Fire Emblem Heroes
Hyrule Warriors was a surprise hit from Omega Force and Team Ninja, successfully marrying the mechanics and fan service of the Zelda series to the over-the-top action of the Musou franchise. As good as that pairing was, the developers have really outdone themselves with their latest offering, as it adds a deep layer of strategy that simply wasn’t available in Hyrule Warriors.
All the key elements of the Fire Emblem strategy series are found in Warriors and they work exceptionally well. The weapon triangle is in place, meaning battles against certain weapon-wielding opponents are easier or harder, it’s possible to team up with a companion, enhancing your attack power and increasing your relationship with them once the battle has ended and permadeath is also included, adding a further level of complexity to proceedings (it can be turned off if you want an easier challenge, though). Weapons can be sold or enhanced at your camp, Pegasus Knights still struggle against archers, while it’s possible to create a large number of new moves by collecting items dropped in battle.
The story that brings the likes of Chrom, Marth, Lyn, Frederick and Corrin together is delightfully absurd and focuses on two twins, Rowan and Lianna, who are trying to stop the world of Aytolis from plunging into darkness. It’s silly and rarely makes sense, but it does deliver some fun fan service, particularly if you’ve been waiting to see how your favourite heroes would fare if they ever got into fights with one another. It’s a shame that not every core game and its characters are represented, but the 20-plus heroes won’t disappoint.
Content-wise Fire Emblem Warriors is ridiculous. The core game will take many hours to complete, but you’ll spend most of your time lost in the gigantic History mode, which recreates many of the classic battles from Shadow Dragon, Shadows Of Valentia, The Blazing Blade, Awakening and Fates. Battles vary as well, from rescue missions to time attacks and sieges. Fire Emblem Warriors is full of variety and filled with the same fan service that made Hyrule Warriors so much fun to play.
» System: Switch (tested), New 3DS » Buy it from: Online, retail » Buy it for: £49.99, £59.99 (limited edition) £39.99 (New 3DS)