Three Houses vs Engage - Which is the Better Fire Emblem?!

The epic video you're about to watch has The epic video you're about to watch has been edited by the one and only Kevin been edited by the one and only Kevin been edited by the one and only Kevin the protagonist. Check out his channel the protagonist. Check out his channel the protagonist. Check out his channel down in the description below for more down in the description below for more down in the description below for more awesome JRPG content. And if you need an awesome JRPG content. And if you need an awesome JRPG content. And if you need an editor for any of your video essays, editor for any of your video essays, editor for any of your video essays, he's the guy to go to. I also want to he's the guy to go to. I also want to he's the guy to go to. I also want to give a special thanks to my Fire Emblem give a special thanks to my Fire Emblem give a special thanks to my Fire Emblem expert friends Surge, Caterpillar, and expert friends Surge, Caterpillar, and expert friends Surge, Caterpillar, and Alec who reviewed the script, Alec who reviewed the script, Alec who reviewed the script, fact-checked it, and gave me the A-OK. fact-checked it, and gave me the A-OK. fact-checked it, and gave me the A-OK. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this video. Fire Emblem fans have been video. Fire Emblem fans have been video. Fire Emblem fans have been fighting a gnarly battle for years. And fighting a gnarly battle for years. And fighting a gnarly battle for years. And no, not on the battlefield, but in no, not on the battlefield, but in no, not on the battlefield, but in Twitter replies and YouTube comment Twitter replies and YouTube comment Twitter replies and YouTube comment sections. On one side, you have the sections. On one side, you have the sections. On one side, you have the Three Houses fans who believe that it's Three Houses fans who believe that it's Three Houses fans who believe that it's the peak of storytelling. And on the the peak of storytelling. And on the the peak of storytelling. And on the other side, you have the Engage other side, you have the Engage other side, you have the Engage defenders who are saying it brought the defenders who are saying it brought the defenders who are saying it brought the series back to its roots and it's series back to its roots and it's series back to its roots and it's honestly an overrated and underrated honestly an overrated and underrated honestly an overrated and underrated game that still has so much to offer. game that still has so much to offer. game that still has so much to offer. But here's the thing, what if both sides But here's the thing, what if both sides But here's the thing, what if both sides were actually right? Because the truth were actually right? Because the truth were actually right? Because the truth is, Three Houses and Engage aren't is, Three Houses and Engage aren't is, Three Houses and Engage aren't really competing with each other.

really competing with each other. really competing with each other. They're showing us what Fire Emblem can They're showing us what Fire Emblem can They're showing us what Fire Emblem can be in two different ways. And depending be in two different ways. And depending be in two different ways. And depending on which kind of gamer you are, one on which kind of gamer you are, one on which kind of gamer you are, one might feel like a masterpiece and the might feel like a masterpiece and the might feel like a masterpiece and the other might feel like kind of a misstep. other might feel like kind of a misstep. other might feel like kind of a misstep. How's it popping, guys? It's me, Nish How's it popping, guys? It's me, Nish How's it popping, guys? It's me, Nish Quick, and in this video, I'm going to Quick, and in this video, I'm going to Quick, and in this video, I'm going to be really taking a deep look and be really taking a deep look and be really taking a deep look and dissecting both Three Houses and Engage, dissecting both Three Houses and Engage, dissecting both Three Houses and Engage, trying to figure out what makes Three trying to figure out what makes Three trying to figure out what makes Three Houses so beloved and see if Engage is Houses so beloved and see if Engage is Houses so beloved and see if Engage is truly underrated and if it truly truly underrated and if it truly truly underrated and if it truly deserves more respect. I also wanted to deserves more respect. I also wanted to deserves more respect. I also wanted to mention that if you're new to the Fire mention that if you're new to the Fire mention that if you're new to the Fire Emblem series, you can rest easy. This Emblem series, you can rest easy. This Emblem series, you can rest easy. This video isn't going to have any spoilers. video isn't going to have any spoilers. video isn't going to have any spoilers. You might have a better idea of which of You might have a better idea of which of You might have a better idea of which of these games could be a really good entry these games could be a really good entry these games could be a really good entry point for you with the series. This point for you with the series. This point for you with the series. This isn't just going to be a video about isn't just going to be a video about isn't just going to be a video about comparing and contrasting these two comparing and contrasting these two comparing and contrasting these two games, but it's going to be a video to games, but it's going to be a video to games, but it's going to be a video to kind of show you guys how Fire Emblem kind of show you guys how Fire Emblem kind of show you guys how Fire Emblem just keeps reinventing itself as a just keeps reinventing itself as a just keeps reinventing itself as a series. And with Fortune's Weave on the series. And with Fortune's Weave on the series. And with Fortune's Weave on the horizon, maybe we will get the best of horizon, maybe we will get the best of horizon, maybe we will get the best of both worlds in this upcoming Fire Emblem both worlds in this upcoming Fire Emblem both worlds in this upcoming Fire Emblem entry. So, if you're excited for entry. So, if you're excited for entry. So, if you're excited for Fortune's Weave, if you love Fire Fortune's Weave, if you love Fire Fortune's Weave, if you love Fire Emblem, and if you enjoyed Nintendo and Emblem, and if you enjoyed Nintendo and Emblem, and if you enjoyed Nintendo and JRPG content, this is the place to be.

JRPG content, this is the place to be. JRPG content, this is the place to be. Hit the like button, it helps me out Hit the like button, it helps me out Hit the like button, it helps me out more than you can ever imagine. more than you can ever imagine. more than you can ever imagine. Subscribe for more content like this, Subscribe for more content like this, Subscribe for more content like this, and hype the video cuz Fire Emblem is a and hype the video cuz Fire Emblem is a and hype the video cuz Fire Emblem is a pretty hyped series. pretty hyped series. pretty hyped series. But before we like get into the really But before we like get into the really But before we like get into the really nitty-gritty dissection and comparisons, nitty-gritty dissection and comparisons, nitty-gritty dissection and comparisons, I want to give you guys a bit of I want to give you guys a bit of I want to give you guys a bit of background on my history with both of background on my history with both of background on my history with both of these games. So, I started Fire Emblem these games. So, I started Fire Emblem these games. So, I started Fire Emblem Engage when it came out in January 2023, Engage when it came out in January 2023, Engage when it came out in January 2023, and then I took a little bit of a break and then I took a little bit of a break and then I took a little bit of a break when other games like Metroid Prime when other games like Metroid Prime when other games like Metroid Prime Remastered and Tears of the Kingdom came Remastered and Tears of the Kingdom came Remastered and Tears of the Kingdom came out. But then eventually I returned to out. But then eventually I returned to out. But then eventually I returned to it in early 2024 and completed the game it in early 2024 and completed the game it in early 2024 and completed the game and rolled credits. As for Three Houses, and rolled credits. As for Three Houses, and rolled credits. As for Three Houses, I started that game in the summer of I started that game in the summer of I started that game in the summer of 2020, played through it, completed 2020, played through it, completed 2020, played through it, completed Crimson Flower, and then I started a Crimson Flower, and then I started a Crimson Flower, and then I started a Golden Deer run of Verdant Wind in in Golden Deer run of Verdant Wind in in Golden Deer run of Verdant Wind in in like mid-2022, like mid-2022, like mid-2022, did a bit of that, took a break, did a bit of that, took a break, did a bit of that, took a break, continued it after I completed Engage in continued it after I completed Engage in continued it after I completed Engage in 2024, and currently right now I'm doing 2024, and currently right now I'm doing 2024, and currently right now I'm doing a run of Blue Lions trying to complete a run of Blue Lions trying to complete a run of Blue Lions trying to complete the Azure Moon path on the lead up to the Azure Moon path on the lead up to the Azure Moon path on the lead up to Fortune's Weave. After completing both Fortune's Weave. After completing both Fortune's Weave. After completing both of these games and spending a lot of of these games and spending a lot of of these games and spending a lot of time with them, I can confidently say I time with them, I can confidently say I time with them, I can confidently say I love both. But I have to ask the love both. But I have to ask the love both. But I have to ask the question, is Three Houses really that question, is Three Houses really that question, is Three Houses really that much better? I remember the pre-release much better? I remember the pre-release much better? I remember the pre-release lead-up and release of Engage very, very lead-up and release of Engage very, very lead-up and release of Engage very, very vividly. People were saying how they vividly. People were saying how they vividly. People were saying how they were robbed of a game on the level of were robbed of a game on the level of were robbed of a game on the level of Three Houses, and how it didn't live up Three Houses, and how it didn't live up Three Houses, and how it didn't live up to the success, hype, and pedigree of to the success, hype, and pedigree of to the success, hype, and pedigree of the 2019 flagship release. But I want to the 2019 flagship release. But I want to the 2019 flagship release. But I want to stress this, one game's success might be

stress this, one game's success might be stress this, one game's success might be another game's weakness and vice versa. another game's weakness and vice versa. another game's weakness and vice versa. And when I start analyzing and comparing And when I start analyzing and comparing And when I start analyzing and comparing these games, I'm not so sure Three these games, I'm not so sure Three these games, I'm not so sure Three Houses might end up being the clear Houses might end up being the clear Houses might end up being the clear winner here. So, in this video, I want winner here. So, in this video, I want winner here. So, in this video, I want to compare these games for their overall to compare these games for their overall to compare these games for their overall gameplay, combat, narrative and story, gameplay, combat, narrative and story, gameplay, combat, narrative and story, and their general presentation. So, to and their general presentation. So, to and their general presentation. So, to start off, I guess we can talk about the start off, I guess we can talk about the start off, I guess we can talk about the general gameplay loop and combat for general gameplay loop and combat for general gameplay loop and combat for both of these games. So, let's get both of these games. So, let's get both of these games. So, let's get started on that. started on that. started on that. Three Houses is entirely centered around Three Houses is entirely centered around Three Houses is entirely centered around the calendar system like a Persona game. the calendar system like a Persona game. the calendar system like a Persona game. And since you're in a school setting, And since you're in a school setting, And since you're in a school setting, this fits in very well. Basically, all this fits in very well. Basically, all this fits in very well. Basically, all the daily tasks you [music] do either the daily tasks you [music] do either the daily tasks you [music] do either directly help you in combat by directly help you in combat by directly help you in combat by increasing your stats or by increasing increasing your stats or by increasing increasing your stats or by increasing your character motivation, which in turn your character motivation, which in turn your character motivation, which in turn allows you to level up their weapon, allows you to level up their weapon, allows you to level up their weapon, armor, and riding proficiency during armor, and riding proficiency during armor, and riding proficiency during your lectures. What's even cooler is your lectures. What's even cooler is your lectures. What's even cooler is that unlike Awakening, which was the that unlike Awakening, which was the that unlike Awakening, which was the game I played prior to this, characters game I played prior to this, characters game I played prior to this, characters start on a blank slate and can develop start on a blank slate and can develop start on a blank slate and can develop into whatever class lineages they want into whatever class lineages they want into whatever class lineages they want to and at whatever stage, as long as to and at whatever stage, as long as to and at whatever stage, as long as they have the desired weapon proficiency they have the desired weapon proficiency they have the desired weapon proficiency and the level to pass the exam. Even and the level to pass the exam. Even and the level to pass the exam. Even though characters have affinity towards though characters have affinity towards though characters have affinity towards specific paths, you can make warriors specific paths, you can make warriors specific paths, you can make warriors into healers, mages into knights, or into healers, mages into knights, or into healers, mages into knights, or even have everyone flying on wyverns to even have everyone flying on wyverns to even have everyone flying on wyverns to the end of the game if you want to. This the end of the game if you want to. This the end of the game if you want to. This gameplay loop is fun, but it just gameplay loop is fun, but it just gameplay loop is fun, but it just doesn't really feel right sometimes.

doesn't really feel right sometimes. doesn't really feel right sometimes. Hear me out. Like, at times I feel like Hear me out. Like, at times I feel like Hear me out. Like, at times I feel like I'm spending way too much time in the I'm spending way too much time in the I'm spending way too much time in the monastery doing things that I really monastery doing things that I really monastery doing things that I really don't want to be doing. Like, sure, all don't want to be doing. Like, sure, all don't want to be doing. Like, sure, all these things benefit me, but sometimes I these things benefit me, but sometimes I these things benefit me, but sometimes I wonder, how much are they really wonder, how much are they really wonder, how much are they really benefiting me? Like, did I really need benefiting me? Like, did I really need benefiting me? Like, did I really need to get all these flowers just to give to to get all these flowers just to give to to get all these flowers just to give to someone to boost their support? On top someone to boost their support? On top someone to boost their support? On top of that, do I need to go out of my way of that, do I need to go out of my way of that, do I need to go out of my way to grind out all these supports in the to grind out all these supports in the to grind out all these supports in the monastery even if I don't want to monastery even if I don't want to monastery even if I don't want to recruit everyone in my house? Like, recruit everyone in my house? Like, recruit everyone in my house? Like, sure, it'll give me great conversations sure, it'll give me great conversations sure, it'll give me great conversations between these characters, but it just between these characters, but it just between these characters, but it just kind of gets a bit repetitive. This is kind of gets a bit repetitive. This is kind of gets a bit repetitive. This is all optional for sure, but the time all optional for sure, but the time all optional for sure, but the time constraints make this feel a little constraints make this feel a little constraints make this feel a little limited and kind of make you feel like limited and kind of make you feel like limited and kind of make you feel like you're sort of missing out on some you're sort of missing out on some you're sort of missing out on some things in the game. And the rest of the things in the game. And the rest of the things in the game. And the rest of the time I'm stuffing everyone's face in the time I'm stuffing everyone's face in the time I'm stuffing everyone's face in the cafeteria with food to max out their cafeteria with food to max out their cafeteria with food to max out their motivations for the week's worth of motivations for the week's worth of motivations for the week's worth of lectures. It's not bad and you get used lectures. It's not bad and you get used lectures. It's not bad and you get used to it. It just gets really repetitive to it. It just gets really repetitive to it. It just gets really repetitive and monotonous, especially once you get and monotonous, especially once you get and monotonous, especially once you get to a desired level and point in the game to a desired level and point in the game to a desired level and point in the game where none of this stuff is really all where none of this stuff is really all where none of this stuff is really all that necessary. And in the end game it's that necessary. And in the end game it's that necessary. And in the end game it's just flat out pointless. And if you have just flat out pointless. And if you have just flat out pointless. And if you have a lot of the new game plus perks, you're a lot of the new game plus perks, you're a lot of the new game plus perks, you're just dishing out through mobs and just dishing out through mobs and just dishing out through mobs and enemies left and right with very little enemies left and right with very little enemies left and right with very little challenge and pressure. By the end of my challenge and pressure. By the end of my challenge and pressure. By the end of my Golden Deer playthrough, I was just Golden Deer playthrough, I was just Golden Deer playthrough, I was just skipping all those monastery sections skipping all those monastery sections skipping all those monastery sections entirely because when I was like in the entirely because when I was like in the entirely because when I was like in the time skip, I had all my classes set, my time skip, I had all my classes set, my time skip, I had all my classes set, my characters had the proficiencies they characters had the proficiencies they characters had the proficiencies they needed, they were in the advanced and needed, they were in the advanced and needed, they were in the advanced and master classes they needed to be in, and master classes they needed to be in, and master classes they needed to be in, and I just didn't feel like doing anything

I just didn't feel like doing anything I just didn't feel like doing anything in the monastery. And I'm starting to in the monastery. And I'm starting to in the monastery. And I'm starting to feel that right now in my Blue Lions feel that right now in my Blue Lions feel that right now in my Blue Lions run. With all the new game plus perks run. With all the new game plus perks run. With all the new game plus perks and everything I've been doing to keep and everything I've been doing to keep and everything I've been doing to keep my characters in tip-top shape, so many my characters in tip-top shape, so many my characters in tip-top shape, so many characters are prepared for their master characters are prepared for their master characters are prepared for their master classes all the way still in part one. classes all the way still in part one. classes all the way still in part one. So the monastery is just like it's just So the monastery is just like it's just So the monastery is just like it's just a whatever kind of thing. I'm just kind a whatever kind of thing. I'm just kind a whatever kind of thing. I'm just kind of skipping ahead, trying to get to as of skipping ahead, trying to get to as of skipping ahead, trying to get to as many battles as I can. Engage has many battles as I can. Engage has many battles as I can. Engage has something similar with the Somniel, but something similar with the Somniel, but something similar with the Somniel, but what I liked about the Somniel versus what I liked about the Somniel versus what I liked about the Somniel versus the monastery is how it feels a little the monastery is how it feels a little the monastery is how it feels a little less like a chore. less like a chore. less like a chore. Garreg Mach Monastery felt required in Garreg Mach Monastery felt required in Garreg Mach Monastery felt required in Three Houses, but the Somniel in Engage Three Houses, but the Somniel in Engage Three Houses, but the Somniel in Engage was only really necessary for three was only really necessary for three was only really necessary for three things, which greatly benefit you in the things, which greatly benefit you in the things, which greatly benefit you in the game in my personal opinion. And those game in my personal opinion. And those game in my personal opinion. And those things are getting materials, getting things are getting materials, getting things are getting materials, getting bond fragments, and visiting the Emblem bond fragments, and visiting the Emblem bond fragments, and visiting the Emblem Ring Chamber to do all the things that Ring Chamber to do all the things that Ring Chamber to do all the things that you need to do there. The rest of it is you need to do there. The rest of it is you need to do there. The rest of it is just an area to chill in between story just an area to chill in between story just an area to chill in between story chapters. The things you do to increase chapters. The things you do to increase chapters. The things you do to increase stats and receive bond fragments are stats and receive bond fragments are stats and receive bond fragments are simple and even involve some mini-games simple and even involve some mini-games simple and even involve some mini-games so you can argue that they're even a bit so you can argue that they're even a bit so you can argue that they're even a bit more involved than some of the more involved than some of the more involved than some of the activities in Three Houses. The main activities in Three Houses. The main activities in Three Houses. The main thing I found myself doing was visiting thing I found myself doing was visiting thing I found myself doing was visiting the petting zoo and farm to get all the the petting zoo and farm to get all the the petting zoo and farm to get all the materials from the doggos to send to the materials from the doggos to send to the materials from the doggos to send to the blacksmith to create better weapons.

blacksmith to create better weapons. blacksmith to create better weapons. Also, cooking the occasional meal and Also, cooking the occasional meal and Also, cooking the occasional meal and sharing it with a fellow partner to sharing it with a fellow partner to sharing it with a fellow partner to boost their stats for the next few boost their stats for the next few boost their stats for the next few battles ahead was very helpful. battles ahead was very helpful. battles ahead was very helpful. Basically, a lot of this was either Basically, a lot of this was either Basically, a lot of this was either optional or things that just won't optional or things that just won't optional or things that just won't severely affect your progression in the severely affect your progression in the severely affect your progression in the game. Other Three Houses activities game. Other Three Houses activities game. Other Three Houses activities included the lost items and gift giving included the lost items and gift giving included the lost items and gift giving which just helped a lot with supports so which just helped a lot with supports so which just helped a lot with supports so you don't have to necessarily grind out you don't have to necessarily grind out you don't have to necessarily grind out flowers in the greenhouse, the battle flowers in the greenhouse, the battle flowers in the greenhouse, the battle arena to get more money and improve arena to get more money and improve arena to get more money and improve weapon proficiency, the confession booth weapon proficiency, the confession booth weapon proficiency, the confession booth which I always thought was pretty which I always thought was pretty which I always thought was pretty hilarious, and other things that can hilarious, and other things that can hilarious, and other things that can either boost your motivation, supports, either boost your motivation, supports, either boost your motivation, supports, or stats. At the end of each week is or stats. At the end of each week is or stats. At the end of each week is where you instruct your students on where you instruct your students on where you instruct your students on their particular proficiencies and their particular proficiencies and their particular proficiencies and tailor them to exactly what you want tailor them to exactly what you want tailor them to exactly what you want them to be. And this can be really fun. them to be. And this can be really fun. them to be. And this can be really fun. Like, I can make Hilda into a white mage Like, I can make Hilda into a white mage Like, I can make Hilda into a white mage if I really wanted to, Petra into a dark if I really wanted to, Petra into a dark if I really wanted to, Petra into a dark knight, Dedue into a mortal savant, or knight, Dedue into a mortal savant, or knight, Dedue into a mortal savant, or any other crazy off-kilter end-game any other crazy off-kilter end-game any other crazy off-kilter end-game build that I want. Even though a lot of build that I want. Even though a lot of build that I want. Even though a lot of these may not be very optimal with their these may not be very optimal with their these may not be very optimal with their base stat growths and their affinity base stat growths and their affinity base stat growths and their affinity towards specific weapon proficiencies, towards specific weapon proficiencies, towards specific weapon proficiencies, the possibility is there. And it's the possibility is there. And it's the possibility is there. And it's really cool that it's possible to do really cool that it's possible to do really cool that it's possible to do something like this in a Fire Emblem something like this in a Fire Emblem something like this in a Fire Emblem game. The freedom is immense and it's game. The freedom is immense and it's game. The freedom is immense and it's very fun to play around with. What's a very fun to play around with. What's a very fun to play around with. What's a little nerve-racking is how it's a good little nerve-racking is how it's a good little nerve-racking is how it's a good idea to plan all this out in the early idea to plan all this out in the early idea to plan all this out in the early game and often times before you even game and often times before you even game and often times before you even really get started in your run of really get started in your run of really get started in your run of whichever house you plan to choose. And whichever house you plan to choose. And whichever house you plan to choose. And if you change your mind mid-game, it is if you change your mind mid-game, it is if you change your mind mid-game, it is kind of hard to respec and readjust your

kind of hard to respec and readjust your kind of hard to respec and readjust your proficiencies and stats, or if you like proficiencies and stats, or if you like proficiencies and stats, or if you like make some mistakes along the way with make some mistakes along the way with make some mistakes along the way with your instructions. Instructions can get your instructions. Instructions can get your instructions. Instructions can get very repetitive as well, so thankfully, very repetitive as well, so thankfully, very repetitive as well, so thankfully, there is an auto instruct option. So, there is an auto instruct option. So, there is an auto instruct option. So, when you're there in the end game, you when you're there in the end game, you when you're there in the end game, you can just hit auto instruct and get can just hit auto instruct and get can just hit auto instruct and get things done and move forward in that things done and move forward in that things done and move forward in that part of the game. Engage's method of part of the game. Engage's method of part of the game. Engage's method of upgrading is a bit of a combination of upgrading is a bit of a combination of upgrading is a bit of a combination of Awakening and Three Houses. You must be Awakening and Three Houses. You must be Awakening and Three Houses. You must be a certain base class to upgrade to a certain base class to upgrade to a certain base class to upgrade to another advanced class like in another advanced class like in another advanced class like in Awakening, but also have certain weapon Awakening, but also have certain weapon Awakening, but also have certain weapon proficiencies met beforehand, as well proficiencies met beforehand, as well proficiencies met beforehand, as well like in Three Houses. Oh, but also you like in Three Houses. Oh, but also you like in Three Houses. Oh, but also you need a master seal, of course. This need a master seal, of course. This need a master seal, of course. This makes you do a little extra work on the makes you do a little extra work on the makes you do a little extra work on the battlefield, but I got some issues with battlefield, but I got some issues with battlefield, but I got some issues with it. In Engage, weapon proficiencies are it. In Engage, weapon proficiencies are it. In Engage, weapon proficiencies are not increased and gained through using not increased and gained through using not increased and gained through using weapons like in Awakening or Three weapons like in Awakening or Three weapons like in Awakening or Three Houses, but instead they're gained by Houses, but instead they're gained by Houses, but instead they're gained by the use of your emblem rings. Reach a the use of your emblem rings. Reach a the use of your emblem rings. Reach a specific bond level with an emblem and specific bond level with an emblem and specific bond level with an emblem and gain a weapon proficiency from them. For gain a weapon proficiency from them. For gain a weapon proficiency from them. For example, you can gain tome proficiency example, you can gain tome proficiency example, you can gain tome proficiency from Celica, staff proficiency from from Celica, staff proficiency from from Celica, staff proficiency from Micaiah, swords from Marth, etc. But the Micaiah, swords from Marth, etc. But the Micaiah, swords from Marth, etc. But the one to always go for is Leaf. Leaf can one to always go for is Leaf. Leaf can one to always go for is Leaf. Leaf can give you sword, axe, lance, and dagger give you sword, axe, lance, and dagger give you sword, axe, lance, and dagger proficiencies, and all of that is just proficiencies, and all of that is just proficiencies, and all of that is just super helpful to get. Here's why I have super helpful to get. Here's why I have super helpful to get. Here's why I have a problem with this. Engage's economy a problem with this. Engage's economy a problem with this. Engage's economy system is it's kind of weird to me, and system is it's kind of weird to me, and system is it's kind of weird to me, and honestly, when I was playing the game, I honestly, when I was playing the game, I honestly, when I was playing the game, I always kind of felt poor.

always kind of felt poor. always kind of felt poor. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Your main currencies are bond fragments >> Your main currencies are bond fragments >> Your main currencies are bond fragments and gold. When it comes to emblem ring and gold. When it comes to emblem ring and gold. When it comes to emblem ring bond levels, as I mentioned above, you bond levels, as I mentioned above, you bond levels, as I mentioned above, you can raise them in battle or spend bond can raise them in battle or spend bond can raise them in battle or spend bond fragments to level them up faster in the fragments to level them up faster in the fragments to level them up faster in the arena. And in the early game, it takes a arena. And in the early game, it takes a arena. And in the early game, it takes a lot of bond fragments to reach the lot of bond fragments to reach the lot of bond fragments to reach the desired skill to get these weapon desired skill to get these weapon desired skill to get these weapon proficiencies. Like sure, you can grind proficiencies. Like sure, you can grind proficiencies. Like sure, you can grind some of these bond fragments by playing some of these bond fragments by playing some of these bond fragments by playing with and taking care of Sommie, getting with and taking care of Sommie, getting with and taking care of Sommie, getting some from the battle maps after each some from the battle maps after each some from the battle maps after each fight or skirmish, but the price to pay fight or skirmish, but the price to pay fight or skirmish, but the price to pay to use these bond fragments is also to use these bond fragments is also to use these bond fragments is also fairly high. On top of that, money is fairly high. On top of that, money is fairly high. On top of that, money is just harder to come by in my opinion. just harder to come by in my opinion. just harder to come by in my opinion. Bullions aren't in this game, and Bullions aren't in this game, and Bullions aren't in this game, and grinding for money can be a bit harder grinding for money can be a bit harder grinding for money can be a bit harder on some of these maps. I had to on some of these maps. I had to on some of these maps. I had to eventually resort to selling old weapons eventually resort to selling old weapons eventually resort to selling old weapons that I wasn't really using anymore so I that I wasn't really using anymore so I that I wasn't really using anymore so I can buy master and second seals, which can buy master and second seals, which can buy master and second seals, which are also very expensive. These seals are also very expensive. These seals are also very expensive. These seals aren't also readily available, being aren't also readily available, being aren't also readily available, being only available in limited supplies early only available in limited supplies early only available in limited supplies early in the game and sometimes annoyingly in the game and sometimes annoyingly in the game and sometimes annoyingly locked behind chests and maps which you locked behind chests and maps which you locked behind chests and maps which you may or may not miss.

may or may not miss. may or may not miss. I just want to put this out there. I've I just want to put this out there. I've I just want to put this out there. I've been told by some of my friends that the been told by some of my friends that the been told by some of my friends that the reason I was so poor was also probably reason I was so poor was also probably reason I was so poor was also probably because of the investments I've been because of the investments I've been because of the investments I've been putting into the nations of Elyos. So, putting into the nations of Elyos. So, putting into the nations of Elyos. So, there's that. By investing in the there's that. By investing in the there's that. By investing in the nations, you get some better options for nations, you get some better options for nations, you get some better options for like crafting and things like that. But, like crafting and things like that. But, like crafting and things like that. But, to be honest, I don't really think it to be honest, I don't really think it to be honest, I don't really think it was worth it, and that's where a lot of was worth it, and that's where a lot of was worth it, and that's where a lot of my money went. And I think I kind of my money went. And I think I kind of my money went. And I think I kind of like screwed myself over in that way. like screwed myself over in that way. like screwed myself over in that way. Still doesn't take away the fact that Still doesn't take away the fact that Still doesn't take away the fact that inflation has hit Elyos pretty hard, and inflation has hit Elyos pretty hard, and inflation has hit Elyos pretty hard, and things are still pretty expensive over things are still pretty expensive over things are still pretty expensive over there. there. there. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> As someone who can get overwhelmed with >> As someone who can get overwhelmed with >> As someone who can get overwhelmed with a lot of variety of choice, Engage's a lot of variety of choice, Engage's a lot of variety of choice, Engage's class lineage is something I generally class lineage is something I generally class lineage is something I generally don't mind and actually miss from Three don't mind and actually miss from Three don't mind and actually miss from Three Houses as a fan of Awakening and Echoes. Houses as a fan of Awakening and Echoes. Houses as a fan of Awakening and Echoes. But, I don't know if it was just me, but But, I don't know if it was just me, but But, I don't know if it was just me, but I felt like the proficiency requirements I felt like the proficiency requirements I felt like the proficiency requirements got a little too annoying and tedious in got a little too annoying and tedious in got a little too annoying and tedious in this game. And on top of all of that, this game. And on top of all of that, this game. And on top of all of that, the necessity to grind out bond the necessity to grind out bond the necessity to grind out bond fragments to increase element ring fragments to increase element ring fragments to increase element ring rankings, and on top of that, just rankings, and on top of that, just rankings, and on top of that, just buying all the seals got a little buying all the seals got a little buying all the seals got a little tiring, especially when I wanted to get tiring, especially when I wanted to get tiring, especially when I wanted to get a little creative with my end game a little creative with my end game a little creative with my end game classes. Probably just a me thing, but classes. Probably just a me thing, but classes. Probably just a me thing, but that's just how I felt. So, to round out that's just how I felt. So, to round out that's just how I felt. So, to round out my thoughts on the general non-combat my thoughts on the general non-combat my thoughts on the general non-combat gameplay elements, I'll just say Three gameplay elements, I'll just say Three gameplay elements, I'll just say Three Houses excels at the social elements, Houses excels at the social elements, Houses excels at the social elements, but sometimes can feel a little but sometimes can feel a little but sometimes can feel a little overbearing and redundant. Engage excels overbearing and redundant. Engage excels overbearing and redundant. Engage excels at the character building, but sometimes at the character building, but sometimes at the character building, but sometimes doesn't have as much to do in terms of doesn't have as much to do in terms of doesn't have as much to do in terms of social elements, which is fine in my social elements, which is fine in my social elements, which is fine in my opinion. But, I generally feel like opinion. But, I generally feel like opinion. But, I generally feel like character class customization and

character class customization and character class customization and progression is better and more progression is better and more progression is better and more approachable in a game like Three approachable in a game like Three approachable in a game like Three Houses. Honestly, if I have to give this Houses. Honestly, if I have to give this Houses. Honestly, if I have to give this category a winner, I'm going to have to category a winner, I'm going to have to category a winner, I'm going to have to say it's kind of tied. All the Engage say it's kind of tied. All the Engage say it's kind of tied. All the Engage haters and critics are going to question haters and critics are going to question haters and critics are going to question this choice, but honestly, after getting this choice, but honestly, after getting this choice, but honestly, after getting a little tired of the repetitive a little tired of the repetitive a little tired of the repetitive monastery stuff in Three Houses, the in monastery stuff in Three Houses, the in monastery stuff in Three Houses, the in between of Three Houses and Engage between of Three Houses and Engage between of Three Houses and Engage started to feel the same to me. And, I started to feel the same to me. And, I started to feel the same to me. And, I don't really think the monastery felt as don't really think the monastery felt as don't really think the monastery felt as much more engaging as the Somniel in my much more engaging as the Somniel in my much more engaging as the Somniel in my personal opinion. Okay, now it's time to personal opinion. Okay, now it's time to personal opinion. Okay, now it's time to talk about straight-up combat. talk about straight-up combat. talk about straight-up combat. Everything in the prior section leads up Everything in the prior section leads up Everything in the prior section leads up to this. All the supports, all the class to this. All the supports, all the class to this. All the supports, all the class changing, the monastery, the Somniel changing, the monastery, the Somniel changing, the monastery, the Somniel stuff, the shopping, the crafting, the stuff, the shopping, the crafting, the stuff, the shopping, the crafting, the eating, the tea partying, the push-ups, eating, the tea partying, the push-ups, eating, the tea partying, the push-ups, the awkward mornings with your allies the awkward mornings with your allies the awkward mornings with your allies looking over you as you're slowly looking over you as you're slowly looking over you as you're slowly getting out of bed. Yeah, it all leads getting out of bed. Yeah, it all leads getting out of bed. Yeah, it all leads to the tactics combat and the chess play to the tactics combat and the chess play to the tactics combat and the chess play we're all familiar with in Fire Emblem.

we're all familiar with in Fire Emblem. we're all familiar with in Fire Emblem. I also want to make a disclaimer and I also want to make a disclaimer and I also want to make a disclaimer and just say that I played both of these just say that I played both of these just say that I played both of these games on the normal and standard games on the normal and standard games on the normal and standard difficulty. And, on my normal difficulty. And, on my normal difficulty. And, on my normal playthroughs, I would usually just play playthroughs, I would usually just play playthroughs, I would usually just play in casual mode, guys. Like, I'm I'm in casual mode, guys. Like, I'm I'm in casual mode, guys. Like, I'm I'm sorry. I I hate permadeath. I'm sorry. I sorry. I I hate permadeath. I'm sorry. I sorry. I I hate permadeath. I'm sorry. I I know that might make me a fake fan, I know that might make me a fake fan, I know that might make me a fake fan, but honestly, I started my third but honestly, I started my third but honestly, I started my third playthrough of Three Houses on hard, playthrough of Three Houses on hard, playthrough of Three Houses on hard, which I'm currently playing right now, which I'm currently playing right now, which I'm currently playing right now, which is a Blue Lions run, but I have which is a Blue Lions run, but I have which is a Blue Lions run, but I have yet to complete it. I'm the kind of guy yet to complete it. I'm the kind of guy yet to complete it. I'm the kind of guy who likes to stick to normal who likes to stick to normal who likes to stick to normal playthroughs for the first run or two. playthroughs for the first run or two. playthroughs for the first run or two. So, I just wanted to put that out there. So, I just wanted to put that out there. So, I just wanted to put that out there. I'm going to skip ahead and give the I'm going to skip ahead and give the I'm going to skip ahead and give the clear winner right off the bat. It's clear winner right off the bat. It's clear winner right off the bat. It's Engage, and in my opinion, it's not even Engage, and in my opinion, it's not even Engage, and in my opinion, it's not even close. The combat and strategy aspect of close. The combat and strategy aspect of close. The combat and strategy aspect of Three Houses felt very basic and nearly Three Houses felt very basic and nearly Three Houses felt very basic and nearly vanilla to me. The elimination of the vanilla to me. The elimination of the vanilla to me. The elimination of the weapon triangle was very apparent to me weapon triangle was very apparent to me weapon triangle was very apparent to me and kind of dumbed down the overall and kind of dumbed down the overall and kind of dumbed down the overall strategy experience. I usually like to strategy experience. I usually like to strategy experience. I usually like to have a good balance of weapon types on have a good balance of weapon types on have a good balance of weapon types on my team so I could account for my team so I could account for my team so I could account for weaknesses and strengths in regard to weaknesses and strengths in regard to weaknesses and strengths in regard to the weapon triangle in other games. That the weapon triangle in other games. That the weapon triangle in other games. That whole simple rock, paper, scissors whole simple rock, paper, scissors whole simple rock, paper, scissors mechanic was so cool and incentivized mechanic was so cool and incentivized mechanic was so cool and incentivized you to use certain kinds of weapons and you to use certain kinds of weapons and you to use certain kinds of weapons and classes that stuck to those weapons. The classes that stuck to those weapons. The classes that stuck to those weapons. The freedom offered by Three Houses makes it freedom offered by Three Houses makes it freedom offered by Three Houses makes it so that anyone can just do anything and so that anyone can just do anything and so that anyone can just do anything and that thing that you end up choosing for that thing that you end up choosing for that thing that you end up choosing for that unit is usually viable. It's not that unit is usually viable. It's not that unit is usually viable. It's not necessarily bad but just led me to not necessarily bad but just led me to not necessarily bad but just led me to not thinking as much on the battlefield.

thinking as much on the battlefield. thinking as much on the battlefield. What Three Houses did excel at was What Three Houses did excel at was What Three Houses did excel at was positioning and hitting hard with positioning and hitting hard with positioning and hitting hard with gambits and battalions. Battalions were gambits and battalions. Battalions were gambits and battalions. Battalions were a really cool addition that allowed you a really cool addition that allowed you a really cool addition that allowed you to stun enemies, inflict massive amounts to stun enemies, inflict massive amounts to stun enemies, inflict massive amounts of damage, and support your allies in of damage, and support your allies in of damage, and support your allies in grandiose and large-scale ways. This was grandiose and large-scale ways. This was grandiose and large-scale ways. This was actually a really cool addition despite actually a really cool addition despite actually a really cool addition despite me not using them as much as I feel like me not using them as much as I feel like me not using them as much as I feel like I should have in my first run. In my I should have in my first run. In my I should have in my first run. In my second run, I made sure to level up second run, I made sure to level up second run, I made sure to level up authority way more on my units and equip authority way more on my units and equip authority way more on my units and equip them with as many battalions so I could them with as many battalions so I could them with as many battalions so I could experiment with some unique, interesting experiment with some unique, interesting experiment with some unique, interesting styles of gambits. Positioning your styles of gambits. Positioning your styles of gambits. Positioning your units in the right way to inflict gambit units in the right way to inflict gambit units in the right way to inflict gambit boosts and enhance your battalion boosts and enhance your battalion boosts and enhance your battalion attacks was also a really cool thing you attacks was also a really cool thing you attacks was also a really cool thing you could do to make battles and attacks could do to make battles and attacks could do to make battles and attacks feel a lot more feel a lot more feel a lot more so glad this mechanic is returning in so glad this mechanic is returning in so glad this mechanic is returning in Fortune's Weave. You also have combat Fortune's Weave. You also have combat Fortune's Weave. You also have combat arts in Three Houses which are cool ways arts in Three Houses which are cool ways arts in Three Houses which are cool ways to boost your normal weapon attacks, to boost your normal weapon attacks, to boost your normal weapon attacks, especially if you were using things like especially if you were using things like especially if you were using things like lances, swords, and axes. These are lances, swords, and axes. These are lances, swords, and axes. These are leveled up as you increase your weapon leveled up as you increase your weapon leveled up as you increase your weapon proficiency for whichever weapon you're proficiency for whichever weapon you're proficiency for whichever weapon you're using and these are really cool using and these are really cool using and these are really cool incentives to use in combat but you have incentives to use in combat but you have incentives to use in combat but you have a little bit of a trade-off because it a little bit of a trade-off because it a little bit of a trade-off because it ships away a lot more at the durability ships away a lot more at the durability ships away a lot more at the durability of your weapons. But these were fun to of your weapons. But these were fun to of your weapons. But these were fun to play around with when I needed a little play around with when I needed a little play around with when I needed a little bit of an extra boost in combat when a bit of an extra boost in combat when a bit of an extra boost in combat when a unit was maybe not going to take out an unit was maybe not going to take out an unit was maybe not going to take out an enemy right away, but with a combat enemy right away, but with a combat enemy right away, but with a combat boost, I could just kind of get things boost, I could just kind of get things boost, I could just kind of get things done a little more faster and more done a little more faster and more done a little more faster and more efficiently. Other than this stuff, efficiently. Other than this stuff, efficiently. Other than this stuff, nothing really stands out to me in nothing really stands out to me in nothing really stands out to me in regards to the combat in Three Houses.

regards to the combat in Three Houses. regards to the combat in Three Houses. It's simple and can be made more fun It's simple and can be made more fun It's simple and can be made more fun with interesting class setups and with interesting class setups and with interesting class setups and equipping a variety of cool skills on equipping a variety of cool skills on equipping a variety of cool skills on your units to make things more fun. It your units to make things more fun. It your units to make things more fun. It was a lot of fun fighting the large was a lot of fun fighting the large was a lot of fun fighting the large demonic beasts, automatons, and stronger demonic beasts, automatons, and stronger demonic beasts, automatons, and stronger style enemies in this game and using style enemies in this game and using style enemies in this game and using gambits on them to trip them up. I will gambits on them to trip them up. I will gambits on them to trip them up. I will say, despite the simplicity in the main say, despite the simplicity in the main say, despite the simplicity in the main story, I was impressed with the Cindered story, I was impressed with the Cindered story, I was impressed with the Cindered Shadows DLC map since I did find myself Shadows DLC map since I did find myself Shadows DLC map since I did find myself strategizing a lot more that DLC strategizing a lot more that DLC strategizing a lot more that DLC expansion with some maps than I ever did expansion with some maps than I ever did expansion with some maps than I ever did in the main story sections of Fire in the main story sections of Fire in the main story sections of Fire Emblem Three Houses. Now, onto the Emblem Three Houses. Now, onto the Emblem Three Houses. Now, onto the genius of Engage's strategic gameplay. genius of Engage's strategic gameplay. genius of Engage's strategic gameplay. Fire Emblem Engage it reintroduces the Fire Emblem Engage it reintroduces the Fire Emblem Engage it reintroduces the weapon triangle. Yay! And in a really weapon triangle. Yay! And in a really weapon triangle. Yay! And in a really fun way too. You see, whenever you have fun way too. You see, whenever you have fun way too. You see, whenever you have an advantage, you can break an enemy and an advantage, you can break an enemy and an advantage, you can break an enemy and stop them from attacking for a bit. Like stop them from attacking for a bit. Like stop them from attacking for a bit. Like well, in Xenoblade. You can break in well, in Xenoblade. You can break in well, in Xenoblade. You can break in Xenoblade too. But this heavily Xenoblade too. But this heavily Xenoblade too. But this heavily incentivized me to keep the triangle in incentivized me to keep the triangle in incentivized me to keep the triangle in mind because this worked the opposite mind because this worked the opposite mind because this worked the opposite way too. So for example, I could use a way too. So for example, I could use a way too. So for example, I could use a Pegasus Knight like Chloe to attack an Pegasus Knight like Chloe to attack an Pegasus Knight like Chloe to attack an enemy Myrmidon and break him so he can enemy Myrmidon and break him so he can enemy Myrmidon and break him so he can attack me as a follow-up attack with his attack me as a follow-up attack with his attack me as a follow-up attack with his sword. But I have to be mindful of the sword. But I have to be mindful of the sword. But I have to be mindful of the enemy axe units that can hurt my Pegasus enemy axe units that can hurt my Pegasus enemy axe units that can hurt my Pegasus Knight for being a lance wielder and do Knight for being a lance wielder and do Knight for being a lance wielder and do the same to her. You can also shove the same to her. You can also shove the same to her. You can also shove enemies by using larger weapons, but the enemies by using larger weapons, but the enemies by using larger weapons, but the penalty for this is you will never penalty for this is you will never penalty for this is you will never attack first even in a player phase. A attack first even in a player phase. A attack first even in a player phase. A very cool risk and reward element of

very cool risk and reward element of very cool risk and reward element of combat which I really appreciated. One combat which I really appreciated. One combat which I really appreciated. One of the coolest things about Engage's of the coolest things about Engage's of the coolest things about Engage's combat is how each class now has its own combat is how each class now has its own combat is how each class now has its own role. I can't think of all them right role. I can't think of all them right role. I can't think of all them right now, but I will say that I remember that now, but I will say that I remember that now, but I will say that I remember that they're called something like battle they're called something like battle they're called something like battle styles or unit types. Not only will your styles or unit types. Not only will your styles or unit types. Not only will your class determine your general play style class determine your general play style class determine your general play style and weapon loadout, but also your unit and weapon loadout, but also your unit and weapon loadout, but also your unit type, which will determine how exactly type, which will determine how exactly type, which will determine how exactly you utilize your units on the you utilize your units on the you utilize your units on the battlefield. For example, the sword, battlefield. For example, the sword, battlefield. For example, the sword, axe, and lance wielders who are on foot axe, and lance wielders who are on foot axe, and lance wielders who are on foot are called backup units. These backup are called backup units. These backup are called backup units. These backup units are able to do chain attacks, also units are able to do chain attacks, also units are able to do chain attacks, also like in Xenoblade, and dish out like in Xenoblade, and dish out like in Xenoblade, and dish out follow-up attacks when close by to other follow-up attacks when close by to other follow-up attacks when close by to other units. Other examples of unit types are units. Other examples of unit types are units. Other examples of unit types are how covert units will receive enhanced how covert units will receive enhanced how covert units will receive enhanced evasion bonuses in certain terrain, Qi evasion bonuses in certain terrain, Qi evasion bonuses in certain terrain, Qi adepts who can protect allies with chain adepts who can protect allies with chain adepts who can protect allies with chain guards, and armored units who can never guards, and armored units who can never guards, and armored units who can never be inflicted with break, and so on and be inflicted with break, and so on and be inflicted with break, and so on and so forth. This leads you to strategize so forth. This leads you to strategize so forth. This leads you to strategize beyond just choosing the right classes beyond just choosing the right classes beyond just choosing the right classes for the right setup, because it also for the right setup, because it also for the right setup, because it also makes you use each style of character in makes you use each style of character in makes you use each style of character in a way that they need to be used. If you a way that they need to be used. If you a way that they need to be used. If you advantageously use mystical units to advantageously use mystical units to advantageously use mystical units to counter against covert units, you'll be counter against covert units, you'll be counter against covert units, you'll be rewarded since the terrain bonus won't rewarded since the terrain bonus won't rewarded since the terrain bonus won't affect you. Similarly, if you place your affect you. Similarly, if you place your affect you. Similarly, if you place your backup units in the right way, they can backup units in the right way, they can backup units in the right way, they can dish out extra damage that your other dish out extra damage that your other dish out extra damage that your other units might start off with by following units might start off with by following units might start off with by following up with chain attacks. And that leads us up with chain attacks. And that leads us up with chain attacks. And that leads us back to the best part of Engage's

back to the best part of Engage's back to the best part of Engage's combat, and dare I say the best part of combat, and dare I say the best part of combat, and dare I say the best part of the gameplay in this game in general. the gameplay in this game in general. the gameplay in this game in general. That is the emblem rings. This is such a genius gameplay mechanic This is such a genius gameplay mechanic in my opinion. You see, Engage is an in my opinion. You see, Engage is an in my opinion. You see, Engage is an anniversary celebration game. So, these anniversary celebration game. So, these anniversary celebration game. So, these emblem rings are not only a way to bring emblem rings are not only a way to bring emblem rings are not only a way to bring back older legacy characters, but to back older legacy characters, but to back older legacy characters, but to celebrate the series' different play celebrate the series' different play celebrate the series' different play styles and gameplay mechanics, each styles and gameplay mechanics, each styles and gameplay mechanics, each emblem ring not only has its own cool emblem ring not only has its own cool emblem ring not only has its own cool benefits and strong attack, but their benefits and strong attack, but their benefits and strong attack, but their overall gameplay ties directly to the overall gameplay ties directly to the overall gameplay ties directly to the character you are fighting alongside and character you are fighting alongside and character you are fighting alongside and the game that they're from. For example, the game that they're from. For example, the game that they're from. For example, Lucina is from Awakening, the game that Lucina is from Awakening, the game that Lucina is from Awakening, the game that introduced the pair up mechanic. And introduced the pair up mechanic. And introduced the pair up mechanic. And when Lucina is paired up with any when Lucina is paired up with any when Lucina is paired up with any non-backup unit, that backup unit will non-backup unit, that backup unit will non-backup unit, that backup unit will be able to participate in using chain be able to participate in using chain be able to participate in using chain attacks like any normal backup unit attacks like any normal backup unit attacks like any normal backup unit could, which is similar to how paired up could, which is similar to how paired up could, which is similar to how paired up units would act in Fire Emblem units would act in Fire Emblem units would act in Fire Emblem Awakening. To give you guys an idea of Awakening. To give you guys an idea of Awakening. To give you guys an idea of this, I'd have Lucina equipped to this, I'd have Lucina equipped to this, I'd have Lucina equipped to Citrine, who's usually in a Citrine, who's usually in a Citrine, who's usually in a mystical/mage mystical/mage mystical/mage role and unit type. So, she could dish role and unit type. So, she could dish role and unit type. So, she could dish out chain attacks while also taking out chain attacks while also taking out chain attacks while also taking advantage of negating terrain effects advantage of negating terrain effects advantage of negating terrain effects since she's already a mystical and mage since she's already a mystical and mage since she's already a mystical and mage unit type. Another example is how unit type. Another example is how unit type. Another example is how Sigurd, being known for his riding and Sigurd, being known for his riding and Sigurd, being known for his riding and movement capabilities in Fire Emblem movement capabilities in Fire Emblem movement capabilities in Fire Emblem Genealogy of the Holy War, allows any Genealogy of the Holy War, allows any Genealogy of the Holy War, allows any character to feel the unrestricted and

character to feel the unrestricted and character to feel the unrestricted and liberating effects of increased liberating effects of increased liberating effects of increased mobility. I remember a lot of players, mobility. I remember a lot of players, mobility. I remember a lot of players, including myself, would always have him including myself, would always have him including myself, would always have him on armored units like Jade and that on armored units like Jade and that on armored units like Jade and that other creepy guy. I can't freaking other creepy guy. I can't freaking other creepy guy. I can't freaking remember his name. So, like these guys remember his name. So, like these guys remember his name. So, like these guys are usually very slow, but adding Sigurd are usually very slow, but adding Sigurd are usually very slow, but adding Sigurd on them can take their mobility nearly on them can take their mobility nearly on them can take their mobility nearly from zero to 100 in an instant. Not only from zero to 100 in an instant. Not only from zero to 100 in an instant. Not only do these emblem rings add a whole lot of do these emblem rings add a whole lot of do these emblem rings add a whole lot of strategy and an entirely new level of strategy and an entirely new level of strategy and an entirely new level of gameplay to the already established gameplay to the already established gameplay to the already established combat loop, but they're very combat loop, but they're very combat loop, but they're very representative of their respective representative of their respective representative of their respective legacy games, which fits so well in this legacy games, which fits so well in this legacy games, which fits so well in this anniversary celebration of a game. anniversary celebration of a game. anniversary celebration of a game. Unfortunately, I don't think this Unfortunately, I don't think this Unfortunately, I don't think this mechanic is ever coming back in a future mechanic is ever coming back in a future mechanic is ever coming back in a future Fire Emblem game because it's so Fire Emblem game because it's so Fire Emblem game because it's so intrinsically specifically linked to the intrinsically specifically linked to the intrinsically specifically linked to the identity of Fire Emblem Engage. [music] identity of Fire Emblem Engage. [music] identity of Fire Emblem Engage. [music] But, I'm I'm hoping future games really But, I'm I'm hoping future games really But, I'm I'm hoping future games really get this complex on the battlefield so get this complex on the battlefield so get this complex on the battlefield so that the gameplay and combat loop feels that the gameplay and combat loop feels that the gameplay and combat loop feels fresh in between fights and skirmishes. fresh in between fights and skirmishes. fresh in between fights and skirmishes. So here is a section that is arguably So here is a section that is arguably So here is a section that is arguably going to be even more divisive than the going to be even more divisive than the going to be even more divisive than the gameplay and that is gameplay and that is gameplay and that is the story. I have a lot to say here so the story. I have a lot to say here so the story. I have a lot to say here so I'll be as brief and straight to the I'll be as brief and straight to the I'll be as brief and straight to the point as possible. I'm going to start point as possible. I'm going to start point as possible. I'm going to start off by talking about Engage but off by talking about Engage but off by talking about Engage but specifically the pre-release specifically the pre-release specifically the pre-release leading to the release of this game.

leading to the release of this game. leading to the release of this game. When Engage was announced from the very When Engage was announced from the very When Engage was announced from the very beginning I was not expecting a story on beginning I was not expecting a story on beginning I was not expecting a story on the level of Three Houses. From the very the level of Three Houses. From the very the level of Three Houses. From the very first trailer it looked way more like a first trailer it looked way more like a first trailer it looked way more like a simpler celebration story with more simpler celebration story with more simpler celebration story with more whimsy, fun, and comical aspects than whimsy, fun, and comical aspects than whimsy, fun, and comical aspects than Three Houses ever had. And on top of Three Houses ever had. And on top of Three Houses ever had. And on top of that I immediately saw this as a game that I immediately saw this as a game that I immediately saw this as a game that does not take itself too seriously that does not take itself too seriously that does not take itself too seriously at all. Basically I saw it for what it at all. Basically I saw it for what it at all. Basically I saw it for what it was and when I played the game I was not was and when I played the game I was not was and when I played the game I was not very surprised by what I experienced. I very surprised by what I experienced. I very surprised by what I experienced. I did cringe at many lines of dialogue and did cringe at many lines of dialogue and did cringe at many lines of dialogue and was not impressed by the story but I was not impressed by the story but I was not impressed by the story but I still had a good time and enjoyed some still had a good time and enjoyed some still had a good time and enjoyed some of the characters, especially some of of the characters, especially some of of the characters, especially some of their supports. But I was very surprised their supports. But I was very surprised their supports. But I was very surprised to see many people just straight-up to see many people just straight-up to see many people just straight-up disappointed with the game because of disappointed with the game because of disappointed with the game because of the lack of narrative, character the lack of narrative, character the lack of narrative, character development, engaging lore, no pun development, engaging lore, no pun development, engaging lore, no pun intended, etc., etc. People would intended, etc., etc. People would intended, etc., etc. People would constantly compare this game to Three constantly compare this game to Three constantly compare this game to Three Houses during its first few months of Houses during its first few months of Houses during its first few months of release and I was so confused as to why. release and I was so confused as to why. release and I was so confused as to why. This was never going to be a game on This was never going to be a game on This was never going to be a game on that level. Even the tone, imagery, and that level. Even the tone, imagery, and that level. Even the tone, imagery, and overall style of this game was a far cry overall style of this game was a far cry overall style of this game was a far cry from even some of the prior Fire Emblem from even some of the prior Fire Emblem from even some of the prior Fire Emblem games. I know after us getting Three games. I know after us getting Three games. I know after us getting Three Houses many of us fans wanted something Houses many of us fans wanted something Houses many of us fans wanted something like that or even something that still like that or even something that still like that or even something that still took itself very seriously like took itself very seriously like took itself very seriously like Genealogy of the Holy War or like the Genealogy of the Holy War or like the Genealogy of the Holy War or like the Tellius games or something like that and Tellius games or something like that and Tellius games or something like that and I do understand. The tonal whiplash it I do understand. The tonal whiplash it I do understand. The tonal whiplash it feels like we caught for the series with feels like we caught for the series with feels like we caught for the series with this releasing just three years after this releasing just three years after this releasing just three years after Three Houses but from the early Three Houses but from the early Three Houses but from the early trailers, I just don't think it was ever

trailers, I just don't think it was ever trailers, I just don't think it was ever going to amount to anything like that. going to amount to anything like that. going to amount to anything like that. With that said, none of this makes the With that said, none of this makes the With that said, none of this makes the story any better. Engage's story is story any better. Engage's story is story any better. Engage's story is still silly, lackluster, and even in its still silly, lackluster, and even in its still silly, lackluster, and even in its more emotional moments, you don't really more emotional moments, you don't really more emotional moments, you don't really care about what you're supposed to be care about what you're supposed to be care about what you're supposed to be caring about. There are some moments in caring about. There are some moments in caring about. There are some moments in this game that were supposed to actually this game that were supposed to actually this game that were supposed to actually like kind of pull on your heartstrings like kind of pull on your heartstrings like kind of pull on your heartstrings and get you a bit emotional, but they and get you a bit emotional, but they and get you a bit emotional, but they did absolutely nothing to me. did absolutely nothing to me. did absolutely nothing to me. Actually kind of made me laugh instead. Actually kind of made me laugh instead. Actually kind of made me laugh instead. I kind of hate to say that. I'm so I kind of hate to say that. I'm so I kind of hate to say that. I'm so sorry, [laughter] sorry, [laughter] sorry, [laughter] but the campiness of this game is a but the campiness of this game is a but the campiness of this game is a little over the top, and I usually don't little over the top, and I usually don't little over the top, and I usually don't mind that in games, but it's honestly to mind that in games, but it's honestly to mind that in games, but it's honestly to the detriment of some of these emotional the detriment of some of these emotional the detriment of some of these emotional and impactful moments as well. The and impactful moments as well. The and impactful moments as well. The general plot is interesting enough with general plot is interesting enough with general plot is interesting enough with Alear's journey being one of Alear's journey being one of Alear's journey being one of self-discovery and learning to trust self-discovery and learning to trust self-discovery and learning to trust their friends and the power of their friends and the power of their friends and the power of friendship and all that typical anime friendship and all that typical anime friendship and all that typical anime stuff. But honestly, for some long-time stuff. But honestly, for some long-time stuff. But honestly, for some long-time Fire Emblem fans, this might feel sort Fire Emblem fans, this might feel sort Fire Emblem fans, this might feel sort of right at home with some story element of right at home with some story element of right at home with some story element inclusions like divine dragons, fell inclusions like divine dragons, fell inclusions like divine dragons, fell dragons, and its generally traditional dragons, and its generally traditional dragons, and its generally traditional good versus evil story structure.

good versus evil story structure. good versus evil story structure. Despite the annoyances and mediocrity of Despite the annoyances and mediocrity of Despite the annoyances and mediocrity of Engage's story, I think the best part Engage's story, I think the best part Engage's story, I think the best part about it is that it is a one-and-done about it is that it is a one-and-done about it is that it is a one-and-done story. I do not need to play through the story. I do not need to play through the story. I do not need to play through the game numerous times to understand the game numerous times to understand the game numerous times to understand the full scope of everything that is going full scope of everything that is going full scope of everything that is going on and all of the lore of this world. on and all of the lore of this world. on and all of the lore of this world. One 40-to-50-hour game with side content One 40-to-50-hour game with side content One 40-to-50-hour game with side content and really cool paralogues, and that's and really cool paralogues, and that's and really cool paralogues, and that's it. And of course, the DLC if I want to it. And of course, the DLC if I want to it. And of course, the DLC if I want to do that. This transitions us naturally do that. This transitions us naturally do that. This transitions us naturally over to the story of Three Houses. I'll over to the story of Three Houses. I'll over to the story of Three Houses. I'll start with the negative aspect since I'm start with the negative aspect since I'm start with the negative aspect since I'm on the topic of it. Playing through this on the topic of it. Playing through this on the topic of it. Playing through this game numerous times was annoying, game numerous times was annoying, game numerous times was annoying, repetitive, redundant, and a little bit repetitive, redundant, and a little bit repetitive, redundant, and a little bit taxing, honestly. No matter where you taxing, honestly. No matter where you taxing, honestly. No matter where you start and no matter how many prior start and no matter how many prior start and no matter how many prior playthroughs you do, you will always playthroughs you do, you will always playthroughs you do, you will always have to do the prologue of White Clouds, have to do the prologue of White Clouds, have to do the prologue of White Clouds, and that's usually the slowest part of and that's usually the slowest part of and that's usually the slowest part of the game where the story only sets the game where the story only sets the game where the story only sets itself up in the monastery with the itself up in the monastery with the itself up in the monastery with the classroom setting. It's really fun on classroom setting. It's really fun on classroom setting. It's really fun on your first play through, but to have to your first play through, but to have to your first play through, but to have to play through it three more times is so play through it three more times is so play through it three more times is so exhausting. It's the same story, but exhausting. It's the same story, but exhausting. It's the same story, but only told through a different lens with only told through a different lens with only told through a different lens with a different house leader and a different a different house leader and a different a different house leader and a different house. Sure, the dialogue and some house. Sure, the dialogue and some house. Sure, the dialogue and some interactions are different and you're interactions are different and you're interactions are different and you're seeing different character supports, but seeing different character supports, but seeing different character supports, but the general story and narrative is the the general story and narrative is the the general story and narrative is the exact same. I know from a gameplay exact same. I know from a gameplay exact same. I know from a gameplay standpoint it's nearly impossible to standpoint it's nearly impossible to standpoint it's nearly impossible to skip all of this, but that's just an skip all of this, but that's just an skip all of this, but that's just an inherent flaw with the game in my inherent flaw with the game in my inherent flaw with the game in my personal opinion. I understand this personal opinion. I understand this personal opinion. I understand this leads to much more content and leads to much more content and leads to much more content and replayability, but it's with the expense replayability, but it's with the expense replayability, but it's with the expense of my sanity, honestly. Battle of the of my sanity, honestly. Battle of the of my sanity, honestly. Battle of the Eagle and Lion was fun the first few

Eagle and Lion was fun the first few Eagle and Lion was fun the first few times, but it's very much a been there, times, but it's very much a been there, times, but it's very much a been there, done that thing on your third and fourth done that thing on your third and fourth done that thing on your third and fourth play through. That's why I've been play through. That's why I've been play through. That's why I've been spacing my play throughs of three houses spacing my play throughs of three houses spacing my play throughs of three houses pretty vastly. I did Crimson Flower in pretty vastly. I did Crimson Flower in pretty vastly. I did Crimson Flower in the summer of 2020 during lockdown in the summer of 2020 during lockdown in the summer of 2020 during lockdown in the pandemic, then started Verdant Wind the pandemic, then started Verdant Wind the pandemic, then started Verdant Wind in mid-2022, but then I took a huge in mid-2022, but then I took a huge in mid-2022, but then I took a huge break and then finished it in the summer break and then finished it in the summer break and then finished it in the summer of 2024. And then I immediately started of 2024. And then I immediately started of 2024. And then I immediately started Azure Moon shortly after in like fall Azure Moon shortly after in like fall Azure Moon shortly after in like fall 2024, but I put that on hold for a very 2024, but I put that on hold for a very 2024, but I put that on hold for a very long time, but I've now picked that up long time, but I've now picked that up long time, but I've now picked that up again in like mid-March 2026 to prep for again in like mid-March 2026 to prep for again in like mid-March 2026 to prep for Fortune's Weave coming out later this Fortune's Weave coming out later this Fortune's Weave coming out later this year. Outside of all of that, I truly year. Outside of all of that, I truly year. Outside of all of that, I truly have to say Three Houses has one of the have to say Three Houses has one of the have to say Three Houses has one of the greatest stories ever told in a Nintendo greatest stories ever told in a Nintendo greatest stories ever told in a Nintendo game. It gets deep, serious, lore-heavy, game. It gets deep, serious, lore-heavy, game. It gets deep, serious, lore-heavy, emotional, and really dark, too. The emotional, and really dark, too. The emotional, and really dark, too. The story of the Nabataeans, the three story of the Nabataeans, the three story of the Nabataeans, the three nations of Fódlan, and the struggle of nations of Fódlan, and the struggle of nations of Fódlan, and the struggle of the goddess and the church between the goddess and the church between the goddess and the church between opposing forces is truly captivating and opposing forces is truly captivating and opposing forces is truly captivating and keeps you guessing at what's coming keeps you guessing at what's coming keeps you guessing at what's coming next. On top of all that, the character next. On top of all that, the character next. On top of all that, the character development and arcs of some of the main development and arcs of some of the main development and arcs of some of the main characters are very well written and characters are very well written and characters are very well written and incredibly complex. Of course, the three incredibly complex. Of course, the three incredibly complex. Of course, the three house leaders have a major role to play house leaders have a major role to play house leaders have a major role to play in the story and each of them have very in the story and each of them have very in the story and each of them have very complex motives, backstories, and complex motives, backstories, and complex motives, backstories, and struggles they work with throughout both struggles they work with throughout both struggles they work with throughout both major arcs of the game. By the end of major arcs of the game. By the end of major arcs of the game. By the end of the game, you see them as truly mature the game, you see them as truly mature the game, you see them as truly mature and determined leaders who command and determined leaders who command and determined leaders who command armies and nations, but also have

armies and nations, but also have armies and nations, but also have loyalty and love for their fellow loyalty and love for their fellow loyalty and love for their fellow comrades. My major upset and comrades. My major upset and comrades. My major upset and disappointment with Three Houses' story disappointment with Three Houses' story disappointment with Three Houses' story is how you have to play through it four is how you have to play through it four is how you have to play through it four times to understand the full scope of times to understand the full scope of times to understand the full scope of everything going on and the full lore of everything going on and the full lore of everything going on and the full lore of the events going on in this game. I the events going on in this game. I the events going on in this game. I mentioned this annoyance a bit earlier, mentioned this annoyance a bit earlier, mentioned this annoyance a bit earlier, but I'm not really a fan of this. Sure, but I'm not really a fan of this. Sure, but I'm not really a fan of this. Sure, it's nice you get a lot of value out of it's nice you get a lot of value out of it's nice you get a lot of value out of this game and a lot of replayability, this game and a lot of replayability, this game and a lot of replayability, but it's so tedious to have to go but it's so tedious to have to go but it's so tedious to have to go through White Clouds every single time through White Clouds every single time through White Clouds every single time you want to play through a route and you want to play through a route and you want to play through a route and just the idea that the game's narrative just the idea that the game's narrative just the idea that the game's narrative is sectioned off like this is kind of is sectioned off like this is kind of is sectioned off like this is kind of annoying. I significantly liked my annoying. I significantly liked my annoying. I significantly liked my Verdant Wind playthrough over my Crimson Verdant Wind playthrough over my Crimson Verdant Wind playthrough over my Crimson Flower playthrough and that's primarily Flower playthrough and that's primarily Flower playthrough and that's primarily because of the story, but if I knew that because of the story, but if I knew that because of the story, but if I knew that and that I would have liked and and that I would have liked and and that I would have liked and preferred Verdant Wind, then I might preferred Verdant Wind, then I might preferred Verdant Wind, then I might have chosen that in favor of siding with have chosen that in favor of siding with have chosen that in favor of siding with waifu Edelgard on her request for waifu Edelgard on her request for waifu Edelgard on her request for domination as my first playthrough of domination as my first playthrough of domination as my first playthrough of Three Houses. It's nice that you get to Three Houses. It's nice that you get to Three Houses. It's nice that you get to choose your house based off which choose your house based off which choose your house based off which characters you like most, but at the characters you like most, but at the characters you like most, but at the same time, I wish that there is some same time, I wish that there is some same time, I wish that there is some kind of canon route as well. My buddy kind of canon route as well. My buddy kind of canon route as well. My buddy Brandon from the channel Retro Brandon Brandon from the channel Retro Brandon Brandon from the channel Retro Brandon and Level Up Legacy feels the exact same and Level Up Legacy feels the exact same and Level Up Legacy feels the exact same way about this. I remember him way about this. I remember him way about this. I remember him mentioning this in some of his videos mentioning this in some of his videos mentioning this in some of his videos and some episodes of his podcast. Like and some episodes of his podcast. Like and some episodes of his podcast. Like sort of how Persona 4 Golden has a sort of how Persona 4 Golden has a sort of how Persona 4 Golden has a golden path, it would be amazing if golden path, it would be amazing if golden path, it would be amazing if there was a canon golden path or ending there was a canon golden path or ending there was a canon golden path or ending for Three Houses as well. Not only so for Three Houses as well. Not only so for Three Houses as well. Not only so that you can stick to one route in your that you can stick to one route in your that you can stick to one route in your first playthrough, but also get a fully first playthrough, but also get a fully first playthrough, but also get a fully definitive ending because all four definitive ending because all four definitive ending because all four endings are significantly different and endings are significantly different and endings are significantly different and the outcomes are very different. That

the outcomes are very different. That the outcomes are very different. That idea is cool in its own way as well, but idea is cool in its own way as well, but idea is cool in its own way as well, but I do prefer if this game did have a I do prefer if this game did have a I do prefer if this game did have a solid canon true golden ending. But hey, solid canon true golden ending. But hey, solid canon true golden ending. But hey, there is a solid plus point to choosing there is a solid plus point to choosing there is a solid plus point to choosing Crimson Flower and the Black Eagles Crimson Flower and the Black Eagles Crimson Flower and the Black Eagles first, and that's because my wife Petra first, and that's because my wife Petra first, and that's because my wife Petra was with me the entire time. I didn't was with me the entire time. I didn't was with me the entire time. I didn't have to go out of my way to recruit her have to go out of my way to recruit her have to go out of my way to recruit her like I had to for every single other run like I had to for every single other run like I had to for every single other run of the game. of the game. of the game. I know some people don't really care I know some people don't really care I know some people don't really care about the idea of a golden ending or about the idea of a golden ending or about the idea of a golden ending or think that one of the strengths of Three think that one of the strengths of Three think that one of the strengths of Three Houses story is that there isn't one. Houses story is that there isn't one. Houses story is that there isn't one. But as someone who'd prefer to have a But as someone who'd prefer to have a But as someone who'd prefer to have a game be a one-and-done thing, I'd prefer game be a one-and-done thing, I'd prefer game be a one-and-done thing, I'd prefer to have something like that personally. to have something like that personally. to have something like that personally. Doesn't make going through each route Doesn't make going through each route Doesn't make going through each route any less interesting though, since any less interesting though, since any less interesting though, since seeing the conflict from each different seeing the conflict from each different seeing the conflict from each different angle is really interesting. But one angle is really interesting. But one angle is really interesting. But one thing I also did think of is if the thing I also did think of is if the thing I also did think of is if the golden ending was sort of like a reward golden ending was sort of like a reward golden ending was sort of like a reward for playing through all four paths. Like for playing through all four paths. Like for playing through all four paths. Like maybe what happens is at the end of each maybe what happens is at the end of each maybe what happens is at the end of each path you would get like some sort of path you would get like some sort of path you would get like some sort of like MacGuffin or item, and that would like MacGuffin or item, and that would like MacGuffin or item, and that would carry over to the next route in your new carry over to the next route in your new carry over to the next route in your new game plus run. And once you do all of game plus run. And once you do all of game plus run. And once you do all of those new game plus runs and get four of those new game plus runs and get four of those new game plus runs and get four of those items, it will unlock a golden those items, it will unlock a golden those items, it will unlock a golden pathway to get some extra lore and get pathway to get some extra lore and get pathway to get some extra lore and get that golden ending or something like that golden ending or something like that golden ending or something like that. I don't know. Just just a thought.

that. I don't know. Just just a thought. that. I don't know. Just just a thought. Not really a missed opportunity, but Not really a missed opportunity, but Not really a missed opportunity, but something that maybe they can do in a something that maybe they can do in a something that maybe they can do in a future game that has multiple routes future game that has multiple routes future game that has multiple routes like this. So before I close out this like this. So before I close out this like this. So before I close out this gigantically long, detailed analysis and gigantically long, detailed analysis and gigantically long, detailed analysis and comparison, [music] I wanted to go comparison, [music] I wanted to go comparison, [music] I wanted to go through some smaller comparisons real through some smaller comparisons real through some smaller comparisons real quick. Mostly in terms of presentation, quick. Mostly in terms of presentation, quick. Mostly in terms of presentation, art style, graphics, and the music as art style, graphics, and the music as art style, graphics, and the music as well. So let's rapid-fire through that a well. So let's rapid-fire through that a well. So let's rapid-fire through that a little bit. So both Engage and Three little bit. So both Engage and Three little bit. So both Engage and Three Houses are very anime-inspired games in Houses are very anime-inspired games in Houses are very anime-inspired games in their art and character design. One way their art and character design. One way their art and character design. One way more so than the other. Three Houses is more so than the other. Three Houses is more so than the other. Three Houses is a little more gritty, little more a little more gritty, little more a little more gritty, little more realistic, though definitely still realistic, though definitely still realistic, though definitely still heavily stylized. I just say in heavily stylized. I just say in heavily stylized. I just say in comparison to Engage because of the more comparison to Engage because of the more comparison to Engage because of the more serious tone and narrative, the serious tone and narrative, the serious tone and narrative, the characters are a little more characters are a little more characters are a little more down-to-earth in a way, but still down-to-earth in a way, but still down-to-earth in a way, but still striking in how they [music] look. I striking in how they [music] look. I striking in how they [music] look. I love the style of character designer love the style of character designer love the style of character designer Chinatsu Kurahana and the way they've Chinatsu Kurahana and the way they've Chinatsu Kurahana and the way they've drawn many of these characters, drawn many of these characters, drawn many of these characters, especially in their eyes. They're very especially in their eyes. They're very especially in their eyes. They're very identifiable, iconic, and just look identifiable, iconic, and just look identifiable, iconic, and just look really, really good. Some of my really, really good. Some of my really, really good. Some of my favorites are obviously my wife Petra, favorites are obviously my wife Petra, favorites are obviously my wife Petra, and then there's Claude, Sylvain, Felix, and then there's Claude, Sylvain, Felix, and then there's Claude, Sylvain, Felix, Constance, Yuri, and even the main Constance, Yuri, and even the main Constance, Yuri, and even the main character Byleth who really stand out to character Byleth who really stand out to character Byleth who really stand out to me in their look. Engage, on the other me in their look. Engage, on the other me in their look. Engage, on the other hand, is a very anime and manga inspired hand, is a very anime and manga inspired hand, is a very anime and manga inspired with its characters having much rounder with its characters having much rounder with its characters having much rounder faces and larger eyes. And that's not faces and larger eyes. And that's not faces and larger eyes. And that's not the only thing in the game that's around the only thing in the game that's around the only thing in the game that's around and large. But anyways, not only that, and large. But anyways, not only that, and large. But anyways, not only that, but the outfits and general direction of but the outfits and general direction of but the outfits and general direction of the character design is a lot more the character design is a lot more the character design is a lot more flashy and extravagant. But this game

flashy and extravagant. But this game flashy and extravagant. But this game truly knows exactly what it wants to be, truly knows exactly what it wants to be, truly knows exactly what it wants to be, so I can't blame it for wanting to go so I can't blame it for wanting to go so I can't blame it for wanting to go all out. I think a lot of the original all out. I think a lot of the original all out. I think a lot of the original characters look amazing in Engage, with characters look amazing in Engage, with characters look amazing in Engage, with some of my favorites being Ivy, Timerra, some of my favorites being Ivy, Timerra, some of my favorites being Ivy, Timerra, Fogato, Celine, Citrine, Lapis, and many Fogato, Celine, Citrine, Lapis, and many Fogato, Celine, Citrine, Lapis, and many others. What's also great about Engage others. What's also great about Engage others. What's also great about Engage is the cast is very diverse in terms of is the cast is very diverse in terms of is the cast is very diverse in terms of race, sexual orientation, age. You have race, sexual orientation, age. You have race, sexual orientation, age. You have a very diverse cast of characters to a very diverse cast of characters to a very diverse cast of characters to play around with and use in this game, play around with and use in this game, play around with and use in this game, which makes it very inclusive in its own which makes it very inclusive in its own which makes it very inclusive in its own way. Also, in terms of visuals, Three way. Also, in terms of visuals, Three way. Also, in terms of visuals, Three Houses might be one of the worst-looking Houses might be one of the worst-looking Houses might be one of the worst-looking Switch one games of all time. Just want Switch one games of all time. Just want Switch one games of all time. Just want to put that out there. But do I care? to put that out there. But do I care? to put that out there. But do I care? Honestly, I do not. And this is coming Honestly, I do not. And this is coming Honestly, I do not. And this is coming from me, especially because I played from me, especially because I played from me, especially because I played most of this game in a handheld mode, most of this game in a handheld mode, most of this game in a handheld mode, just sitting on my bed, sitting in the just sitting on my bed, sitting in the just sitting on my bed, sitting in the living room, just like taking it with me living room, just like taking it with me living room, just like taking it with me on the go, on road trips, and all that. on the go, on road trips, and all that. on the go, on road trips, and all that. And like I said before, I'm currently And like I said before, I'm currently And like I said before, I'm currently doing my Blue Lions New Game Plus replay doing my Blue Lions New Game Plus replay doing my Blue Lions New Game Plus replay right now, and [music] I've been playing right now, and [music] I've been playing right now, and [music] I've been playing it on the Switch too. And it looks so it on the Switch too. And it looks so it on the Switch too. And it looks so much better in handheld boost mode. I I much better in handheld boost mode. I I much better in handheld boost mode. I I know like know like know like there's nothing really to show here. I'm there's nothing really to show here. I'm there's nothing really to show here. I'm just selecting a parallel arc right now, just selecting a parallel arc right now, just selecting a parallel arc right now, but trust me, playing this game with but trust me, playing this game with but trust me, playing this game with handheld boost has just been it's been a handheld boost has just been it's been a handheld boost has just been it's been a really big boost for this game, really big boost for this game, really big boost for this game, especially for someone like me who loves especially for someone like me who loves especially for someone like me who loves playing in handheld mode. But that playing in handheld mode. But that playing in handheld mode. But that doesn't fix the fact that the graphics doesn't fix the fact that the graphics doesn't fix the fact that the graphics are still low-key kind of ass.

are still low-key kind of ass. are still low-key kind of ass. It is very noticeable though. When It is very noticeable though. When It is very noticeable though. When Engage looks phenomenal in and outside Engage looks phenomenal in and outside Engage looks phenomenal in and outside of combat in both docked and handheld of combat in both docked and handheld of combat in both docked and handheld mode on the Switch one. Truly one of the mode on the Switch one. Truly one of the mode on the Switch one. Truly one of the most beautiful JRPGs on Nintendo Switch most beautiful JRPGs on Nintendo Switch most beautiful JRPGs on Nintendo Switch graphically and artistically. Three graphically and artistically. Three graphically and artistically. Three Houses is grittier and darker in its Houses is grittier and darker in its Houses is grittier and darker in its visuals and color palette, and Engage is visuals and color palette, and Engage is visuals and color palette, and Engage is vibrant, saturated, colorful, and vibrant, saturated, colorful, and vibrant, saturated, colorful, and bright. Two opposite sides of Fire bright. Two opposite sides of Fire bright. Two opposite sides of Fire Emblem, and personally, they both work Emblem, and personally, they both work Emblem, and personally, they both work very well. But if I were to give one the very well. But if I were to give one the very well. But if I were to give one the edge, I would probably say [music] Three edge, I would probably say [music] Three edge, I would probably say [music] Three Houses because I just like the character Houses because I just like the character Houses because I just like the character designs a bit better. Now for the music, designs a bit better. Now for the music, designs a bit better. Now for the music, very hot take here. I do like both OSTs very hot take here. I do like both OSTs very hot take here. I do like both OSTs very much. They're both top of the line very much. They're both top of the line very much. They're both top of the line and for the Fire Emblem series, Nintendo and for the Fire Emblem series, Nintendo and for the Fire Emblem series, Nintendo OSTs, and JRPG OSTs in general. But I do OSTs, and JRPG OSTs in general. But I do OSTs, and JRPG OSTs in general. But I do have to say, Engage OST is not talked have to say, Engage OST is not talked have to say, Engage OST is not talked about enough. Fire Emblem Awakening has about enough. Fire Emblem Awakening has about enough. Fire Emblem Awakening has one of my favorite OSTs of all time, and one of my favorite OSTs of all time, and one of my favorite OSTs of all time, and to me, Engage really captures that to me, Engage really captures that to me, Engage really captures that mystical, mysterious, nostalgic, yet mystical, mysterious, nostalgic, yet mystical, mysterious, nostalgic, yet very adventurous, and upbeat vibe. Like very adventurous, and upbeat vibe. Like very adventurous, and upbeat vibe. Like listen to some of these songs.

>> They have the true Fire Emblem medieval >> They have the true Fire Emblem medieval vibes alongside some mystical folklory vibes alongside some mystical folklory vibes alongside some mystical folklory vibes there too. But then they can get vibes there too. But then they can get vibes there too. But then they can get so exciting and upbeat. >> On the other hand, Three Houses stays >> On the other hand, Three Houses stays very focused on the militaristic and very focused on the militaristic and very focused on the militaristic and bombastic medieval war music. bombastic medieval war music. bombastic medieval war music. >> [music] >> But it also adds some strange EDM >> But it also adds some strange EDM dubstep vibes into it, too. dubstep vibes into it, too. dubstep vibes into it, too. >> [music] [music] [music] >> In some tracks, it's fine and it works, >> In some tracks, it's fine and it works, >> In some tracks, it's fine and it works, but in others, it just kind of honestly but in others, it just kind of honestly but in others, it just kind of honestly feels straight-up out of place to me. It's not really a deal-breaker, and I It's not really a deal-breaker, and I love a lot of the songs in the game, but love a lot of the songs in the game, but love a lot of the songs in the game, but it's it's just a personal opinion as a it's it's just a personal opinion as a it's it's just a personal opinion as a whole, and it's just not really my vibe. whole, and it's just not really my vibe. whole, and it's just not really my vibe. I think Engage excels more in the battle I think Engage excels more in the battle I think Engage excels more in the battle tracks, whereas Three Houses excels more tracks, whereas Three Houses excels more tracks, whereas Three Houses excels more in the support area and cutscene tracks.

in the support area and cutscene tracks. in the support area and cutscene tracks. But, I will say this. But, I will say this. But, I will say this. There are many people out there who deny There are many people out there who deny There are many people out there who deny that video game music has any place in that video game music has any place in that video game music has any place in the discussion of good music in this the discussion of good music in this the discussion of good music in this world. Especially from those people who world. Especially from those people who world. Especially from those people who don't play video games or are just like don't play video games or are just like don't play video games or are just like music snobs. music snobs. music snobs. I am sort of a somewhat of a music snob I am sort of a somewhat of a music snob I am sort of a somewhat of a music snob myself in some ways. myself in some ways. myself in some ways. But I've also experienced some amazing But I've also experienced some amazing But I've also experienced some amazing video game OSTs from some amazing games video game OSTs from some amazing games video game OSTs from some amazing games I've had the pleasure to play. So, I've had the pleasure to play. So, I've had the pleasure to play. So, whenever someone tells me they don't whenever someone tells me they don't whenever someone tells me they don't think video games or particularly JRPGs think video games or particularly JRPGs think video games or particularly JRPGs have very good OSTs or soundtracks, and have very good OSTs or soundtracks, and have very good OSTs or soundtracks, and that they feel like games are just stuck that they feel like games are just stuck that they feel like games are just stuck in the simple tunes of 8-bit Mario, in the simple tunes of 8-bit Mario, in the simple tunes of 8-bit Mario, Zelda, and Tetris, Zelda, and Tetris, Zelda, and Tetris, even 40 years later, even 40 years later, even 40 years later, I hit them with the majesty, the I hit them with the majesty, the I hit them with the majesty, the splendor, splendor, splendor, and the bombast and the bombast and the bombast of one of the greatest video game tracks of one of the greatest video game tracks of one of the greatest video game tracks I've ever heard in my entire life, I've ever heard in my entire life, I've ever heard in my entire life, the one and only the one and only the one and only God-Shattering Star.

[music] [music] [singing] >> So, after everything we've talked about, >> So, after everything we've talked about, the storytelling, the gameplay, the the storytelling, the gameplay, the the storytelling, the gameplay, the characters, the mechanics, the combat, characters, the mechanics, the combat, characters, the mechanics, the combat, all that, it becomes clear that all that, it becomes clear that all that, it becomes clear that comparing Three Houses and Engage as if comparing Three Houses and Engage as if comparing Three Houses and Engage as if one simply replaces the other just one simply replaces the other just one simply replaces the other just misses the bigger picture because these misses the bigger picture because these misses the bigger picture because these games aren't really trying to do the games aren't really trying to do the games aren't really trying to do the same thing. I think about it like this. same thing. I think about it like this. same thing. I think about it like this. One game asks you to think about why One game asks you to think about why One game asks you to think about why you're fighting. The other asks you to you're fighting. The other asks you to you're fighting. The other asks you to figure out how to win. And honestly, I figure out how to win. And honestly, I figure out how to win. And honestly, I think the Fire Emblem series needs both. think the Fire Emblem series needs both. think the Fire Emblem series needs both. Many fans compare these games unfairly, Many fans compare these games unfairly, Many fans compare these games unfairly, but they're ultimately serving different but they're ultimately serving different but they're ultimately serving different flavors of Fire Emblem. Engage isn't flavors of Fire Emblem. Engage isn't flavors of Fire Emblem. Engage isn't bad. It was never bad. It's just less bad. It was never bad. It's just less bad. It was never bad. It's just less about moral complexity and more about about moral complexity and more about about moral complexity and more about the joy of tactical mastery in the the joy of tactical mastery in the the joy of tactical mastery in the franchise's celebration. It's about franchise's celebration. It's about franchise's celebration. It's about understanding the two directions Fire understanding the two directions Fire understanding the two directions Fire Emblem has explored and why both Emblem has explored and why both Emblem has explored and why both mattered, which brings us to the future.

mattered, which brings us to the future. mattered, which brings us to the future. With Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave on the With Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave on the With Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave on the horizon for Nintendo Switch 2, the real horizon for Nintendo Switch 2, the real horizon for Nintendo Switch 2, the real question isn't whether it'll be more question isn't whether it'll be more question isn't whether it'll be more like Three Houses or Engage. The real like Three Houses or Engage. The real like Three Houses or Engage. The real reason is whether it can learn from reason is whether it can learn from reason is whether it can learn from both. If it can combine the narrative both. If it can combine the narrative both. If it can combine the narrative depth of one and the strategic depth of one and the strategic depth of one and the strategic brilliance of another, we might be brilliance of another, we might be brilliance of another, we might be looking at the next great evolution of looking at the next great evolution of looking at the next great evolution of Fire Emblem and maybe even the greatest Fire Emblem and maybe even the greatest Fire Emblem and maybe even the greatest Fire Emblem game of all time. So, let me Fire Emblem game of all time. So, let me Fire Emblem game of all time. So, let me know in the comments below, what is your know in the comments below, what is your know in the comments below, what is your favorite Fire Emblem game? What do you favorite Fire Emblem game? What do you favorite Fire Emblem game? What do you think of Three Houses? What do you think think of Three Houses? What do you think think of Three Houses? What do you think of Engage? Do you think Three Houses is of Engage? Do you think Three Houses is of Engage? Do you think Three Houses is overrated? Do you think Engage is overrated? Do you think Engage is overrated? Do you think Engage is underrated? What are your favorite underrated? What are your favorite underrated? What are your favorite aspects of both of these games? And what aspects of both of these games? And what aspects of both of these games? And what do you hope Fortune's Weave will learn do you hope Fortune's Weave will learn do you hope Fortune's Weave will learn from these amazing Nintendo Switch from these amazing Nintendo Switch from these amazing Nintendo Switch JRPGs. Thank you so much for sticking JRPGs. Thank you so much for sticking JRPGs. Thank you so much for sticking with me throughout this extensive with me throughout this extensive with me throughout this extensive analysis. [music] analysis. [music] analysis. [music] I really enjoyed making this and massive I really enjoyed making this and massive I really enjoyed making this and massive major awesome shout out once again to my major awesome shout out once again to my major awesome shout out once again to my good friend Kevin the Protagonist for good friend Kevin the Protagonist for good friend Kevin the Protagonist for helping me edit this extensive analysis helping me edit this extensive analysis helping me edit this extensive analysis video. Thank you all so much for the video. Thank you all so much for the video. Thank you all so much for the support and for sticking with me so far support and for sticking with me so far support and for sticking with me so far and get excited for more Fire Emblem and get excited for more Fire Emblem and get excited for more Fire Emblem videos of Fortunes Weave. This is Nish videos of Fortunes Weave. This is Nish videos of Fortunes Weave. This is Nish Quick signing off. Have a great day and Quick signing off. Have a great day and Quick signing off. Have a great day and go play some great games today like a go play some great games today like a go play some great games today like a Fire Emblem game. You got Three Houses, Fire Emblem game. You got Three Houses, Fire Emblem game. You got Three Houses, Engage, and Fortunes Weave all available Engage, and Fortunes Weave all available Engage, and Fortunes Weave all available on Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch on Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch on Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 2. I'll see you guys in the next one.

2. I'll see you guys in the next one. 2. I'll see you guys in the next one. Later. Later. Later. Hey guys, this is Nish Quick. Thank you Hey guys, this is Nish Quick. Thank you Hey guys, this is Nish Quick. Thank you so much for watching that video. And if so much for watching that video. And if so much for watching that video. And if you enjoyed it, check out these two you enjoyed it, check out these two you enjoyed it, check out these two videos on the left and maybe subscribe videos on the left and maybe subscribe videos on the left and maybe subscribe if you haven't on your way out. And big if you haven't on your way out. And big if you haven't on your way out. And big shout out to all my channel members shout out to all my channel members shout out to all my channel members whose names you can see on the screen whose names you can see on the screen whose names you can see on the screen right now. I'll see you guys in the next right now. I'll see you guys in the next right now. I'll see you guys in the next video. Later.