Nintendo Switch Critic Reviews

Fire Emblem: Three Houses fully realizes a new, meaningful direction for the franchise that makes it the best it has ever been.

With a cast of memorable characters, a compelling and intriguing story, so many gameplay choices and a world that is rich with lore and history, but still manages to be a perfect entry for new and experienced players alike, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a must-have title on the Switch that also raises the bar and our expectations for future strategy/ RPGs.

Three Houses is a masterpiece of a strategy game and a brilliant relationship sim, which feels like the pinnacle of the love/tactics hybrid innovated by 2012's Awakening. With a twisting and turning main narrative and a refined but fairer battle system that retains all its tactical depths, the game's two halves combine to create a hugely customisable strategy experience with high and personal stakes.

It’s very easy to see that the team wanted to make a Fire Emblem game that would redefine what the series has been without changing the strategy parts and the result is something very special. If you ever had any interest in the series then Fire Emblem Three Houses is one you must play!

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a masterwork in the strategy RPG genre. Everything about it is honed, polished and customizable in such a way that series veterans and new players alike can jump in and find a staggering amount of fun, challenge and charm.

The best game in the series, and a masterpiece in the RPG/Tactics genre. A must-have game for Switch owners and a fabulous game outright.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses repetitively and competently shows a clear understanding in how to deliver in not only each individual mechanic, but how they are all intrinsically linked to create an expertly crafted end-product. From the varying storylines available throughout to the engaging, deep and – surprisingly – approachable combat, Intelligent Systems have yet again created a must-have title.

While Fire Emblem: Three Houses isn’t a perfect game, it comes incredibly close to it. It quickly became my favourite Fire Emblem entry and is quite possibly my favourite TRPG of all time. After finishing the game, all I wanted to do was dive back in and take a different route. Coming from someone who doesn’t replay games, that by itself is a truly telling statement of how excellent the game is. With lovable characters, a deep combat system with great improvements, an interesting story and a beautiful presentation, there’s very little not to adore about this Switch title.

Depending on your pace of play, there could be more than 100 hours of gaming locked in Three Houses, all of which is completely worth it. This is turn-based strategy gaming heaven.

Whatever path you choose, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an absolute blast. It’s the best Fire Emblem title since Awakening, and it goes straight onto my list of must-play Switch games.