Birthright is a lot like Awakening. If it wasn't tied to Conquest people might like it just a little more. The writing is out there and gameplay isn't really that challenging when you have played any other game in the series. The game isn't bad though. Unit customization is fun. It's just alright, it makes you appreciate Conquest's later chapters more.
Such a... change after Fire Emblem Awakening. I remember dropping this after one of the characters died due to not having enough of a bond with him (if you're a fan, you know which one). The story wasn't the best and getting this arbitrary loss would cause me to replay this... mediocre story. Wasn't gonna happen.