Can I Start With Fire Emblem Engage? A Comprehensive Guide for Newcomers

The question of whether a newcomer should jump into the Fire Emblem series with Fire Emblem Engage is a common one, particularly among those familiar with the tactical RPG genre or those lured by the game’s vibrant visuals. The short answer is: Yes, absolutely! Fire Emblem Engage is a very accessible entry point, providing a solid gameplay experience even if you haven’t played previous titles. It’s designed in a way that players can learn the ropes without being overly punished for mistakes. While there are nuances that series veterans will pick up on quicker, the core mechanics are intuitive enough for anyone to enjoy. However, this answer comes with a few caveats which we will explore below, alongside a deep dive into common questions.

Engage as a First Fire Emblem Game: What to Expect

While Engage doesn’t require prior knowledge of the series’ lore, it does lean into its history, featuring many fan-favorite characters from previous games as “Emblem Rings.” This doesn’t mean you’ll be lost; the story is self-contained and revolves around a new protagonist, Alear, and their journey. The returning Emblem heroes from the past simply enhance gameplay, not the story’s core narrative.

The game excels in providing a clear tutorial for its turn-based combat system, a key aspect of the series. It introduces mechanics like weapon triangles, unit types, and terrain advantages in a structured way. You’ll have plenty of time to experiment with different strategies without being overwhelmed early on. Additionally, Engage boasts a more streamlined system than some of its predecessors, making it easy to pick up and play, even if you are new to strategy RPG games in general.

Difficulty Options and Gameplay Progression

Fire Emblem Engage offers multiple difficulty settings, allowing you to tailor the challenge to your preference. Starting on Normal is a perfectly acceptable way for newcomers to learn the game’s mechanics. However, players familiar with games like XCOM, as the article indicates, might find it a bit too easy and can start with Hard mode for a more challenging experience. It’s important to remember that you can always lower the difficulty mid-game if needed, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The article even mentions that many find Hard mode to be a significant jump in challenge from normal, emphasizing the importance of selecting a difficulty that fits your play style.

The Story and the DLC

The primary caveat to consider is the narrative. While the gameplay is universally praised, the core story of Fire Emblem Engage, by itself, is seen by some players as underwhelming. The article mentions that to get a full story experience, you would need both the base game and its DLC, specifically the xenologue dlc. For the story, the article recommends Fire Emblem Three Houses, suggesting that the narrative in that game is stronger. Thus, if a compelling story is your primary driving force, you might want to consider this before diving into Engage or be aware that purchasing the DLC could be a worthwhile addition to the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Fire Emblem Engage a good start for the series?

Yes, as mentioned above, Fire Emblem Engage is a highly accessible starting point due to its clear tutorials, streamlined mechanics, and customizable difficulty. It provides an excellent introduction to the core gameplay loop of the franchise.

2. Is Fire Emblem Engage hard for beginners?

The game starts with an appropriate level of difficulty, allowing players to learn the mechanics gradually. While some find the game easy later on in the game, particularly on Normal, the difficulty settings can be adjusted as needed.

3. Can I keep playing after beating Fire Emblem Engage?

Yes, you can continue playing after the credits roll, giving you the opportunity to complete any missed side quests or explore the world map further.

4. Is there marriage in Fire Emblem Engage?

No, there is no marriage system in Fire Emblem Engage, but you can form strong bonds with characters through Pact Rings, deepening your relationships with the cast.

5. Does Engage have a post-game?

Yes, the game provides a post-game experience with content to explore, including character bonds, replay options and new difficulty modes.

6. Should I be a boy or a girl in Fire Emblem Engage?

The gender of your main character, Alear, has no significant impact on the game’s story or gameplay.

7. What is the average playtime for Fire Emblem Engage?

The average playtime ranges from 30 to 50 hours, depending on your playstyle and how much side content you choose to explore. The main story consists of 26 chapters.

8. Is Hard actually hard in Fire Emblem Engage?

The jump from Normal to Hard is significant. The article describes it as challenging but a good fit for players seeking a balanced and engaging experience.

9. Should I start with Fire Emblem Three Houses or Engage?

While Engage is an excellent choice, the article gives a clear verdict: Three Houses is considered better overall, mainly because of its more engaging story. However, Engage is considered to be more replayable for many players. Ultimately, this decision depends on whether you are seeking an immersive story or a more streamlined tactical experience.

10. Can you romance characters in Fire Emblem Engage?

Yes, you can romance any character of your choice through S-Support, which requires the acquisition of a special item during the story. While you can build relationships up to A-Level with any character, you can only S-Support one.

11. Can you romance everyone in Fire Emblem Engage?

While you can build relationships with all characters, you can only achieve an S-Support with one.

12. Is Fire Emblem Engage one of the best in the series?

The article asserts that Fire Emblem Engage is one of the best in the series, lauded for its large character roster, changes to combat, and the engaging Emblem system.

13. Does Fire Emblem Engage have good replayability?

Yes, many players find Engage to be very replayable, due to its streamlined gameplay and the option to skip over story missions during subsequent playthroughs.

14. Is Fire Emblem Engage dark?

The game contains dark themes, including corrupted characters, and a main protagonist with a traumatic past.

15. Do I need to play the games before Fire Emblem Engage?

No, you do not need to play any prior games in the series to understand and enjoy Fire Emblem Engage. It is self-contained.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, Fire Emblem Engage is a great starting point for newcomers to the series, provided you understand the distinctions between its gameplay focus and the narrative experience. If you are primarily focused on a streamlined tactical experience that is easy to learn, Engage is a good choice. However, if a strong, compelling story is more your style, Fire Emblem Three Houses might be a better option to start with. The key is to consider your own preferences and choose the experience that best suits your gaming tastes. Ultimately, you can enjoy Engage without any previous experience with the series.