I. Introduction
Fire Emblem Three Houses is a tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo Games. It was released for the Nintendo Switch in July 2019. In the game, players have the opportunity to lead a house of characters who attend the Officer’s Academy at Garreg Mach Monastery, a religious institution that trains future leaders in the land of Fódlan. The game offers players a choice of three different houses, each of which has unique characteristics and strengths.
This article aims to help players decide which house they should choose by providing a comprehensive analysis of each house’s strengths and weaknesses, unique abilities, and how they fit into the game’s overall strategy. Additionally, it explores what drives the game’s story, offers insight into lore, and provides perspectives from the community. By the end of this article, players should be able to make an informed decision about which of the three houses to choose.
II. Character Analysis
Before diving into the differences between the three houses, it is essential to understand the characters that make up each of them.
A. Overview of Each House
The game’s three houses are the Black Eagles, Blue Lions, and Golden Deer. Each house has its own distinct characters, personalities, and motivations.
Black Eagles: The Black Eagles house is led by Edelgard von Hresvelg, the future Empress of the Adrestian Empire. Edelgard is a complex character with a strong will and determination to reform the status quo within Fódlan. The house also includes other notable characters such as the emotionally guarded heir to the Hresvelg family, Ferdinand von Aegir, the enigmatic Bernadetta von Varley, and the prodigy Hubert von Vestra.
Blue Lions: The Blue Lions house is led by Prince Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, and the house is known for its strong bond and loyalty to each other. The house includes characters such as the capable Felix Fraldarius, the nurturing Ingrid Brandl Galatea, and the kind-hearted Dedue Molinaro.
Golden Deer: The Golden Deer house is led by Claude von Riegan, a laid-back, scheming scion of the ruling house of the Leicester Alliance. The house includes characters such as the determined and sharp-tongued Hilda Valentine Goneril, the introspective Lorenz Hellman Gloucester, and the goofy, yet brilliant Raphael Kirsten.
B. Analysis of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Each House Leader and Their Classmates
Each house leader has their own strengths and weaknesses, which are reflected in their character class and abilities. Edelgard of the Black Eagles, for example, is an excellent combatant but struggles with social interactions. Dimitri of the Blue Lions is a charismatic leader but has a hard time controlling his emotions. Claude of the Golden Deer is a skilled tactician but is often distracted and lacks focus.
Each character in the game also has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses that players must consider when building their team and creating a strategy. Some characters, like Petra of the Black Eagles, excel in speed and agility, while others, like Dorothea of the Black Eagles, have a talent for magic. Choosing the right characters for the right missions is essential to a successful campaign in Fire Emblem Three Houses.
C. Comparison and Contrast of Each Character’s Unique Abilities
One of the key differences between the houses is the set of unique abilities and character classes. The Black Eagles, for example, have access to classes that specialize in magic and archery, while the Blue Lions focus on traditional knightly combat and defense. The Golden Deer offer a mix of classes with a particular focus on long-range combat and mobility. Understanding these differences is essential when determining which house is the best fit for your preferred playstyle.
D. Understanding Each Character’s Role and How they Fit into the Game’s Overall Strategy
Understanding each character’s role on your team is critical to the game’s overall strategy and success. Some characters complement each other and work better together, while others have specific strengths that make them better suited to particular scenarios. Formulating a well-rounded strategy to counter the enemy’s strengths and protect your weaknesses is critical to success in Fire Emblem Three Houses.
III. Storyline Review
A. Overview of the Game’s Storyline
Fire Emblem Three Houses is a story about political intrigue, betrayal, war, and the bonds of loyalty and friendship. The game’s story revolves around the player’s character, a mercenary turned professor at the Officer’s Academy, and their interactions with the three house leaders and their students. As the story progresses, the player is drawn into a complex web of political intrigue and must make choices that impact the game’s ending.
B. Examination of How the Choice of House Influences the Story
The choice of house at the beginning of the game influences the story’s path, giving players a unique perspective on the events and characters of the game. Additionally, each house has its own set of unique missions and battles, leading to a different gameplay experience depending on which house the player chooses.
C. Discussion of the Different Paths and Consequences Dependent on the Player’s House Choice
The game offers players a choice of three paths through which to progress the story: the Crimson Flower route, the Azure Moon route, and the Verdant Wind route. Each route is dependent on which house the player chooses and has unique story elements and consequences for the player’s choices. Players must carefully consider the consequences of their choices, as they will affect the game’s ending and the fate of the characters they have grown to care for throughout the story.
IV. Gameplay Guide
A. Analysis of the Differences in Gameplay between the Three Available Houses
Fire Emblem Three Houses’ gameplay is built around a strategic combination of turn-based combat and interpersonal relationships between characters. Each house has its own unique gameplay elements, which are reflected in the types of classes and abilities available to the player.
For example, the Black Eagles specialize in magic and are well-suited for ranged combat, while the Blue Lions utilize defensive tactics and are best equipped to handle close-range combat. Meanwhile, the Golden Deer excel in mobility and are excellent at ranged attacks.
B. Tips on How to Level Up Characters Most Effectively
Leveling up characters in Fire Emblem Three Houses requires careful planning and strategy. Players must consider each character’s unique abilities, personality traits, and strengths when choosing which skills to invest in. One way to optimize character leveling is to focus on one or two abilities rather than trying to level up everything at once. Additionally, players should prioritize the skills that are most relevant to the characters’ class and abilities.
C. Getting the Most Out of Each House’s Unique Characteristics
Each house has its own unique characteristics, including strengths and weaknesses, that players must take into account when building their strategy. For example, the Black Eagles have a strong focus on magic and are well-suited for long-range attacks, while the Blue Lions specialize in defense and are best equipped to handle close-range combat. The Golden Deer are a well-rounded house with a strong focus on mobility and ranged attacks.
V. Walkthrough
A. Detailed Exploration of the Missions and Events Associated with a Particular House
Each house has its own unique set of missions, events, and battles that players must navigate and complete. Understanding each mission’s objectives, the enemies you will face, and the rewards associated with them is essential to success. Additionally, players must pay attention to the interpersonal relationships between characters, as they can affect the story’s outcome and impact the choices the player must make.
B. Review of Key Events, Battles, and Decisions Made Throughout the Game
Throughout the game, players will encounter a range of key events, battles, and decisions that impact the game’s overall story. Understanding these events and the consequences of the choices made during them is critical to preparing for the game’s ending and ensuring success in battle.
VI. Lore Analysis
A. Deep Dive into the Historical, Societal, and Geographical Elements that Define Each of the Three Houses
Understanding the lore of Fire Emblem Three Houses is critical to understanding the motivations and values of the characters and the choices they make throughout the story. Each house has its own unique history, societal norms, and geographic location that give them distinct cultures. Understanding these elements is essential when building a cohesive and successful team.
B. Examination of the Culture and Values at the Heart of Each House
At the heart of each house is a set of cultural and societal values that define the characters’ motivations and attitudes. For example, the Black Eagles are driven by a desire for reform and a rejection of the established order. The Blue Lions are fiercely loyal to each other, and the Golden Deer have a sense of freedom and detachment from the politics of Fódlan. Understanding these values is critical to building and strengthening relationships between characters and making strategic choices throughout the game.
VII. Community Perspectives
A. Gathering Opinions and Insights from the Fire Emblem Three Houses Community
A significant aspect of Fire Emblem Three Houses is the community that has grown around it. Gathering insights and opinions from the community can help players better understand the game’s strengths and weaknesses and give them an idea of what to expect. Additionally, understanding the community’s preferences and reactions to different house choices can help players make better-informed decisions about which house to choose.
B. Exploration of Personal Preferences, Fan Theories, and Reactions to Different House Choices
There is a significant depth of personal preference, fan theories, and reactions to different characters and houses in Fire Emblem Three Houses. Understanding these perspectives can give players a richer appreciation for the game and provide insights into different approaches and strategies.
VIII. Legacy Review
A. Review of the Impact of Fire Emblem Three Houses on the Gaming Industry
Fire Emblem Three Houses has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, both in terms of its gameplay and story elements and its influence on the tactical role-playing genre. The game’s rich storytelling, complex characters, and strategic gameplay have made it a standout title, while its impact on the genre has inspired a new wave of tactical role-playing games.
B. Examination of How the Choice of House Has Led to a Diverse and Evolving Fan Base Beyond the Game Itself
The choice of house in Fire Emblem Three Houses has led to a diverse and evolving fan base beyond the game itself. Fans have created a wide range of fan art, fan fiction, and other creative works inspired by the game’s rich lore and characters. Additionally, the game’s impact on the tactical role-playing genre has influenced the development of new games and inspired reimaginings of classic titles.
IX. Conclusion
Fire Emblem Three Houses offers players a unique and immersive tactical role-playing experience. Choosing the right house is essential to success in the game, and understanding each house’s strengths and weaknesses, unique abilities, and the cultural and societal values that underpin them is critical. By following this guide, players can make an informed decision about which house to choose, build a successful team, and experience the game’s deep and complex storyline to its fullest.
In conclusion, we recommend that players take the time to explore each house’s characters, gameplay, and lore before choosing which one to lead. Whether you choose the Black Eagles, Blue Lions, or Golden Deer, Fire Emblem Three Houses is a game that rewards strategy, planning, and decision-making, and offers a rich and immerse story to those who take the time to experience it.