a professor. Well, the game makes it seem like a choice, but the player has to accept it. After all, there would be no game if we could just say “no.”
Here, the game’s big choice takes place. Byleth is allowed to choose which of the three houses they will teach, and it turns out their new friends each lead one.
Edelgard leads the Black Eagles, Dimitri heads the Blue Lions and Claude is in charge of the Golden Deer. Each class has eight students with their own unique personalities and gameplay characteristics.
Now that the player has an army, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of this game: creating child soldiers.
Three Houses has the same grid-based tactical gameplay as every other Fire Emblem game. During the player’s turn, they can move their units along chess-like squares and perform actions such as attacking, casting a spell or using an item.
While not on the battlefield, however, the player can choose goals for the students to pursue. Every character has their own strengths and weaknesses, but the player doesn’t have to make a character play to their strengths.
For example, Lysithea is one of the best mages in the series. She has strengths in learning both types of magic and weaknesses in learning axe and heavy armor, among other skills. However, I could make Lysithea use an axe throughout the game if I truly wished.
This makes the game infinitely replayable. I once did a run where I only used the gauntlet weapon type. I also had a playthrough that was only boys. The beauty here is that there is so much customization. I will never run out of ideas to play through the game.
My eternal nemesis, the word count, has reared its head. I didn’t even touch on how much I love the cast of characters (my favorite is Felix), the excellent music, the highlighted moral gray of conflict and the support conversations between characters.
I recommend this game to just about everyone. It’s a masterpiece that I have over 830 hours in. Were I being a bit more objective, I would likely give this game a 4/5. But I’m not doing that.
5/5. Play this game.
Tolbert can be reached at tolbernj7262@uwec.edu. Recruit him into your house.
