Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Platforms
- Nintendo 3DSMay 19, 20178.6playscore8.347 Critics9.33.75K Players
47 critic reviews · 13 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, by no means a flawless entry in the nearly three decade-old franchise, may well be the closest the series has gotten to somehow finding a happy medium between past legacy and contemporary appeal. Robust, entertaining and perilously engaging, while it may still find itself tainted by contemporary RPG standards in its character cast-listing or adamancy in offering “more” for the pure sake of it, Fire Emblem’s own “remake” phase in the end pays off in ways both clear and subtle alike.
Jordan Helm · May 24, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewIt's 2017, and the 3DS is in its sunset years- but Fire Emblem Echoes stands as one of the best additions to its library yet, and one of the best games in a year that has so far been full of fantastic games.
Pramath Parijat · May 23, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewAfter looking to their past, Intelligent System has made a daring strike forward. The result is a resounding strategy experience, with Shadows of Valentia not only delivering a sensational remake but one of the greatest tales that the Fire Emblem series has ever told.
Alex Seedhouse · May 22, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewIf you are a regular Fire Emblem fan and have previously experienced the other Nitnendo 3DS adventures, you are going to have an absolute blast with Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. However, without the high bar of quality we’ve seen in the previous two games, Echoes may not hook newcomers the same way.
Lou Contaldi · May 22, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewWhereas Shadows of Valentia suffers from uninspired level design, it makes up for it with its twin armies, fun dungeons, and returns to form. It is a welcome step back from the previous 3DS Fire Emblem games as it focuses on a tighter narrative while providing us with a glimpse towards the future as Shadows of Valentia ventures into new territory with its explorable areas and fresh gameplay mechanics.
Lydia Tang · May 22, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewDespite having many of the series’ staple complexities stripped away, Shadows of Valentia proves a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Those who found the Fire Emblem series too intimidating due to its difficulty and overwhelming depth need look no further for their accessible entry point to the franchise.
Jae Lee · May 22, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewBut these breathers come to feel all too brief over the course of Shadows of Valentia. Make no mistake: This is a game about sitting through cutscenes and playing battles. That gets tiring more quickly than a better-balanced game would — especially because Shadows of Valentia is committed to preserving those same dated systems. Its story was gripping enough to pull me through, but mustering the energy to sit through obtuse battles was Shadows of Valentia’s biggest challenge.
Allegra Frank · May 18, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewThe dumbed down combat mechanics give way to a pure strategy-driven venture that’s sure to sink its hooks into unsuspecting newcomers and veterans alike. On top of that, it doesn’t hurt that the narrative is expertly told through a series of animations and dialogue snippets that feature some of the best voice acting the series has featured so far.
Riley Little · May 17, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewFire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is unlike most other game in its series and offers a fresh take on the series' usual formulas. It's an interesting mix of seemingly weird components that all come to together in a delightfully satisfying way. It may not be for everyone, but Echoes is definitely an intriguing entry in a great franchise that might be just up your alley.
Adam Vitale · May 17, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full reviewIt all shapes up to be what very well might be the best Fire Emblem game on 3DS – if not the most unique. The battle system is great, dungeon crawling makes a nice change of place and doesn’t overstay its welcome. The split campaign style this game has used does a good job of breaking up some of the monotony that can set in after a 30+ hour RPG, and accompanying story is great, if not anything too special.
Dave Aubrey · May 16, 2017 Reviewed on 3DSRead full review
Community Reviews
Shadows of Valentia, was one of my anticipated games when it was announced, coming from the Fire Emblem Fates, it engrosses itself in new light as they ditch the triangle strategy and pairing system. The story is more engaging, controlling two characters one at a time in which the progress can be seen on the worldmap, which I really adore. There was also a new exploration system which also provides a scale of freedom. FE Echoes: Shadow of Valentia might be just my favorite entry in the series yet.
Reviewed on 3DS
- Rated on 3DS
- Rated on 3DS
- Rated on 3DS
- Rated on 3DS
- Rated on 3DS
About the game
In a continent that was torn asunder by warring gods, guide two armies through brutal tactical battles—as this reimagined RPG epic invades the West! Uncover the intertwining stories of Alm and Celica, engage foes, fend off dragons, and explore 3D dungeons. Your prowess will grow as you master this melding of modern and legacy Fire Emblem™ gameplay.
Alm and Celica lead separate armies united by a common goal: to stop the war and unify Valentia. Each army has its own path, units, and supplies, so balance their needs. Here, battle is waged in the traditions of elder Fire Emblem™ games, when the rules of battle were simpler, yet the challenge formidable as ever. When you encounter a dungeon, explore it in action-adventure style: smash false walls, break pots, or ambush enemies with a slash of your sword. You never know; you may stumble upon some uncommon items…or a hidden tactical battle with a brutal boss.