I haven't really followed much of Gaf's reaction to this game, but I know it's the best reviewed Fire Emblem game and proclaimed to be the best 3DS game for some people, so I thought I was in for a treat since Fire Emblem is one of my favorite Nintendo franchises.
Well, turns out this is kind of a mixed bag, and a disappointment overall (I'm at chapter 18).
For starters, it's criminaly easy. Granted, I'm not playing it on Lunatic, but hard should be enough of a challenge.
Pair up is a fun new mechanic, but it's downright broken. Game is a cakewalk if you use it, and you won't need strategy at all. I'm not really grinding either, only doing the paralogues.
Map design is kinda weak, and the objectives are boring and repetitive.
Story is bland and generic. Now, all Fire Emblem games have generic stories, but it's like they really didn't want me to care about what's going on.
There are a few things I like though. Making couples, recruiting
and developing your favorite characters is always fun and a big part of why I love Fire Emblem. And I do think Pair up is a great addition, but it should be nerfed. Different couples give a big replay value too, and Fire Emblem finally got the production values it deserves. I love the 3D effect on the battlefield.
It's still a good game, and it's still Fire Emblem (even when it's bad, it's good), but I was expecting the best Fire Emblem game and Awakening isn't even cracking top 3. Only better than Shadow Dragon and Sacred Stones I would say.
Radiant Dawn is still my favorite. Maybe next time.