The mainlineFire Emblemgames have always been known to follow the formula turn-based strategy games are known for, and they have managed to do so to great effect. Throughout the series' evolution, some modifications have been made to the gameplay, but the core of each game remains the same, which many fans enjoy and appreciate. Still, one has to wonder whether it’s time forthe nextFire Emblemto make one key change: going from a semi-open world to a fully open one.
The release of entries such asFire Emblem: Three HousesandFire Emblem Engagecan be seen as tests for whether the franchise would benefit from going for fully open-world gameplay. While the move would be a complete deviation from what fans have become accustomed to, it also opens up many different and interesting possibilities. The benefits could prompt Nintendo and Intelligent Systems to consider entertaining the idea, with a true open-world introduced sometime in the future.
How the Next Fire Emblem Game Could Benefit From Going Fully Open World
AmongNintendo’s many franchises,Fire Emblemwould arguably be the best open-world candidate. It has already dabbled with the concept of openness with its more recent entries, but not enough to allow players unrestrained exploration. If Nintendo and Intelligent Systems choose to commit to the next game going the open-world route, then they would be met with a few beneficial opportunities:
While going the open-world route is againstthe traditions ofFire Emblem, it’s a move that will likely help the franchise in terms of relevancy. If done right, an open-world game could help the next game reach new heights of popularity and success that would not have been possible if it stuck with the formula everyone has grown used to.
Why the Strengths of Fire Emblem Going Open World Can Also Be a Weakness
Going open-world will open possibilities for the nextFire Emblemgame, but it also comes with problems that could make it stray from success. For one, since it may be possible for players to take on battles anywhere at any time, they might find themselves in situations such as not knowing where to go, being unable to figure out which areas they can take on at their current party’s strength, or leveling up too much that their characters are now too powerful. Another is that, because going open-world allows for many new features or mechanics, the game might overwhelm people with everything that needs to be handled, managed, or learned about, which could turn some gamers away. As such, the next mainline entry going open-world may mean it is nota goodFire Emblemgame for beginnersand even veterans.
A good reason whyFire Emblembecame one ofthe more successful Nintendo franchisesis that its mainline entries have stuck to their roots in being tactical role-playing titles, using the genre’s restrictions to innovate and provide increasingly complex yet enjoyable gameplay and narratives. Straying away from what worked and going open-world with the next game can be seen as a risky move, as fans might not be quick to accept the change and lose interest. At the same time, it could prove to be a good one with the right execution, so it’s certainly worth considering.
