Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Critic Reviews

I really, really like Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. Shifting the focus from character interactions to more gameplay mechanics was a huge deal for me, along with a story that feels like it’s developing with you, rather than happening in the background. Definitely pick it up if you’re a Fire Emblem fan, either new or old!

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is an enjoyable game despite a few changes to the gameplay. While some strategic elements were eliminated, the game still maintains a lot of what made the series enjoyable in the past, plus throws in some new elements such as the third-person dungeon exploring. If you don't mind the strategy being dumbed down a bit, Fire Emblem Echoes is still a great game worth checking out for fans and first-timers alike.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia really surprised me. What I thought would be a simple spin-off game ended up being arguably the best Fire Emblem game I’ve played. There’s more than enough new things to spice things up for series die-hards, and newcomers will enjoy things like being able to turn off “permadeath.” With some of the best presentation on the 3DS, Fire Emblem Echoes is a must own for RPG fans.

Fire Emblem Echoes is the most refreshing installment in the series to date and another vital addition to the 3DS library.

This isn't only one of the best 3DS games, but it is also what the series needed. One of those games you cannot miss if you like the genre.

Despite being a remake, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is one of the most outstanding games to come to Nintendo 3DS this year. It's also one of the best deliveries of a Fire Emblem title thanks to the inclusion of novelties such as exploration in 3D and classic elements of the saga.

Fire Emblem has come to be one of Nintendo’s premier franchises, with Shadows of Valentia further cementing the series’ sterling reputation. This is some of the best storytelling and gameplay anyone could hope for on any platform, whether home or portable. Its presentation belies the fact that the game is running on a portable console, and the clever additions to the familiar Fire Emblem formula have yet again breathed new life into a series that has never been stagnant. There are other features waiting to be enjoyed, like the addition of Amiibo that bring new dungeons and fighters, a StreetPass feature, and more. It’s likely that other than Fire Emblem Warriors this will be the last time the franchise appears on 3DS, but it’s going to be a long goodbye—expect to sink many hours into this adventure. Alm and Celica have firmly cemented themselves into the ranks of my favorite Fire Emblem characters, and I hope that when the series transitions to Switch it will be half as entertaining as Shadows of Valentia.

Built around a captivating story told from two sides, the usage of a world map together with the classic style battle system makes Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia yet another must play game for the franchise.

Taken both on its own and as part of the larger Fire Emblem franchise, Echoes's unique elements help it stand out from its contemporaries. If you feel like you're up to a lengthy, engaging challenge, then Echoes will satisfy in spades.

Put aside any misconceptions you have about strategy RPGs, Shadows of Valentia demands your time and will make you feel good for it.

Proof that the 3DS still has life left in it yet, Echoes is a phenomenal Fire Emblem and a wonderful tactical title to tuck into.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia manages the remarkable trick of remaking one of the oldest entries in the series, and making it feel fresh. The major differences from the other 3DS games may take some getting used to, but long time fans will relish the return of some purity to the tactical action, while this is easily the best-told story the series has ever seen.

It’s difficult to imagine executing a remake of a near 30-year-old experience more effectively and efficiently than Intelligent Systems has, applying just the right amount of refinement and new ideas to antique gameplay systems that clearly still work.

A game which is both old and new. And that's why it works so well even after all these years.

It’s hard to say if the changes made in Echoes will be for everyone, especially fans that may have started with the more recent entries. Even so, it’s refreshing to have a Fire Emblem game that feels so different, even though it’s actually a remake of a 25 year old game. The spirit and backbone of Fire Emblem is still present, and it’s an experience that only gets better the more you play.

Fire Emblem Echoes manages to make everyone happy: long time fans will appreciate the chance to play the second Famicom title (never released in the West), while newcomers will find the perfect game to start one of the greatest turn-based tactical series ever made.

Quotation forthcoming.

This entry goes to show that there's room within the franchise to make different looking Fire Emblem entries that still feel true to the series but which also dare to not only tread new ground, but to do so in a great way. It's a well rounded package that is well balanced to please the majority of its audience, like the entire trilogy of Fire Emblem Fates before it, but while keeping it all confined to just one game with the complete epic story being accessible just from buying this one piece of software instead of it being spread out, and that's something to be thankful for.

The sheer amount of quality is impressive and delightful. You can see it in how the story, presentation and scenarios are set up which are on the top of their game. I flew through the game in 18 hours and am already ready for another playthrough. That being said, there are two knocks I have against the experience. The game felt somewhat on the easier side and the dungeons could've had a little more to do. Those are minor things in a journey that doesn't slow down from start to finish. If you’re here to be enchanted, Fire Emblem Echoes delivers in spades.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a quality Fire Emblem game, no doubt about it. It’ll feel strange at first for those who started with Blazing Blade or a later title, but not in a bad way. Once you get used to its little quirks, any Fire Emblem fan will love this game. It’s got an engaging story, likable characters, and multifaceted gameplay that stands together with the rest of the series in some ways and sets itself apart in other aspects. Whether you were looking for a change of pace or just more Fire Emblem, this game is sure to satisfy.