Fire Emblem: The Discussion Thread (keep FE Fates story under spoilertags)

[Minato]

That sounds like 14x to me...which would be after 14.

Maybe you're remembering wrong? IDK.

Oh, maybe I'm on 14x then. It's been awhile since I last played. I got burned out once I got to another fog of war map, haha.

It sounds like it's time to resume though.

 

[Robert of Normandy]

Oh, maybe I'm on 14x then. It's been awhile since I last played. I got burned out once I got to another fog of war map, haha.

It sounds like it's time to resume though.

I think 14x is the last FoW map for a while.

Are you trying a blind run?

 

[Minato]

I think 14x is the last FoW map for a while.

Are you trying a blind run?

I've been using a guide since I didn't want to miss the gaiden chapters on my playthrough. I really liked FE5 when I started it way way back. I'm just chipping away at it slowly because of the difficulty.

 

[Atrabilious]

I think I'd prefer it if the third route was the hardest one.

I imagine since the other two paths consist of aligning with one of two factions, the third route would mean the MC goes alone and effectively becomes a neutral faction either vying for peace or their own rulership (probably peace since I doubt they'd let you become a badass conqueror of the continent, as cool as that would be). When you decide that you'd rather be that guy in the middle of two warring nations and stabbing everything rather than putting on a Nohr/Hoshido jersey and being part of the team, part of me feels like you should constantly be up against a wall in terms of challenge. Mix it up equal parts objective missions and 'murder everyone' missions with higher difficulty and you got a winner that brings out of the best of both paths.

Ah well. I wonder how much the second campaign will cost after you pick up your freebie.

 

[Robert of Normandy]

Ah well. I wonder how much the second campaign will cost after you pick up your freebie.

I believe it's ~$20, just like the physical release.

 

[LasermasterA]

I think I'd prefer it if the third route was the hardest one.

I imagine since the other two paths consist of aligning with one of two factions, the third route would mean the MC goes alone and effectively becomes a neutral faction either vying for peace or their own rulership (probably peace since I doubt they'd let you become a badass conqueror of the continent, as cool as that would be). When you decide that you'd rather be that guy in the middle of two warring nations and stabbing everything rather than putting on a Nohr/Hoshido jersey and being part of the team, part of me feels like you should constantly be up against a wall in terms of challenge. Mix it up equal parts objective missions and 'murder everyone' missions with higher difficulty and you got a winner that brings out of the best of both paths.

Ah well. I wonder how much the second campaign will cost after you pick up your freebie.

Yes, that should be the case.

In games like Shin Megami Tensei, the neutral route or the middle route is usually the hardest. You decide to fight the order of law and order of chaos both and the route features bosses from both + a generally higher difficulty due to all the opponents involved.

 

[Robert of Normandy]

Apparently Smash isn't the only game with leaks.

http://serenesforest.net/2015/05/12/fire-emblem-famitsu-leak-phoenix-mode/

Main stuff to note:
-Weapon Durability is gone
-New "Phoenix Mode" where dead units revive on the following turn (separate from Casual/Classic modes, which are still here)
-There's some changes to the Dual system from Awakening
-Dancer Lady/Aqua is basically the anti-Avatar, being from Nohr but raised in Hoshido.
-Camilla is your sister. Hate to burst your bubble.

 

[Space Stranger]

-Camilla is your sister. Hate to burst your bubble.

This will not change anything regarding my plans.

The lack of weapon durability is still a big hit though.

 

[Robert of Normandy]

No weapon durability could work, in theory. It's not like it's entirely new to the series. FE2 didn't have durability, and FE4 may as well not because you can pay to have your weapons repaired and the game practically showers you with money. In FE2 this was offset by having only one slot for items, period, so weapons had to compete for space with things like shields and rings. And FE4 is FE4, everyone just space Holy Weapons, Braves, and Silvers.

Also who was actually asking for Phoenix mode. Seriously if you can't even wait for the end of the map for your units to revive then TBH you probably shouldn't be playing strategy games.

 

[Atrabilious]

I'm pretty okay with the durability removal. I always found it... let's say frustrating that due to the generally limited availability of rare/high-end weapons or the costs associated with buying them, I'd inevitably end up hording them for the entirety of the game for the final battle instead of just using it freely. I had this issue a lot in Awakening with stuff like the Hauteclaire, Balmung, Helswath, etc and as a result ended up with a large stash of high-end gear that I was only really willing to use on characters with Armsthrift and high luck. Everyone else just ended up using steel weapons because they were cost efficient and easy to replace.

All the durability removal needs to address to keep it balanced is the relative power of weapons and how easy they are to obtain. Their durability costs in previous entries was in itself a balance to how strong they could be, sure you can wreck a few fools in a single hit but once that weapon's gone it's gone. If they don't break, you can shift the power of the weapon down to be 'powerful' instead of 'absurd' to account for the infinite uses. Could also potentially lock them behind difficult side-missions/paralogues/optional mission objectives so players can't just snatch them up effortlessly and faceroll the game.

In trade, according to siliconeria and gamespot we get 'Dragon Pulses' which allow us to manipulate the field/map during battle.

sauce: http://www.siliconera.com/2015/05/1...modes-and-no-longer-has-limited-weapon-usage/

Placing bridges on the map, causing earthquakes, flattening mountains... that adds a new tactical dimension to the game that I quite like the sound of. I'll happily take that over weapon durability, providing it's done well. Setting up some legit flanking manoeuvres by altering the map at opportune moments sounds good to me.

Also who was actually asking for Phoenix mode. Seriously if you can't even wait for the end of the map for your units to revive then TBH you probably shouldn't be playing strategy games.

Phoenix mode isn't a bad thing. It's simply a setting, and it's not aimed at people like you and me, it simply serves to broaden the audience of the series. People get turned off by difficulty and this series is fairly notorious for it, telling them they don't have to worry about getting frustrated by the game and can just casually enjoy it will help sell more copies. As long as they retain options that allow long-term fans to enjoy the series in a more traditional fashion, I'm all for things that will help FE sell better and succeed more.

Edit: also on a somewhat unrelated note I really like the design of the default female avatar in this game. If this game features a log book I might start a save file with the FeMU and add her to it so I recruit her for my first playthrough on my MaMU.

 

[Robert of Normandy]

The digital copy of the Famitsu article is out.

http://serenesforest.net/2015/05/13/fire-emblem-famitsu-14th-may-details/

Some highlights:
-At a point in the Nohr campaign, players can reduce the difficulty from Classic to Casual/Phoenix or Casual to Phoenix, but cannot increase it.
-No benefit to playing classic mode besides bragging rights.
-Dancer lady's class is called Songstress and is basically a Dancer with Lances.
-There will be more variety in weapons to try and make the player think more about what weapon to use in any given situation to compensate for the removal of durability. These include weapons that reduce enemy critical rate, and weapons that are strong but hard to double with(return of weapon weight, possibly?)
-Ryouma's class is called Trueblade.
-Nohr classes include Sorcerers and "Brave Heroes"
-Hoshido classes include "Oni," who wield maces, and "Priestesses" who heal with batons.

 

[dezeray112]

Hmm....this will be very interesting with the FE:if details. I do hope to hear more info by the time E3 arrives.

 

[Minato]

Some info on the new weapon triangle http://gematsu.com/2015/05/fire-emblem-if-changes-up-the-weapon-triangle#AzRcMvUof1gydd6S.99

 

[Rutger]

I like the new weapon triangle.
It's hard to say how things will turn out with the types of enemies, but I see it possibly giving a small boost to the typically garbage bows thanks to now being good against the usually very common lance users, while somewhat hurting the typically strong magic, again because of the lance users. Who knows what the concealed weapons will add to this though.

Archers will still probably be worthless though.

 

[Atrabilious]

I'm really digging the whole stat modifiers on weapons things. Sounds like it'd help specialise your units beyond their class sets. Tankier classes like generals (depending on how the balance is throughout the game, jes' spitballing) probably wouldn't mind the Evade drop from more damaging weapons since they can take the hit and then wreck a fool with their axe/lance/sword in return. Frailer classes wouldn't mind the lower damage weapons so they can stack evade for dodge-tanking or just go balls to the wall and stack crit. for maximum shenanigans.

On the other hand if you can carry a backpack full of various weapons that cover your unit's stat deficiencies as and when needed, the whole specialization things sort of falls flat on it's face since you can carry a backup for most/every occasion without issue. I 'spose we'll see how it goes.

Also 'maid' and 'butler' classes gave me a chuckle. "Would Sir wish for the ruffians to be murdered quickly and efficiently or in a slow and gruesome manner? We aim to please, Sir."

 

[LasermasterA]

Also 'maid' and 'butler' classes gave me a chuckle. "Would Sir wish for the ruffians to be murdered quickly and efficiently or in a slow and gruesome manner? We aim to please, Sir."

Death by cleaning. And service. And "butlery".

To be honest, I have mixed feelings about the triangle being changed and the new weapons and all. Although the triangle was already fading away since PoR where the magic triangle was missing and RD where it was barely there.

These weapon modifiers will be interesting though, something to replace weapon management now that durability is gone.

 

[mimgrim]

I can't help but see Suzukaze's Iron Shuriken as being anything but broke as all hell.

+2 to wielder's Spd while reducing an enemy's Mag by 2 and Def and Res by 3.

Like Dayum.

 

[Elyssa Xey Hexen]

I should probably finish Thracia. I think I'm right before Chapter 14. Whatever gaiden chapter that's a small map and just bringing NPCs to the destination with spawning enemies.

You made me go through all the chapters and remember all the ones I disliked the most.

http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/cap4.htm - All swords and like one person who can take out the knights at the top.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/cap4x.htm - Mainly resets to deal with initial rushes of enemies.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap12.htm - I think you get hit with Sleep and no F***ing way to cure it as you get no restore staff up to this point. Or was it really limited uses by this point.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap14x.htm - AI no sense in this chapter.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap18.htm - LOL Saving NPCs, no.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap19.htm - Only hard because of stupid map placement of units that you cannot get full control over.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap22.htm - Only because a boss late into the chapter moved and got lucky and moved again on the same turn killing a unit I was prepared to protect on the following turn.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_final.htm - Again, another map ruined because you cannot place units where you want them to be placed.

 

[Minato]

You made me go through all the chapters and remember all the ones I disliked the most.

http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/cap4.htm - All swords and like one person who can take out the knights at the top.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/cap4x.htm - Mainly resets to deal with initial rushes of enemies.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap12.htm - I think you get hit with Sleep and no F***ing way to cure it as you get no restore staff up to this point. Or was it really limited uses by this point.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap14x.htm - AI no sense in this chapter.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap18.htm - LOL Saving NPCs, no.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap19.htm - Only hard because of stupid map placement of units that you cannot get full control over.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap22.htm - Only because a boss late into the chapter moved and got lucky and moved again on the same turn killing a unit I was prepared to protect on the following turn.
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_final.htm - Again, another map ruined because you cannot place units where you want them to be placed.

lol, basically all the ones you listed that I've already gotten to were definitely ones I remembers and would've listed.

There are two more that I would've listed.

http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap5.htm
http://www.fireemblemwod.com/fe5/guia/ENG_cap14.htm

Chapter 14 was pretty fun though since it was a test of endurance. I didn't like chapter 5 though. Short, but difficult.

 

[Elyssa Xey Hexen]

Oddly enough chapter 5 did not give me as many issues as I remember. I think the only tricky part was getting to open the door before they got killed. Chapter 5 was sort of a breather compared to the last two chapters where you were trying to recover from the disadvantages. I think I was running low on weapons by this point though.

I do not really remember chapter 14 as much. I probably would have mentioned more, but I ended up playing on elite mode and abusing the fact that you can arena at chapter 7 for free. Sort of gave me a good buff of units all the way to end game pretty much.

The game is certainly challenging on a blind run and I did not find stamina as much of an issue. I literally had like 10 or something leftover by the end of the game really only using one on the flyer. Weapon management is more of a pain until I got all of the gold from arena and it sort of availed that issue. Every FE game can be broken still lol

 

[Robert of Normandy]

Chapter 14 is, like, the best. I managed to capture Salem with 2 sleep staff uses left and so I was able to put the boss (Paulus) to sleep and take all his stuff. ^_^

 

[_Sheik]

Death by cleaning. And service. And "butlery".

To be honest, I have mixed feelings about the triangle being changed and the new weapons and all. Although the triangle was already fading away since PoR where the magic triangle was missing and RD where it was barely there.

These weapon modifiers will be interesting though, something to replace weapon management now that durability is gone.

There was a magic triangle in PoR though. I think it went Wind > Fire > Thunder > Wind..

 

[LasermasterA]

There was a magic triangle in PoR though. I think it went Wind > Fire > Thunder > Wind..

Yes. Anima magic had its own triangle (which ironically came first in Genealogy of the Holy War). But Dark magic was absent in PoR.

In Radiant Dawn we got the trinity of magic as well with Dark over Anima, Light over Dark and Anima over Light, with the triangle of Anima still intact. Although light users were less (main character was one herself though), Anima users numerous (with each specializing in one element) and Dark only 2 possible candidates (and that too in New Game+ >.< at the absolute end).

 

[EnigmaSSB]

I never minded that Dark magic was absent in PoR, despite loving the characters that generally used it in previous titles (Canas is my home boy!). I love how it's generally a rare type of character to grab, where Anima mages or knight classes are all very common. They always seem to be very interesting characters, too.

 

[Elyssa Xey Hexen]

Someone help me make this into a meme. Stop you Fe:fi!

Plus, a new nintendo direct about fe:if and not day of talk about it.

 

[Minato]

Someone help me make this into a meme. Stop you Fe:fi!

Plus, a new nintendo direct about fe:if and not day of talk about it.

We were all too mesmerized by this part https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oO7b-oWl2g#t=6m13s

 

[Atrabilious]

I genuinely can't get my head around the face touching thing. I find it equal parts incredibly weird and incredibly hilarious. Just the concept of the player character wandering around town and randomly lunging out and groping his allies faces' amuses me. On the other hand it's actually sorta creepy and makes me wonder why they put it in. Not sure why FE needed it's own edition of Pokémon Amie.

Character customisation gets a thumbs up from me, though I'm hoping that most of them lean towards looking cool rather than goofy.

And oh yeah, this is a thing;

Kinda salty that buying amiibos is such a crapshoot because this is the sort of thing I'd want them for.

 

[Minato]

Kinda salty that buying amiibos is such a crapshoot because this is the sort of thing I'd want them for.

Amiibos in FE if. Looks like I'll go to my closest store and-

— Rhap (Dizzy is finally here!) (@Rhapsody39) May 31, 2015

How I felt when I saw the Direct.

As for the head touching thing, it's odd, but it makes sense for them to appeal to that new Awakening fanbase. It's a little amusing and weird, haha. Either way, the other stuff they showed in the Direct is pretty good. Just wished we didn't have to wait so long.

 

[Elyssa Xey Hexen]

Alright so. Fire Emblem has gone on full dating simulator now. Tack on farm simulator and I am laughing my arse all the way home.

Watch Brom tend the crops with the newlywed Zihark and Megan while Nephenee--the neighbor over yonder-- pitches in a hand.

 

[Space Stranger]

I was too busy lurking on Serene's Forest to post anything.

I found a blog where the user translated and brokedown the My Castle features. From the looks of it, it sounds like a more expansive barrack with Streetpass capabilities:
http://pakaplus.tumblr.com/post/120359900208/the-fire-emblem-if-trailer-revealed-during

I must be the odd one out who doesn't mind the face-touching minigame. It seems like one of the many forms of increasing bonds for battle, the intended purpose of the mode.

 

[Gamegenie222]

Idk what to say about the my castle stuff LMAO

 

[Robert of Normandy]

The castle building stuff looks neat. The face touching stuff looks creepy.

 

[Minato]

Tharja artwork from that new TCG

While I'm not going to buy any, I'm looking forward to all the FE artwork. There's certainly not enough.

 

[Gamegenie222]

All i know is it screams phone wall paper material.

 

[Robert of Normandy]

I can't wait for Gaiden to get cards. Those characters really need artwork of ANY kind.

 

[Gamegenie222]

FE8 cards when

 

[Space Stranger]

Has it been confirmed whether or not those cards are being released in the West?

 

[Moydow]

Has it been confirmed whether or not those cards are being released in the West?

No news on them either way. I wouldn't hold my breath on them even being mentioned by Nintendo outside of Japan though.

 

[ZeldaMaster]

Wouldn't it be cool if you could scan any amiibo in and it would unlock that character as a playable unit? Characters like Shulk, Link, Zelda, and Pit are obvious fits, but imagine Wii Fit Trainer and Jiggilypuff as units haha.

 

[Hong]

If it can't be converted from the existing class pool, ported in from Awakening (like Marth), and not created with the avatar system, there's no way IS is going to have amiibo for all the crazy Smash characters when they are out to make 2 (3?) games. You can, say, map Sheik to the new Ninja class, but you have lots of stuff like Mr. Game & Watch or ROB that just doesn't have a match.

Could give you items or characters representative of that amiibo if they so insist, however.