Fire Emblem Engage’s Protagonist Encourages the Opposite Approach in FE18

Fire Emblem Engage's Protagonist Encourages the Opposite Approach in FE18

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that the Fire Emblem series has been a staple in my RPG collection for quite some time now. From the tactical gameplay to the captivating storylines and rich character development, each new installment always leaves me eagerly awaiting the next one.


Fire Emblem Engage is the seventeenth game in the Fire Emblem series, a well-known and successful Nintendo fantasy tactical RPG franchise. It follows the success of another popular mainline game, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, which has left an enduring impact with its mechanics and spin-offs, and is often praised for its exceptional character development, relationships, world design, gameplay, and atmosphere. As expected, these two games share similarities, showcasing Nintendo’s knack for reusing successful concepts in innovative ways within the series. This is a common trait among good sequels. Even the main characters of both games can be seen as echoes of each other in some sense.

In the game FE: Three Houses, the main character, Byleth, significantly influenced the story’s conclusion due to the significant fact that a deceased god (Sothis) resides within their spirit/mind. Moreover, the central conflict revolves around this monastery, Garrach Mach, which is crucial for gameplay as it houses most vital characters in the game. In essence, Byleth possesses godly power. Similarly, the protagonist of Fire Emblem Engage, Alear, is also a god who dwells within Somniel, a floating monastery that shares Garrach Mach’s role in the gameplay context.

To Play a Fire Emblem Title is to Play God

As a devoted fan, I find it intriguing how these characters maneuver their roles within the story. For instance, Byleth and others are unaware that the god served by the main faction resides within them, while Alear is revered as a deity by everyone except themselves. This discrepancy raises exciting questions about where Fire Emblem might steer its narrative in terms of crafting unique protagonist dynamics for an entirely fresh, immersive experience that deviates from the familiar patterns fans have grown accustomed to.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the dignity and esteem that Byleth and Alear naturally possess due to their lineage. However, it’s fascinating to consider stories about characters with vastly different upbringings, both within and beyond the realm of Fire Emblem. It would be captivating to see Fire Emblem introduce a protagonist who stands in stark contrast to the recent duo, paving the way for a fresh narrative perspective.

Fire Emblem Needs a More Well-Rounded Protagonist for Its Next Entry

A hero who builds their own prestige through actions or determination instead of starting with it (or possibly even a path that involves restoring lost respect/dignity) would break away from a concept becoming overly common in the series. Additionally, many characters in Engage have been criticized for being one-dimensional and not contributing much to the game’s quality beyond increasing the number of playable characters. On the other hand, the characters in Three Houses are complex and multi-layered, with personal issues that make them intriguing and relatable. The character development significantly enhances the gaming experience, and a shift back to creating more nuanced characters is essential for the next mainline installment.

Several characters from the game “Three Houses” who have challenging pasts yet captivating narratives, earning them a place among fans’ favorites, are as follows:

  • Claude
  • Edelgard
  • Dorothea
  • Sylvain
  • Dedue

In essence, while Byleth and Alear both managed to drive the stories of two well-known games effectively, the upcoming sequel to Fire Emblem: Engage requires a new protagonist who can set a fresh tone for the series and prove that being a god or having a deceased one speaking in your ear isn’t a prerequisite for greatness and legendhood.

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2024-09-08 02:53