Games like Fire Emblem are in plenty and we’ve prepared an entire list of them if you’re looking for something that recreates the same experience you get while playing the title in question. Launched by Intelligent Systems, this tactical turn-based RPG is not only one of the toughest we’ve ever played on the GameBoy Advanced, but is also extremely enjoyable.
The names we’ve listed out below span across multiple platforms including handhelds, consoles, PC and mobile devices. You’ll find RPG and turn-based elements in most options and some even date back to the early 1990’s, while other feature 3D graphics.
1. Advance Wars:
Advance Wars was released for the GBA handheld in Japan and it made its debut in North America back in 2001. The title was also developed by Intelligent Systems which is responsible for the series in question. Featuring turn-based mechanics, you take command of the Orange Star Army and go about destroying other armed forces from different countries.
The key to victory here is to either wipe off all enemies from the map or capture their headquarters. Battles take place across various terrains including rivers, airports, cities as well as sea, and they’re fought with different types of units (18 in total) which comprise of infantry, vehicles, ships and air fighters.
2. Valkyria Chronicles:
Sega’s Valkyria Chronicles has made it to our array of games similar to Fire Emblem. Launched in 2008 for the PS3, you can expect beautiful visuals and an immersive turn-based as well as role-playing experience here. The story takes you to a land called Europa which is based on Europe and it features a World War 2 setting. The greed for Ragnite ore which is a type of fuel has put the nation of Gallia under fire.
Your objective is to counter the invasion by commanding a Militia unit. What makes this game a lot of fun is its BLiTZ system which first puts you in Command Mode that’s an overhead of the entire map where you select units, and it then allows you to individually control a unit’s movement as well as attack in real-time.
3. Final Fantasy Tactics:
Square Enix’s Final Fantasy titles have won a lot of hearts around the globe and its Tactics release for the PlayStation in 1997 is one of the best in the series. The story takes place in the kingdom of Ivalice and it revolves around Ramza Beoulve. Battles here are fought on fields which are rendered in 3D and are turn-based.
A spin-off in this series was launched for the GBA console and it shares various common features with the PS1 version. Square Enix has also introduced Final Fantasy Tactics: The War Of the Lions on iOS which is selling for $15.99.
4. Kingturn RPG:
At number four on our compilation of Fire Emblem alternatives is Kingturn RPG. This title has been release only for mobile devices which run on Android and iOS. Developed by Mangobile, this release combines the beauty of turn-based and strategy characteristics into an addictive title that has hours of gameplay. The main campaign has 67 scenarios and there’s also a skirmish campaign with over 20 more levels to play.
Characters here include knights, archers, vampires, assassins, priests and more and they each have their own skills as well as can be equipped with different items. While this title is the second part in the trilogy, you can also get Kingturn Underworld and Plus. Each release has an independent narrative and is available through Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
5. War of Eustrath 3D:
Available exclusively for iPhone and iPad owners, War of Eustrath 3D is one of the finest role-playing turn-based titles you’ll find on the App Store. This strategic tactical RPG unfolds in a world called Eustrath where you step into the shoes of a country girl Tiana and control her as well as various companions in battle. Units here comprise of characters which have unique features and skills, as well as GEARs. With over 50 levels to complete, the story has several outcomes.
6. Shining Force 2:
Next to be featured amongst the games similar to Fire Emblem is Shining Force 2 which is a classic that was launched for the Sega Genesis back in 1994 and has been ported over to newer systems. Unlike most additions on this roster, Shining Force 2 gives you the liberty to roam the island of Grans freely. Graphics here are pretty much like what you’d find on the GBA and there’s a lot of role-playing involved where you can interact with characters and also equip units with items.
The goal here is to defeat the demon king Zeon by recovering the Holy Sword and the stolen jewels. You can play this release on the Wii Virtual Console or acquire it through Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection for PS3 and Xbox 360. A standalone PC version is available through Steam for $2.99.
7. Vanguard Bandit:
Vanguard Bandit is another PS1 classic that features a medieval theme and is set in a fantasy world. Developed by Human Entertainment, the game was launched in 1998 and it displays RPG elements. The story takes place on the Continent of Eptina and battles are fought with giant robots which are controlled by the thoughts of the pilot.
These machines which are called ATACs have different types of attacks and their characteristics can be upgraded. The title offers 60 missions where you fight it out in hand-to-hand combat.
Conclusion:
So did we manage to quench you thirst for games like Fire Emblem? If not, let us know what we missed out. Also, there are multiple other titles in the series which you should give a try.