Gaiden vs Echoes

Whether you're new to the Fire Emblem Series, have only player Fire Emblem Fates, or are a fully-knowledgeable veteran who has player every game since the Famicom Original, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadow of Valentia brings a number of big changes to the core gameplay of the entire series. It even brings on a number of new features that wasn't originally seen in Fire Emblem Gaiden, which is the game Echoes was based upon.

As a remake of Fire Emblem Gaiden, Fire Emblem Echoes simplifies and perfects many of the systems expanded upon in earlier Fire Emblem Games. The weapon triangle has since been replaced, the support system has now been streamlined, and marriages and Childbirth have been removed. Branching paths have also been nixed, and in their place, a split-narrative between the main characters is now in place. Finally, there is no My Unit within Fire Emblem Echoes.

Even though Echoes' alterations to the formula largely are seen through subtractions, it does add a number of new features not seen before in the entire series. Visual novel-esque Settlements, as well as fully 3D, real-time Dungeons, are completely new to the gaming series. Add this to the turn-based tactical battles, and players have a more immersive way to experience the Fire Emblem Universe.

But despite all of these changes, Fire Emblem Echoes remains at its core a true RPG, where players take the role of either Alm and/or Celica to lead a team of other heroes against their enemies over the course of many turn-based tactical battles. Objectives continue to range from routing enemy forces or defeating mega bosses to rescuing captives and finding legendary treasures.