As characters fight together in battle they’ll build a bond leading to higher ranks in their relationship if they are compatible. These ranks go from C up to A+ and S, and the higher the level the bigger boosts characters will receive as well as unlock a support conversation. These systems can alter the way you play battles as your strategies evolve to make sure certain characters are next to each other and building relationships.

Birthright also works to be accessible to new players. Three different difficulty settings of Classic, Casual, and Phoenix allow adjustment to your preferences. Classic matches more original Fire Emblem gameplay with units being lost forever if they perish in battle. Casual and Phoenix will allow characters to return at the end of the chapter and the end of the enemies next turn respectively. You can also take on an endless stream of challenge maps, if you’re wanting to boost characters levels or relationships. This means the harder parts of the version can be overtaken with a bit of training.

“My Castle” is a new feature in Fates that has you building a home base and interacting with characters in various ways. Between battles you’re transported to your very own castle where you can buy weapons, bond with characters, and collect resources. By completing chapters you gain DV points that are used to construct buildings ranging from an armory, to a colosseum, to a restaurant, and more.

You can also use a crystal ball to go online and interact or battle with other players, as well as tap any Fire Emblem amiibo, who will give you items and eventually join your army. There’s a wealth of options available at your castle, and you can even invite allies to your private quarters to bond with them. Eventually, if you marry someone, they’ll stay in your private quarters as well, with even more bonding opportunities. Ultimately, the castle options become a bit rinse and repeat but still provide a nice break between chapters.

Also new to Fates are the Invasion chapters that pit a small group of your army against a much larger invading force. Buildings in your castle will provide different stat boosts or effects to you units, and you have to plan carefully to make it out unscathed. There are only a few invasion chapters in the game, but they’re definitely a nice change of pace and some of the most challenging tactical gameplay scenarios.

Fate’s presentation is better than the series has ever been before, and everything flows together impeccably well. Hoshido has a distinctly different design from Nohr, and the feudal Japan aesthetic seeps into every bit of Birthright. Weapon designs are different as Hoshido uses Naginatas instead of spears and katanas instead of swords for example. Character designs and buildings match the aesthetic, and a general theme of honor and loyalty is woven into the tale this version tells.

A gorgeous soundtrack featuring traditional Japanese instruments helps to nail Birthright’s Japanese theme on all fronts. Music is dynamic in battle, shifting in pitch and intensity as you go from moving units to watching battle animations. Combat animation is the same, as when a fight starts the camera has a sleek zoom in and out feature that makes transitions swift and continuous. Chapters have their own music, each using the technique to increase intensity and really adding to the sense of scale.

With every iteration Fire Emblem seems to add on just enough to make it feel fresh, and Fates certainly has a host of new features. Birthright may be the best place to start out of the two versions, as it’s easily accessible to anyone regardless of their experience with the series. Some story beats may be a bit cliche, but Birthright still has a captivating tale about family, love, and duty. By the same token, the gameplay and presentation is tighter than its ever been. Fans of the series should be pleased with everything on offer, and Birthright is a perfect jumping on point if you haven’t started the Fire Emblem series.

Score: 4.5/5