New Gameplay Today – Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Nintendo Switch
Kim shows Cork, Leo and Javy around the first Fire Emblem entry for Nintendo Switch in a few cozy five minute chunks.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses releases on July 26th.
What are the new features in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, such as the Divine Pulse and Battalion System, and how do they add to the gameplay experience?
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the latest installment in the popular Fire Emblem series, developed by Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo for the Nintendo Switch. Released on July 26, 2019, Three Houses offers a fresh gameplay experience that combines traditional strategic turn-based combat with RPG elements and a deep social simulator.
The game is set in the continent of Fódlan, a land ruled by three noble houses: the Black Eagles of the Adrestian Empire, the Blue Lions of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and the Golden Deer of the Leicester Alliance. Players take on the role of a young mercenary who is appointed as a professor at the prestigious Officer’s Academy, which is shared between the three houses. As the game progresses, players get to choose one of the three houses to lead and follow their story.
The gameplay in Three Houses is divided into two main parts: exploration and combat. During exploration sections, players get to interact with other characters, explore the academy and surrounding areas, and participate in various activities such as fishing, gardening, and cooking. These activities not only serve as a relaxing break from the combat but also influence the game’s social simulator, which affects the narrative and character relationships.
The combat in Three Houses is the series’ trademark strategic turn-based affair, where players deploy their units on a grid and take turns moving and attacking. The game features a robust class system, where characters can be evolved into various classes with different abilities and weapons.
One of the new features in Three Houses is the Battalion System, where each unit can be assigned a battalion to provide additional support and combat effects. Players can also create their own battalions, customize their appearance and abilities, and send them into battle.
Another major addition to the series is the Divine Pulse mechanic, which allows players to turn back time and undo their previous moves during combat. This feature not only adds a new level of strategic depth but also mitigates the frustration of losing a valuable unit to an unlucky crit.
The narrative in Three Houses is tightly connected to the gameplay mechanics, with the player’s actions affecting the progression of the story and the fate of the characters. The game features multiple endings depending on the player’s choices and alliances, providing a high replay value.
Overall, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a masterful blend of traditional turn-based strategy and social simulator elements, providing a fresh and engaging gameplay experience for both newcomers and veteran fans of the series. With its deep gameplay, rich narrative, and beautiful visuals, Three Houses is a must-play game for any Nintendo Switch owner.