Recently, due to the Nintendo 'ambassador' program, I was able to download (onto my Nintendo 3DS) a variety of pre-2005 Nintendo games, including classic arcades and a small number of Game Boy Advance titles.

One of which was 'Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones', which research has told me was the second Fire Emblem game to be released outside of Japan, but doesn't follow into the continuity of the other games.

The Sacred Stones was my first (and so far only) experience with the series, but I have to say I was impressed with the game - not so much for its strategy or gameplay, but rather for its writing, story and characters.

With the support conversations, you can see how well written (in most cases) the dialogue is, and how well they flesh out otherwise bland fighters into full-fledged characters with their own motivations, personalities and interests. From the telling and character evolving converstaions between Ross and his father Garcia, to seeing hidden talents of the characters through Franz' dialogue with Natasha. The promises made between Ewan with his teacher Saleh, or the geniune comradeship between Gilliam and Moulder. The harsh previous life of Tethys, and the protectiveness Colm feels towards Neimi...

So...has anyone else played the game, or any others in the series that they can recommend, or any thoughts on the series, or even any favourite characters?

The first Fire Emblem in North America was imo better if only because it didnt do that weird open world thing. Thats my only experience however.

I own Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, which I believe was the first non-handheld release in NA, and is the ninth game in the series. It features Ike from SSB.

Its a solid game all around. Good plot, if a bit cliche, great characters, solid dialog. Normal mode is a bit easy, but once you know the basics, kick it up to hard and its a decent challenge.

Definitely worth looking into.

*fades away*