Fire Emblem Should Go Open World, This Is Why

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The Fire Emblem franchise has traditionally followed a linear structure, but it’s high time for a change. While Fire Emblem: Three Houses introduced some diversity by offering multiple storylines based on the house a player joined and their choices, going fully open-world could elevate the series and offer fresh gameplay experiences.

On the Nintendo Switch 2, there could be multiple directions Nintendo might take when expanding the open world of Fire Emblem. While games like The Witcher 3 and Skyrim may come to mind as examples of open-world RPGs, they wouldn’t fit well with the Fire Emblem series. Instead, a more suitable approach would be an open-decision style, providing a sandbox-like experience, where players are given freedom in decision-making rather than a completely open world where they can do anything they please.

Let’s consider “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” as an example. After players reach the time skip point in the story, they are essentially locked into a specific path for the remainder of the game. In contrast, if “Fire Emblem” were an open-world game, players would enjoy greater flexibility in their choices and strategies when commanding their troops.

A more straightforward approach might involve starting off with a sequential introduction to Fire Emblem, where players are gradually acquainted with the game’s mechanics. This introduction could span across the first few missions to provide a comprehensive tutorial. Given the complexity of Fire Emblem’s systems and the potential harshness of permadeath for newcomers, this early learning phase is crucial.

By incorporating this tutorial early on, Nintendo can ensure that players gain a solid understanding of the game before they are given full freedom to explore. This tutorial could be presented as a historical event that lays the foundation for the game’s setting and nations, making it adaptable to any narrative that Nintendo chooses to create, while also allowing players some room for decision-making.

In this Fire Emblem game, players should be offered the freedom to pick among various factions for a more expansive and choice-driven experience. As is customary in Fire Emblem games, the narrative might lead to conflict. But with an open-world design, Nintendo could provide a vast map for exploration, allowing players to decide which territories to assault and where to strategically deploy their troops, rather than following a strictly linear storyline.

At the outset of the game, a player’s initial position and troops will be determined by the faction they select. This early choice constrains their path but eventually leads to diverse possibilities. Players can choose which nations to engage in conflict with or seek alliances from, thus shaping the narrative themselves.

As a gamer, I appreciate the freedom to choose the type of units I’ll be adding to my squad in Fire Emblem games. These games have always offered a variety of recruitable characters, some of which are rivals or enemies initially. If I decide to bring too many characters from a rival nation into my ranks, it could potentially spark rebellions within that nation. In extreme cases, recruiting enough characters might even lead to the overthrow of their government and their allegiance switching to mine.

In an open-world setup with various battlefronts, Fire Emblem now has the opportunity to utilize its extensive cast of characters more effectively. Instead of players rotating through a selected few while others remain idle, an open-world design allows for multiple forces to be stationed in different zones. By strategically pairing units together for offensive or defensive positions based on their unique strengths, Fire Emblem can maximize the potential of its diverse roster.

In addition to other modern features of the game series, this approach also introduces a significant element: romance. With the expanded choice given to players, the selection of a romantic partner becomes increasingly influential. While some players in Fire Emblem: Three Houses often decide on their love interest based on appearance and character traits, an open-world setting now brings alliances into play as another factor to consider when making your choice.

In some cases, players might choose to abduct and wed a prince or princess as a means of coercing another nation into an alliance. Alternatively, they could woo a royal family member connected to the throne, inciting them to overthrow the current ruler. This action might provoke retaliation from the offended nation, potentially leading to war. On the other hand, a rival nation might propose peace through marriage by offering an alliance with one of their own royals.

One intriguing feature that could emerge from an open-world setting is the concept of permadeath. Fire Emblem could delve deeper into this mechanic, not only enhancing gameplay but also enriching the narrative. The demise of a character would significantly impact the player’s army, but the story could also explore these losses more profoundly. For instance, a battlefield might transform into a memorial for a fallen hero, or a nation could gain prestige by vanquishing a powerful adversary.

Furthermore, expanding on a realm that Nintendo has been delving deeper into with Fire Emblem, making it more immersive and comprehensive, could be achieved. Both games, Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Fire Emblem Engage, feature explorable areas seen from a third-person viewpoint. Transitioning to an open world setting would offer Nintendo the opportunity to fully develop these spaces.

As a gamer, I’d love to have a central base where I can make most of my decisions, serving as a deployment point for my adventures. Capturing crucial locations in various lands could give me access to forts, villages, and other fascinating places to explore. Each of these spots would feature unique shops offering special items or structures that grant distinct bonuses, making every decision more strategic. With an open world and hidden areas waiting to be discovered, the choices I make would shape my gaming experience even more.

In conclusion, should Nintendo decide to implement a customizable avatar system, an open-world Fire Emblem could offer various customization possibilities. This would allow players to create distinctive appearances, attire, and weapons that align with their chosen nation. Additionally, advantages could be tailored based on the initial location and utilized across the game in both combat situations and during diplomatic decisions.

Opting for an open-world format could be a daring move in the Fire Emblem series, potentially causing some hesitation among fans. However, this approach would significantly expand strategic options available to players, making it one of the most comprehensive entries in the franchise. Amplifying the narrative and gameplay choices within ‘Fire Emblem: Three Houses’ could elevate what many already regard as an exceptional Fire Emblem game. The impact of such a decision would mark a profound change for the series, with the Nintendo Switch 2 providing an ideal platform to implement this transformation.

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2025-07-05 20:13