While Fire Emblem games often differ from each other in various regards, Thracia is one of the ones that stands out the most- and not always in good ways. Because of the high difficulty level, as well as my being unable to find a way to play the game in English, I ended up watching the story on YouTube, and ended up enjoying it despite its flaws.
To start with, the game is an Interquel to Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War. It takes place after the Time Skip midway through the game, in the subcontinent of Thracia on the continent of Jugdral, and focuses on Leif, a secondary character in Genealogy, as he seeks to liberate his homeland.
One problem is that the game doesn't stand very well on its own, since it relies on knowing the context of the struggle in Genealogy, not to mention the roles played by various characters who make cameos. Despite this, the story has good worldbuilding that helps flesh out Thracia as a setting, and while the conflict is small-scale, it's deeply personal for Leif and his allies.
The characters are a mixed bag.
On the positive side, some of the more notable characters are well-done. Leif is one of the more down-to-earth Lords, who comes off as naive and makes poor decisions, but grows into the role of a leader over time. August plays off Leif well as a more cynical but wiser advisor, and serves the role better than Merlinus did in Binding Blade. Reinhardt is a memorably Tragic Villain, being someone who had the potential to become a great man but ends up being little more than an accomplice to atrocities due to his misguided sense of honor. Olwen, Reinhardt's younger sister, serves as a good foil to her brother as she shows the courage to fight for what she believes is right. The group as a whole comes off as very much a Ragtag Bunch of Misfits, including even children and criminals among their number, which is reflected in the gameplay.
Now for the negatives. Veld- a lackey of major Genealogy antagonist Manfroy- is one of the most forgettable villains in Fire Emblem history(as well as a disappointingly easy Final Boss by most accounts), and his accomplice Raydrik isn't much better. Many of the recruitable characters have barely any personality or even dialogue, which is a shame, since the diverse array of characters could have led to some interesting interactions.
In the end, the game ends on a bit of a Foregone Conclusion if you've played Genealogy- Leif survives his battles, but needs Seliph's help to win the war. In another unfortunate consequence of the game's status as an Interquel, most of the Thracia-exclusive characters disappear and are never seen again after the events of this game.
Despite Thracia's narrative flaws, I can appreciate its differences from other games in the series. As such, if you're a Fire Emblem fan, Thracia is worth experiencing at least once, whether you play it or watch it.
An Unusual Fire Emblem(Story Review)
While Fire Emblem games often differ from each other in various regards, Thracia is one of the ones that stands out the most- and not always in good ways. Because of the high difficulty level, as well as my being unable to find a way to play the game in English, I ended up watching the story on YouTube, and ended up enjoying it despite its flaws.
To start with, the game is an Interquel to Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War. It takes place after the Time Skip midway through the game, in the subcontinent of Thracia on the continent of Jugdral, and focuses on Leif, a secondary character in Genealogy, as he seeks to liberate his homeland.
One problem is that the game doesn't stand very well on its own, since it relies on knowing the context of the struggle in Genealogy, not to mention the roles played by various characters who make cameos. Despite this, the story has good worldbuilding that helps flesh out Thracia as a setting, and while the conflict is small-scale, it's deeply personal for Leif and his allies.
The characters are a mixed bag.
On the positive side, some of the more notable characters are well-done. Leif is one of the more down-to-earth Lords, who comes off as naive and makes poor decisions, but grows into the role of a leader over time. August plays off Leif well as a more cynical but wiser advisor, and serves the role better than Merlinus did in Binding Blade. Reinhardt is a memorably Tragic Villain, being someone who had the potential to become a great man but ends up being little more than an accomplice to atrocities due to his misguided sense of honor. Olwen, Reinhardt's younger sister, serves as a good foil to her brother as she shows the courage to fight for what she believes is right. The group as a whole comes off as very much a Ragtag Bunch of Misfits, including even children and criminals among their number, which is reflected in the gameplay.
Now for the negatives. Veld- a lackey of major Genealogy antagonist Manfroy- is one of the most forgettable villains in Fire Emblem history(as well as a disappointingly easy Final Boss by most accounts), and his accomplice Raydrik isn't much better. Many of the recruitable characters have barely any personality or even dialogue, which is a shame, since the diverse array of characters could have led to some interesting interactions.
In the end, the game ends on a bit of a Foregone Conclusion if you've played Genealogy- Leif survives his battles, but needs Seliph's help to win the war. In another unfortunate consequence of the game's status as an Interquel, most of the Thracia-exclusive characters disappear and are never seen again after the events of this game.
Despite Thracia's narrative flaws, I can appreciate its differences from other games in the series. As such, if you're a Fire Emblem fan, Thracia is worth experiencing at least once, whether you play it or watch it.