For years, I have been hearing a mixed melting pot of opinions when it comes to Fire Emblem 8 (Sacred Stones). I like to compare Sacred Stones to the likes of Sonic Heroes and Super Mario Sunshine, in the likes that those games leave in an impression that can differ from player to player. In Layman's terms, Some may like how Sacred Stones from how it functions, to just the overall aesthetic or vibe the game gives that can make players love the game. While on the other hand, Some players may not see what people like in Sacred Stones, and just can't get into the style that it has going for it. (If that makes sense)
Now I personally, LOVE Sacred Stones and would say that its is one of, if not the best Fire Emblem game for anyone, as it includes most, if not all the things both the new and old fans, here are some examples:
For Classic Fans:
- Permadeath
- Durabilities (including Legendary weapons)
- Very finite resources
For New Fans:
- Not as hard as predecessor(s)
- Tower/Ruins help boost characters
- More Choice in what classes characters can be and just overall replayability
Another reason as to why I love the game is because of the cast of characters. Now keep in mind that each Fire Emblem has their own well rounded cast of characters, that I'm sure people will say that this character is better than any of FE8's cast. But to me at least, FE8's cast just seemed to stand out in a weird way. Let me use my favorite character in Sacred Stones, Gilliam as an example.
(SPOILER WARNING)
At surface level, Gilliam seems like a guy who has seen some battles in his time and that he may be stern in his word choice and delivery. But If you seen his Support Conversations with the cast, you will see that he is much more than the stereotypical Knight we get in a lot of other FE's. In his C Support with Franz, Gilliam explains to Franz that he needs to work every bone in his body during training and stop worrying about slowing Gilliam down. His B Support showcases Gilliam complimenting Franz for keeping up with the Frelian training. It is then that Gilliam will learn something new from Franz, as Franz explains to him that it was not only the Frelian training that helped him, but his Renain pre-resting stretches. Gilliam asks what Franz means and Franz teaches him the technique, as the conversation pretty much comes to an end. His last Support with Franz, starts with Gilliam thanking Franz for teaching him the stretch exercises and realizes that there is more than just what he knew about training the body. It may be a small, and meaningless conversation, but it's stuff like this that makes Gilliam more human than a lot of other knights I can think of. And there's more! In all of his supports with Syrene, (Gilliam's practical love-interest) Gilliam looks up to Syrene for answers to questions that others have asked him, as it seems that many consider him one of the wiser soldiers in the group. In fact, Gilliam feels as if Syrene is one of, if not, the best of the Frelian knights out there. (Plus, he is kinda shy towards her) If Gilliam had a motto, I believe it would be "Looks can and very well be deceiving". Gilliam, I believe, doesn't rely on any quirk or gimmick or trope to justify what his character is. He's not ""slow" like Arden, and he's not like Kellam where he's forgettable. (Literally, like people in game sometimes don't see him when he could be right in front of their face) Gilliam is just a guy who happens to know a thing or two about Frelia. And in a world where it seems that everyone is like the main character of their own story, a character that is "normal" or "just another guy" is more than alright with me.
With my bias out of the way, I want to hear what you think about SS. Let me know if you are with me or if you disagree, or if you are generally unsure about any of the points I have mentioned. I will try to explain as best as I can. I'm really interested to hear both sides of the discussion.
Have yourselves a great day,
RealReginleif out.
@Shadow Mir I can see why people wouldn't like the idea of the story. I would even admit that the story on Eirika's side seems a little lack-luster. (She's also kind of am idiot by just handing Lyon the stone like that.) However, I can't say that I agree with the notion that the gameplay doesn't really improve that much. Towers/Ruins, love them or hate them, are available to the players in case they don't feel as if their units are strong enough for the chapter ahead. And sure, the game is easy enough without Towers, but at the end of the day, it is more of a choice rather than a necessity to finish the main game. And one could make the argument that Towers/Ruins gives the game even more content, given that the levels in the Towers/Ruins can house special gimmicks like Poison walls, and even the monsters can hold unique/rare items that you wont really get in Armories or in Shops. (Yes, even after the Main Game.) That's just me though. (Edit: You can also earn the some of the Minor and all of the major Heroes/Villains like Caellach, Selena, Fado, Vigarde, and even Lyon, just to name a few.)