Can You Have Kids in Fire Emblem Engage? The Definitive Answer
The short answer is: no, you cannot have children in Fire Emblem Engage. The child-bearing mechanic, a popular feature in some previous Fire Emblem games, is not present in this latest installment. While you can engage in relationship-building and S-Support pairings, these relationships do not lead to the birth of child units. So, if you’re looking to breed the ultimate army, you’ll need to look to other Fire Emblem titles.
Why No Kids in Engage?
This decision represents a deliberate shift in design philosophy. Fire Emblem Engage focuses intensely on its core gameplay loop of strategic combat and character interactions, streamlining the experience and potentially aiming for a broader appeal. The absence of child units removes a layer of complexity from team-building and unit inheritance that might have been perceived as overwhelming by some players.
Instead, Engage emphasizes the “Emblem” mechanic, allowing characters to bond with legendary heroes from past Fire Emblem games, inheriting their skills and abilities. This system provides a different type of unit customization and progression, arguably replacing the role previously filled by child units. The game also emphasizes the inclusion of LGBT options where you can romance everyone in the cast no matter your gender.
Focusing on Strategic Depth and Character Bonds
While some fans may miss the child unit system, Fire Emblem Engage compensates with its refined combat system and deeper exploration of existing character relationships. The strategy is emphasized more than building a perfect family tree, with a singular narrative that goes back to the traditional route for Fire Emblem games.
The absence of child units allows the developers to focus on creating a compelling story and developing a cast of memorable characters without the need to introduce and integrate a second generation. This streamlined approach contributes to a more cohesive and focused gaming experience.
Fire Emblem Engage FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Fire Emblem Engage, covering everything from gameplay mechanics to romance options:
1. Is Fire Emblem Engage kid-friendly?
Fire Emblem Engage is generally recommended for players aged 13 and older. While the combat has a purpose that makes it engaging for different ages, and isn’t excessively gory, the game’s strategic depth requires a certain level of maturity. Some character designs, like the male side character Rosado are also geared towards mature players, although, it all boils down to preference.
2. Which Fire Emblem games feature child units?
The most notable Fire Emblem game with a prominent child unit system is Fire Emblem Awakening. There are 13 children in Fire Emblem Awakening, all of which can be unlocked as playable characters via marriage. Fire Emblem Fates also includes a child unit mechanic.
3. Can you marry in Fire Emblem Engage?
While you don’t technically “marry” in the traditional sense, you can give a Pact Ring to a character, forming a deeper bond and achieving S-Rank support. The game offers a great variety for LGBT options, and as stated above, you can romance almost everyone in the cast, no matter your gender.
4. Does Fire Emblem Engage have a school like Three Houses?
No. Fire Emblem Engage returns to a traditional singular narrative, unlike Fire Emblem: Three Houses, which featured a school-based life and calendar system.
5. Can anyone be any class in Fire Emblem Engage?
Yes, with the exception of character-specific classes, every character can become any class in Fire Emblem Engage. This allows for a high degree of customization and experimentation with different unit builds.
6. Can you romance girls as a girl in Fire Emblem Engage?
Yes, Fire Emblem Engage offers full same-sex romance options. You can achieve S-rank support with nearly any character regardless of your chosen gender.
7. Does your birthday matter in Fire Emblem Engage?
Yes, your birthday matters. If the player opens the game with their birthday, there won’t be as many people on Somniel to give Alear presents. This is because you recruit members as the player goes through the storyline.
8. Should I play male or female in Fire Emblem Engage?
There are no major gameplay differences between choosing a male or female protagonist in Fire Emblem Engage. The choice is purely aesthetic, so choose whichever character you prefer.
9. Can you romance everyone in Fire Emblem Engage?
While not literally everyone, you can romance a significant portion of the cast and achieve S-support with your chosen partner. This leads to unique character interactions and endings.
10. Who is a popular romance option in Fire Emblem Awakening?
Robin and Lucina is arguably the most popular ship for male Robin and Lucina. Lucina has a lot of feelings towards male Robin in the story.
11. Why doesn’t Fire Emblem Engage have traditional romance options early on?
The option to “romance” a companion doesn’t unlock until relatively late in the game. This triggering event happens in a paralogue that becomes available shortly after the late-game plot twist that results in Alear becoming an Emblem themself.
12. Is Fire Emblem Engage censored?
There have been some instances of international censorship. This primarily affects interactions with minor characters and includes the removal of gendered language.
13. Is Fire Emblem Engage a good game?
Yes. Fire Emblem Engage is a superb strategy game with graphically superior qualities to its predecessor. This game overall is like a celebration of the entire series as it gathers main characters from twelve games in the series.
14. What happens if you game over in Fire Emblem Engage?
If you game over and choose to retain experience, you retain your level but none of the stats you gained from leveling.
15. Can you marry Chloe in Fire Emblem Engage?
Yes, Chloe is one of the characters you can romance and “marry” (achieve S-Support with) in Fire Emblem Engage.
Beyond Children: Exploring the Depth of Engage
The absence of child units doesn’t diminish the overall quality or enjoyment of Fire Emblem Engage. It simply reflects a different design choice, focusing on refining other aspects of the gameplay experience. The Emblem system offers a deep and engaging form of character customization, while the game’s strategic combat and compelling storyline provide hours of entertainment. Plus, the inclusion of diverse romance options makes character relationships more fulfilling for a wider range of players.
For those interested in learning more about the educational potential of games like Fire Emblem, the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offers valuable resources and insights.