Narrative: 5 - Gameplay: 5 - Visuals: 5 - Soundtrack: 5 - Time: 5
Stars: 5
I'm a bit obsessive with the concept of time. I love to go round and around about it. So, when it comes to games, it's important to me to figure out where the game stands regarding the time lens. With that in mind, it took me 188 hours and 39 minutes to finish my first (and, for now, only) run. And I can easily state that my Blue Lions journey was fantastic.
Three Houses is not my first Fire Emblem, though. Path of Radiance is my favorite, but I've also finished Shadow Dragon and Awakening. And they're all very dear to me. I remark on my prior relationship with the series because it seems somewhat important to expose what a revolution Three Houses is.
The roster is gigantic. There are a lot of characters and even more choices to the made in a single run. This would seem like a problem if the game wasn't exceptionally remarkable regarding its depth and relevance to the story itself. Every character matters, and it's up to you to nurture them and fulfill their potential. I've felt, more than once, unveiling a dark canvas as I progressed. Every conversation, class, or tea party enabled me to understand their motivation, personal history, and trauma. Each interaction shines a light into the canvas of a complex and fantastical world.
I need to take a moment to voice that this quality was only possible due to the amazing work of the Seiyuu cast. I'm well aware that most of the time spent in the game was listening to conversations, which were all dubbed to perfection. Among other excellent technical performances, the character designs fit like a glove to every voice and personality. With such a large cast of characters, it is extremely impressive the care given to every single one of them.
The gameplay, however, is no different. I feel that the game allows you any kind of relationship. If you want to quickly sort your strategy and push forward, is completely possible. Although if you, like myself, would rather maintain notes of your plans, set specific goals for your students and try to make everyone survive, you're also allowed (and encouraged). The calendar mechanic, however not unique (shout out to the Persona series) is exceptionally fitting to the game.
The core though, is the story. And what a story. A game of perspectives, interests, and relevant worldviews. At the beginning (if you know nothing of the game, of course), it's like a fresh start in a new school. You quickly assess your favorite personalities (as they all have an opportunity to present themselves). Making friends, answering questions (and feeling their responses), and going around the houses is fun. The reality, nonetheless, eventually creeps in, and tough choices need to be made. The feeling of the first day swiftly turns, and mystery and violence becomes conquer the atmosphere. Never letting down, Fire Emblem engages you until the end and lets you, certainly curious and hungry for more perspectives, critical choices, and outlooks in this rich and vast world.
Stars: 5
I'm a bit obsessive with the concept of time. I love to go round and around about it. So, when it comes to games, it's important to me to figure out where the game stands regarding the time lens. With that in mind, it took me 188 hours and 39 minutes to finish my first (and, for now, only) run. And I can easily state that my Blue Lions journey was fantastic.
Three Houses is not my first Fire Emblem, though. Path of Radiance is my favorite, but I've also finished Shadow Dragon and Awakening. And they're all very dear to me. I remark on my prior relationship with the series because it seems somewhat important to expose what a revolution Three Houses is.
The roster is gigantic. There are a lot of characters and even more choices to the made in a single run. This would seem like a problem if the game wasn't exceptionally remarkable regarding its depth and relevance to the story itself. Every character matters, and it's up to you to nurture them and fulfill their potential. I've felt, more than once, unveiling a dark canvas as I progressed. Every conversation, class, or tea party enabled me to understand their motivation, personal history, and trauma. Each interaction shines a light into the canvas of a complex and fantastical world.
I need to take a moment to voice that this quality was only possible due to the amazing work of the Seiyuu cast. I'm well aware that most of the time spent in the game was listening to conversations, which were all dubbed to perfection. Among other excellent technical performances, the character designs fit like a glove to every voice and personality. With such a large cast of characters, it is extremely impressive the care given to every single one of them.
The gameplay, however, is no different. I feel that the game allows you any kind of relationship. If you want to quickly sort your strategy and push forward, is completely possible. Although if you, like myself, would rather maintain notes of your plans, set specific goals for your students and try to make everyone survive, you're also allowed (and encouraged). The calendar mechanic, however not unique (shout out to the Persona series) is exceptionally fitting to the game.
The core though, is the story. And what a story. A game of perspectives, interests, and relevant worldviews. At the beginning (if you know nothing of the game, of course), it's like a fresh start in a new school. You quickly assess your favorite personalities (as they all have an opportunity to present themselves). Making friends, answering questions (and feeling their responses), and going around the houses is fun. The reality, nonetheless, eventually creeps in, and tough choices need to be made. The feeling of the first day swiftly turns, and mystery and violence becomes conquer the atmosphere. Never letting down, Fire Emblem engages you until the end and lets you, certainly curious and hungry for more perspectives, critical choices, and outlooks in this rich and vast world.