The Next Fire Emblem Protagonist Should Learn from One Unlikely Source

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The Next Fire Emblem Protagonist Should Learn from One Unlikely Source

Highlights

  • Fire Emblem avatars often fall into common tropes, but Shez from Three Hopes breaks the mold with a unique and expressive personality.
  • Previous avatars like Byleth, Corrin, and Alear were too perfect, making them less relatable to players, but Shez offers a new perspective.
  • Three Hopes strikes a balance by making Shez an engaging protagonist without overshadowing other characters, setting a new standard for future Fire Emblem heroes.

As a long-time fan of the Fire Emblem series, I’ve seen my fair share of player characters that have fallen into common tropes and left me feeling underwhelmed. But with Shez from Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, I finally felt like I was playing as someone who broke the mold.

Fire Emblem has introduced various playable characters throughout its history. Initially, the series predominantly featured typical main protagonists for players to identify with. However, creating avatar characters for the player to assume control over has now become a common practice. These avatars have experienced their share of victories and defeats. For the upcoming Fire Emblem protagonist, gaining inspiration from an unexpected quarter could provide a competitive advantage.

Although Fire Emblem avatar characters may vary, several shared themes can be observed. Some of these themes are beneficial or necessary for a custom character, yet they have also brought about unwanted tendencies. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes effectively addressed these issues, and the upcoming Fire Emblem hero would do well to take heed of each predecessor’s lessons.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes Features a Model Protagonist for the Next Game

Fire Emblem Three Hopes and Three Houses

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes could be viewed as a distinct entry in the series by some. While it shares the name with the previous game, Fire Emblem Warriors, the stories are unrelated. Presented as a follow-up to Fire Emblem: Three Houses, it actually offers an alternate narrative. Surprisingly, this separate timeline contributes crucial backstory to the earlier title’s plot and characters.

As a longtime fan of the Fire Emblem series, I’ve played my fair share of games, and let me tell you, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is one worth sinking your teeth into. The reason I’m so captivated by this title? None other than its extraordinary protagonist, Shez.

The Major Pitfalls Of Fire Emblem Protagonists

Avatars require players to manage multiple aspects simultaneously, potentially causing challenges for some gamers. For instance, since avatars represent players, they frequently possess undefined personas. Consequently, avatars may merge with the silent protagonist archetype, as Byleth does in “Fire Emblem: Three Houses.” In fact, Byleth’s adherence to this trope is even used for comedic effect within the game. However, like more talkative protagonists, Byleth encounters a similar predicament regarding how other characters interact with them.

In Fire Emblem games like Fates and Engage, protagonists such as Byleth, Corrin, and Alear are often idolized by the other characters they encounter. This is a common occurrence due to players’ desire to see their heroes exhibit powerful abilities or fulfill a fantasy of sorts.

Although these matters may seem distinct, they ultimately lead to a similar outcome: avatars may lose their appeal for players. Since players assign personalities to them, they fail to connect on a deeper level. Moreover, if all interactions are favorable, it diminishes the complexity of their narrative. The next Fire Emblem hero should embody players while maintaining the game’s richness.

Fire Emblem Warriors Addressed Major Avatar Criticisms

Shez skillfully steers clear of the drawbacks associated with a rigid persona, setting them apart as one of the most vibrant avatars ever created. Unlike Byleth, they exhibit more exuberance and successfully sidestep the shortcomings of their predecessors. Ultimately, their distinct personality sets them apart from Corrin and Alear, significantly influencing their role in the narrative.

Shez isn’t the focal point like everyone else, but it seems that having them around enhances the experience of the previous cast from Three Houses. Sometimes a protagonist can overshadow other characters, and Fire Emblem Awakening stood out for ensuring each character had their moment to shine. While Robin was significant, Chrom and Lucina took the lead roles in their respective stories.

Fire Emblem Awakening set the stage superbly for intriguing avatar characters, and Three Hopes demonstrated that an even more harmonious blend can be achieved. Shez introduced a rich persona without taking away from other characters or the overarching narrative. As the most identifiable protagonist to date, Shez serves as the perfect blueprint for Fire Emblem’s next leading hero.

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2024-07-29 21:06