Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- June 24, 2022
- Team NINJA
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes takes the game you loved, spins a new yarn, and throws hack and slash combat in for good measure to create a fun, accessible experience that’s incredible value for money.
"Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes" is a fantasy hack and slash game for Nintendo Switch that allows 2-player co-op and single-player gameplay. This new story in the "Fire Emblem: Three Houses" universe follows Shez, a mercenary encountering the future rulers of Fódlan's three nations. Players can strengthen bonds with allies in the encampment, and tactically command them in real-time battles with strategic elements from "Fire Emblem: Three Houses" such as Adjutants.
Reviews
- Engaging and fun battle system that combines hack-and-slash gameplay with strategic elements from Fire Emblem.
- Rich character interactions and support conversations that deepen player investment in the story and characters.
- High replay value with multiple routes, new game plus content, and a variety of difficulty levels to cater to different player preferences.
- The story feels incomplete and lacks the depth and emotional resonance found in Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
- Some gameplay mechanics can be overwhelming, with a steep learning curve and excessive tutorials that disrupt the flow of the game.
- Route locks limit character recruitment options, making it harder for players who enjoyed the flexibility of character interactions in Three Houses.
- story83 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story in "Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes" is a mixed bag, with many players finding it less compelling than its predecessor, "Three Houses." While some appreciate the alternate reality and character backstories, others criticize the plot as incomplete and the protagonist as bland, leading to a sense of inconsequence in the narrative. Overall, the game offers engaging character interactions and multiple story routes, but many feel it lacks the depth and cohesion expected from a Fire Emblem title.
“However, the initial story chapters for all routes were all great since they felt really well developed, exploring region-specific issues and interesting background details that left me wanting more of that.”
“The fact that it can draw on the storytelling depth of Fire Emblem: Three Houses gives the game much more immersion than the previous rendition of Fire Emblem Warriors.”
“It's so interesting to see an alternate reality unfold from a familiar story.”
“The story is a 'what if?' story headed by a painfully bland protagonist that is a poor copy of the Byleth character from Three Houses that never shuts up about being a mercenary.”
“After completion, I liked every character from the original game less, and the story never justified its decision for why it told this 'what if?' scenario - there is no great alteration or tragedy that results from Byleth's destiny change from Three Houses.”
“For a game that was intended to follow the Three Houses storyline, it completely vacated the storyline premise of the game.”
- gameplay52 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes" blends action-packed musou mechanics with strategic elements from the Fire Emblem series, creating a unique experience that appeals to both fans of the franchise and newcomers. While some players appreciate the fast-paced and engaging combat, others find the integration of Fire Emblem's mechanics into a hack-and-slash format to be clunky and less satisfying than traditional turn-based gameplay. Overall, the game is praised for its fun gameplay, solid graphics, and character depth, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a pure Fire Emblem experience.
“One thing that sets Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes apart from other games in the genre is the strategic gameplay.”
“It offers an epic adventure filled with strategic gameplay, stunning graphics, and a fantastic soundtrack.”
“Perfect combination of Warriors & Fire Emblem gameplay, having a bunch of fun and already on my 2nd house's story.”
“Gameplay-wise, for people seeking a warriors game, this is not a warriors game.”
“All the mechanics and gameplay of a Fire Emblem game shoved into a third-person action game make it incredibly clunky and obtuse to play.”
“While the battlefield is filled with familiar faces, the repetitive hack-and-slash mechanics and a narrative that struggles to engage leave this installment yearning for the strategic brilliance that defines the Fire Emblem series.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their stunning quality and impressive character designs, contributing to an epic adventure experience. However, some players note the reuse of artwork from previous titles, leading to a sense of familiarity that detracts from the overall visual novelty. While the combat graphics and effects are highlighted as fun, there are criticisms regarding the environmental visuals and performance on the Switch, with some describing them as underwhelming.
“The graphics are absolutely stunning, and the character designs are on point.”
“It offers an epic adventure filled with strategic gameplay, stunning graphics, and a fantastic soundtrack.”
“Good character writing, cool music, awesome visuals, fun gameplay.”
“A lot of artwork assets from Three Houses are reused in this game, so much of it does not feel 'new.' While not ugly, it's a wasted opportunity.”
“Being on the Switch, I didn't expect to be blown away, but the graphics are particularly bad.”
“Environmental visuals can be quite bland.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability due to multiple routes, optional New Game Plus content that carries over character progression, and the ability to explore different houses, providing players with extensive customization options. However, some users noted that while the game is enjoyable, it may lack significant replay value for those who prefer varied class experiences, as most characters share the same classes. Overall, the combination of replayable maps and diverse playthrough opportunities contributes to a robust replay experience.
“High replay value with multiple routes and great optional new game plus content carryover of character levels, classes, supports, items, gold, renown, upgrades, and more so you can continue to build and customize without starting over unless you want to.”
“I've powered through 50 hours like it was nothing and you always have the opportunity to play through the other houses as well meaning there's tons of replay value down the line.”
“Replayable maps.”
“The full roster of characters returns with a few more playable ones, but they all use the same classes.”
- grinding7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a mixed reception regarding grinding in the game. While some players appreciate that hard mode minimizes grinding, others find the resource management tedious and feel that significant grinding is still necessary for progression. Overall, the experience of grinding varies, with some players enjoying the challenge and others finding it burdensome.
“The grinding, oh the grinding!”
“The resource management is not fun; it's tedious.”
“Will require lots of grinding.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted through a wealth of engaging support conversations that range from heartwarming to hilarious, enhancing player connection to the characters. Additionally, players find amusing anecdotes in their experiences, such as the mix-up with game versions, which adds a lighthearted touch to their overall enjoyment. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with its established franchise elements, creating an entertaining experience.
“Tons of new fantastic support conversations between characters that really make you care (this was my favorite personally and ranged from heartwarming to hilarious).”
“Despite buying from Nintendo of America, my game was a European version, but seeing as the Nintendo Switch isn't region locked, that's more of a funny thing to tell my friends about than an actual issue.”
“While still keeping true to the Warriors franchise and style, Three Hopes managed to combine the main aspects of Three Houses and Fire Emblem as a whole into an engaging and humorous work.”
- character development5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted to be somewhat weaker, likely due to its shorter length, but it features numerous support conversations that enhance player investment in the characters. Overall, while not the strongest aspect, the development is effective enough to foster emotional connections with peers.
“Tons of support conversations and character development.”
“Character development pays off and makes you care about your peers.”
“The graphics are absolutely stunning, and the character designs are on point.”
“The character development is a little weaker, but it's a shorter game, so I think that's fine.”
- music4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's music is highly praised, featuring a fantastic soundtrack that blends original compositions with remixes of classic Fire Emblem tracks. Reviewers highlight the music as a key element that enhances the overall experience, complementing the strategic gameplay and stunning visuals.
“The game also features a fantastic soundtrack, with a mix of original compositions and remixes of classic Fire Emblem tracks.”
“It offers an epic adventure filled with strategic gameplay, stunning graphics, and a fantastic soundtrack.”
“Good character writing, cool music, awesome visuals, fun gameplay.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by numerous engaging support conversations that deepen player attachment to the characters, offering a mix of heartwarming and humorous moments. However, some reviewers feel that the overall narrative lacks the depth and emotional resonance typical of its tactical RPG predecessors, resulting in a less impactful experience.
“Tons of new fantastic support conversations between characters that really make you care. This was my favorite personally and ranged from heartwarming to hilarious.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
While players enjoy the gameplay, they report that the technical performance of the game is subpar, indicating issues with optimization.
“Gameplay is fun, but the technical performance is lacking.”
“The game suffers from severe optimization issues that hinder the overall experience.”
“Frequent frame drops and long loading times make it hard to enjoy the game.”
Critic Reviews
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes Review
Despite some minor gripes, Three Hopes is still a great Fire Emblem game with plenty of value for fans of the series. I really look forward to future updates and DLC to this game and to explore a lot of what New Game Plus and higher difficulties offer.
90%Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes review
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes takes the game you loved, spins a new yarn, and throws hack and slash combat in for good measure to create a fun, accessible experience that’s incredible value for money.
90%Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes review
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes rides a great hybrid battle system while barely slowing down for its beloved characters
70%