Fire Emblem Warriors is, in many ways, the complete opposite of what the Intelligent Systems series is known for.
The spin-off takes the measured, turned-based tactical gameplay of the 3DS games and turns it on its head to create a fast-paced, action-orientated hack and slash.
And despite being the polar opposite to what the series is known for, it translates remarkably well.
Fire Emblem Warriors follows two royal twins, driven out of their home and separated from their mother.
To save the day, they have to stop an evil dragon from being awakened – and along the way team-up with much-loved characters from the Fire Emblem series.
The story doesn’t break new ground, but a lot of the joy comes from seeing memorable faces from past games team up and interact with one another.
Fan favourites such as Chrom, Camilla and Marth, among many others, all make an appearance in Fire Emblem Warriors.
Dialogue these beloved characters share during quiet moments in-between battles provides some truly charming and brilliant exchanges.
The big draw of Fire Emblem Warriors is seeing how the patient approach of the main series translates to a fast and furious action game.
Developed by Omega Force and Team Ninja, it is an offshoot of the Dynasty Warriors series – games where players take on wave after wave of enemies.
Hundreds of enemies can be on-screen at a time, and ploughing through this vast amount of opposing forces in past titles could often be a chore.
Fire Emblem Warriors gracefully steps around this issue by incorporating tactical elements from the main Fire Emblem series.
You have to manage battles to make sure no ally gets overrun by enemy forces.
At any one time you can be trying to control multiple characters, pressing a button to quickly switch between these allies on one, huge map.
They could be fighting different waves of enemies all at once in separate corners of the playing area, which you have to keep on top of quickly and efficiently.
One way to do this is you can pause the game and give orders to allies, to help automate things so you’re not running around like a headless chicken.
On the map you can order stronger units to guard weaker ones, to protect them from an onslaught they’re not equipped to deal with on their own.
Or, if you come across more powerful enemies you can order your beefiest units to team up to support one another, which makes their attacks more potent.
The fights move at an incredibly fast-pace, so it’s difficult to keep on top of everything.
Throw into the mix that Fire Emblem Warriors lets you choose perma-death, like the main series of the games, which raises the stakes even higher.
In order to progress, especially at later levels, you’ll need to think strategically and smartly to clear stages.
If you want you can tailor the experience to make it less punishing – for instance by turning off perma-death so you can enjoy stress-free the hack and slash action.
As you’d expect from a game Team Ninja has had a hand in, the combat system is fast, fluid and a joy to control.
Special super moves that can be carried out after a meter is built up, complete with their own stylish animations, are awesome to behold too.
The only downside is at times, like with all Dynasty Warriors-style titles, the tried-and-tested gameplay of fighting waves of enemies can become repetitive.
However, the tactical elements of Fire Emblem Warriors – coupled with the fun combat system, means it’s a never a chore or bore to play.
Fire Emblem Warriors is another great addition to the Nintendo Switch line-up.
It’s a brilliantly put together game that is buckets of fun and a must for any fan of the Fire Emblem series.
While the release schedule at the moment is packed full of great titles, Fire Emblem Warriors is a game that demands your attention.
VERDICT: 4/5
Daily Express :: Entertainment Feed
