Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave review — A deep, ambitious turn-based RPG

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave brings four interconnected storylines and a deeper turn-based system to Nintendo Switch 2. Its strategic combat, varied maps and replayability stand out, but a lengthy campaign and USD 69.99 price may deter some players.

Hyderabad: Fire Emblem’s latest, Fortune’s Weave, has been called by reviewers one of the greatest in the franchise. For a game that isn’t a mainline entry in the series and time-travels away from 2019’s Three Houses, the reception has been nothing short of incredible, even securing its own manga adaptation.

For fans, Fortune’s Weave represents a major shift in combat and exploration mechanics, integrating a central turn-based system that governs all elements of gameplay.

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By traveling back in time to the Dagda continent’s 1449 Heroic Games, Fortune’s Weave opens up four possible paths of play, allowing players to follow any of the four unique characters (Theodora, Leda, Cai, and Dietrich).

It is possible to switch between the four storylines and play through various sections in whichever order interests you, or progress through all of them simultaneously.

I would only recommend avoiding switching in Chapter 1 until you get used to the game’s switch mechanism. With only one save slot and the four paths closely intertwined, there is more than enough here to keep you gripped.

In terms of gameplay, much has changed with the franchise’s turn-based mechanics, which are no longer restricted to combat but now apply to all in-game interactions. This means everything must be accomplished within a set number of turns. Consequently, a distinct urgency permeates the gameplay as you prepare for either Combat Puzzles or the game’s War section.

Experientially, the visuals are filled with vibrant colors and the background score is inspirational, coming together wonderfully to encourage you to invest the required time—anywhere between 150 and 200 hours for full completion, and about 80 to 100 hours for a standard playthrough.

The four characters’ stories are packed with both detail and personality, while the turn-based combat is equally rich in strategy, offering far more depth than simple unit strength and weakness matchups.

The game’s maps are quirky, and the sheer variety in weapon types, special moves, and diverse victory conditions for challenges ensures it always keeps you on your toes.

One of the best turn-based RPGs in recent memory, Fortune’s Weave is a bit too expensive and let down by the sheer amount of time it demands to complete. These two drawbacks aside, this is easily one of Nintendo’s Game of the Year contenders. Make sure to give it a try if you can spare the money.

Sneak Peek:

Title: Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave

Developer: Intelligent Systems for Nintendo

Game Type: Single Player, Open World Tactical RPG

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive

Price: USD 69.99 on Nintendo Switch Store

Verdict (all scores out of 10):

Innovative Gameplay: 9.5

Game Handling & Quality: 9

Value for Time: 8.5

Value for Money: 7.5

Overall: 8.63

– What Stands Out

The replayability across the game’s four factions makes this a worthwhile experience.

The refinement of turn-based game and fighting systems is brilliant, as all RPG elements are now based on them.

– Fails to impress

Some of the chapters in the main campaign are a bit too long, especially with the side quests continuously lining up.

A little too expensive for not being a mainline entry in the franchise.