Suppose Fire Emblem: Three Houses is successful enough to warrant another Fire Emblem for Switch with an elevated budget. Now answer this question.

[Quinton]

Apologies for the slightly clickbait title; I could only fit so much text up there.

Let's suppose there's another Fire Emblem for Nintendo Switch en route. It can be a Genealogy of the Holy War remake, another game set in Fodlan, something entirely new — whatever.

Now suppose the success of Three Houses prompts the developers to receive a somewhat higher budget next time around. We're not talking Final Fantasy megabucks, but enough to improve the production values of a couple of aspects, be they cutscene quality, map complexity, narrative length, graphical fidelity, you name it. What would you hope gets prioritized?

For the purposes of this exercise try to refrain from listing more than two aspects at maximum. Consider the budget moderately higher and be mindful of the fact that as much needs to be spent in a successor project as was spent on Three Houses in order to reach the same degree of quality.

Be the producer, ResetEra.

 

[Azzanadra]

I really liked the anime cut scenes. If we could get more of those, plus better cutscenes for when characters are just talking, that would be my preference. Especially the latter, the animations and models were okay for what they were but I disliked those fake-ass low-res 2D backgrounds.

But graphics and presentation would be my top priority, to really sell the story as opposed to gameplay or even length (Three Houses is long enough as is, though could use more story-content as opposed to more maps).

 

[SheriffMcDuck]

Give me a single, long, in depth storyline that wraps itself up completely with a large cast of characters that are recruitable in and out of combat.

Exploration around towns/world maps similar to the original Shining Force games, and voila.

Edit: And a high priority on map design. The game did better in the latter half, but could have really used some variation on maps and objectives.

 

[Tibarn]

To me:
-More maps, 3H has tons of content but the maps repeat a lot (during mandatory and optional content)
-Better tech. I don't need a game that looks as Astral Chain, to use a Switch example, but the really low textures and bad framerate of 3H are a shame considering that the art in the game is good

I think that using 3H as a base is a good idea, it needs lots of refinements overall but the two I listed are the aspects IMO the next game needs to address the most.

 

[YaBish]

The biggest bump needed general texture quality and performance. That story about the monastery rendering every version of itself at once sounds nightmarish, and something that could've been ironed out with time.

 

[Raijinto]

I'd have nothing against them continuing with TH personally. There's definitely room for improvement.

I just would like a game as fun as Fates again. No weapon durability, pair ups, ninjas, weapon triangle all that good stuff.

 

[Kewlmyc]

Focus on freedom of gameplay, primarily no more restricted classes, especially if you're going to hard lock certain abilities to them.

Guys being unable to learn darting blow and girls being unable to learn unarmed combat and quick riposte is straight up bullshit.

 

[Android Sophia]

Honestly, I'd just want more of the same, but on a bigger scale. Maybe work up to Genealogy sized maps where you can deploy all the units you have. Beyond that, the core formula/gameplay loop of Three Houses is very solid.

 

[Neoxon]

• Put more resources towards improving the textures & performance of the game
• Make the game a unionized production as far as English voice acting goes
• More maps

 

[Braaier]

I really liked the anime cut scenes. If we could get more of those, plus better cutscenes for when characters are just talking, that would be my preference. Especially the latter, the animations and models were okay for what they were but I disliked those fake-ass low-res 2D backgrounds.

But graphics and presentation would be my top priority, to really sell the story as opposed to gameplay or even length (Three Houses is long enough as is, though could use more story-content as opposed to more maps).

Click to shrink...

I agree. The cut scenes with the in game graphics became really distracting with the handful of canned animations. If they could pour the budget into the cutscenes I'd be happy. And fix the pacing with the monestary.

 

[Zukkoyaki]

Level/map/objective design. Really the turn-based strategy aspect in general.

As far as I'm concerned, Three Houses had everything down aside from the gameplay. Now I didn't think it was poor, far from it actually, it just felt like a drastic step back in turns of level design and such from the older games. Maps used to be far larger, more varied, more challenging and featured more terrain options, villages, destructible walls, tougher enemy fortifications, etc. Objective variety was also sorely lacking. Older games used to have challenges with strict time limits, purely defensive levels, races to save villages, etc. Shit ruled.

Also bring back the weapon triangle. I get what they were going for but it removed a lot of the gameplay depth in my opinion. You had to be careful about who fights what types of enemies and unit positioning, etc. Now combat feels far more brain-dead with essentially anyone with decent stats being able to fight anyone. It also incentivizes using the same units over and over again rather than building a well-balanced army.

 

[Deleted member 49319]

Warriors of Fodlan will come first.

 

[Doggg]

More cutscenes, whether in engine or anime or whatever.

 

[ggdeku]

The balance of pace throughout the game needs to be addressed. Having downtime between chapters to flesh out characters is good, but 3H is one of the most needlessly bloated games I've played in a long time. Especially in the second half when staying at the monastery for a whole month between chapters doesn't make any sense.

My ideal FE would incorporate a reduced base/downtime space between chapters to allow for character development and supports, while returning to the linear chapter to chapter style of previous games with better map design, mechanics, etc (no grinding, aux battles, etc.). I'd also like to see them return to a cast that spans characters from all walks of life and across the age spectrum. That was something I really missed in 3H.


Also all of this

Level/map/objective design. Really the turn-based strategy aspect in general.



As far as I'm concerned, Three Houses had everything down aside from the gameplay. Now I didn't think it was poor, far from it actually, it just felt like a drastic step back in turns of level design and such from the older games. Maps used to be far larger, more varied, more challenging and featured more terrain options, villages, destructible walls, tougher enemy fortifications, etc. Objective variety was also sorely lacking. Older games used to have challenges with strict time limits, purely defensive levels, races to save villages, etc. Shit ruled.



Also bring back the weapon triangle. I get what they were going for but it removed a lot of the gameplay depth in my opinion. You had to be careful about who fight what types of enemies and unit positioning, etc. Now combat feels far more brain-dead with essentially anyone with decent stats being able to fight anyone.

Click to shrink...

 

[Hate]

One more house so I can roleplay an HP setting

 

[Trrzs]

Higher quality models and animations for the characters, complex scenarios in backgrounds for in-game cutscenes for the character's conversations. A better texture work in the maps. In conclusion, more graphical quality in general. And just keep evolve and refine the gameplay cause Three Houses is really good in that aspect, maybe some more minigames for cooking and gardening not just fishing.

 

[Xavi]

I loved the cutscenes but I had to choose, I'd say graphical fidelity and map complexity.

We all know Fire Emblem has never been about the graphics but dear lord it can look pretty bad sometimes. Up the fidelity but make it 30fps locked.

As for the map complexity, the variety in Three Houses is not the best. As far as I'm aware we only had 2 FoW maps, and one of them was not exactly a FoW. If they go the split route again, I'd put A LOT of the budget in making sure the routes feel different enough map and narrative wise. Three Houses already acomplished the latter, let's give them more money to accomplish the former. The lack of variety really hurts the replayability, I'm currently getting to the endgame on my third playthrough and it is not engaging enough. I also admit it's probably my fault for playing them back to back to back, but I just love Fire Emblem.

Still, I love what they did in Three Houses and I think this is the path to follow. I'm excited for the future of this franchise.

 

[Glio]

Honestly, I'd just want more of the same, but on a bigger scale. Maybe work up to Genealogy sized maps where you can deploy all the units you have. Beyond that, the core formula/gameplay loop of Three Houses is very solid.

Click to shrink...

Larger maps means even more importance for cavalry.

 

[Zedark]

For me, the variety and complexity of maps is the biggest point of improvement for the game. Many maps are reused for optional paralogue, which is a shame considering they could have made these more memorable by designing unique maps. If the buget is raised, then that is my personal most important improvement.

 

[Braaier]

Does anyone want weapon triangles back in the next game?

 

[ShinobiBk]

Graphics would be #1.
Smeared, uneven 240p at best pre-rendered backgrounds looking straight out of a PS1 game ain't it

I love the gameplay, voice acting, music and art. Graphics are awful

I'm not saying the graphics are the only thing that needs to be improved but they're of a strikingly low quality in some areas compared to the rest of the game.

 

[Sorbete]

I have only finished 1 of 4 routes, but I still find myself missing a plot like the one in Radiant Dawn

 

[pleaseinsertdisctwo]

I still don't get how anyone could like the game's anime cutscenes, so i would choose to add budget to those, and make them detailed and smooth like in Radiant Dawn and Path of Radiance

 

[Deleted member 58401]

Map variety and story. The thing that's bothering me about 3H is having to do the same first half of the game four times to get the story. Either give each a separate story that ties together at the end or just make one great story.

 

[Tibarn]

Does anyone want weapon triangles back in the next game?

Click to shrink...

No, it makes classes feel even more restrictive.

 

[Zukkoyaki]

Larger maps means even more importance for cavalry.

Click to shrink...

Not necessarily. Older games addressed that concern with well placed choke-points and different terrain (like forests) meaning non mounted units could often reach particular locations/objectives quicker. Cavalry was better served for mopping up enemies and reaching collectibles.

 

[Xavi]

Does anyone want weapon triangles back in the next game?

Click to shrink...

Not me, it really restricts your party composition depending on what your enemies are equipped with.

 

[skLaFarebear]

If they go for the split paths again, definitely more variety in the pre-timeskip stuff (especially in the maps) and more map variety overall would go a long way to making the first half feel a bit less like a slog.

Also retooling the monastery stuff to be less redundant for the second half of the game. Just felt unnecessary as it was easy to hit S rank with your characters wep prof well before the game ends. It was only for the admittedly VERY strong character writing between missions.

As for the map complexity, the variety in Three Houses is not the best. As far as I'm aware we only had 2 FoW maps, and one of them was not exactly a FoW.

Click to shrink...

There's actually four of them, but only one in the main story. Ashe/Catherine's, Marianne's, and Lindhardt/Leonie's paralogues were all FoWs.

Does anyone want weapon triangles back in the next game?

Click to shrink...

No

 

[Kromeo]

I would like a wider range of weapon types personally, it's kind of lame having 10 different characters all using killer lance most of the time

 

[Shingi_70]

The balance of pace throughout the game needs to be addressed. Having downtime between chapters to flesh out characters is good, but 3H is one of the most needlessly bloated games I've played in a long time. Especially in the second half when staying at the monastery for a whole month between chapters doesn't make any sense.

My ideal FE would incorporate a reduced base/downtime space between chapters to allow for character development and supports, while returning to the linear chapter to chapter style of previous games with better map design, mechanics, etc (no grinding, aux battles, etc.). I'd also like to see them return to a cast that spans characters from all walks of life and across the age spectrum. That was something I really missed in 3H.

Click to shrink...

I feel like dropping the hub world would lose a lot of people at this point

 

[Soul Lab]

TH is a really good game. Probably my favorite FE. But I didn't like the monastery stuff in the 2nd part of the game. It felt so stale.
I imagine it only gets worse in ng+

So I'd like to see major improvements there in the next iteration

 

[Varjet]

I just finished the game today, and it felt somewhat abrupt. Like there should have been at least two more chapters.
Then again, that can be contributed to the split storyline, and not necessarily the budget.

 

[Deleted member 49438]

First would be image/texture/graphical quality. Goal should be to make the whole game look & play smooth.

Second would be more "variety". I'm kind of cheating this way, but just expanding on the things we have is a great thing to do. More activities to do in whatever your hub town is. Making the hub town change throughout the game as you move place to place. More map variety & win condition variety. So just take what we have, and find ways to expand & iterate on them in interesting ways.

 

[Deleted member 176]

bigger text

 

[show me your skeleton]

map complexity/variety in game
big changes to hub/calendar throughout the game to keep things interesting

 

[Alandring]

A shorter game, but with more choices with impact. A game where every playthrought is really different.

 

[Dyle]

The big challenge of Fire Emblem has always been balancing the need for a big epic story and the intimate, small details of a small group of friends and fellow fighters and I feel like Three Houses misses the mark and makes Fodlan less interesting a setting than it should be. I'd like to see them reduce the scale and further flesh out the core cast and make a dramatic, but local conflict rather than one that covers an entire continent.

 

[PlanetSmasher]

Drop the castle/monastery sequences. The second half of the game is so terribly paced I just kind of gave up midway through the Blue Lions path. Absolutely nothing to do in the castle in the second half.

So many of the decisions the team made feel like they were "y'know it'd be cool if we..." discussions in meetings that were never followed up on further to ensure they're actually fleshed out enough to be worth having.

 

[Rainy]

Bigger maps that allow us to use more than 10-11 units + 2 adjutants.

Better graphics and presentation.

More variety in settings (a la monastery in the 2nd act) or if they split routes, more variety in general.

 

[ggdeku]

Does anyone want weapon triangles back in the next game?

Click to shrink...

I kinda miss it. I feel like it added an extra wrinkle to positioning your units.

 

[Hailinel]

Does anyone want weapon triangles back in the next game?

Click to shrink...

Nope. The variety of viable units is vastly preferable.

 

[Diarrhea Day-Lewis]

Even better story and cut scenes. Instead of 3 separate play throughs where story is mostly the same in part 1 but differs in part 2, have the "pick your house" moment be at end of part 1.

That way instead of repeating the first half of game between three houses three times, just have a save before the moment you choose and replay from there

 

[Village]

Everyone who didn't say " character customization " is wrong
The answer , the correct answer is character customization. Give more of it

 

[B.K.]

I just want it to go back to being Fire Emblem, instead of Waifu Emblem.

 

[lightning16]

I'd prefer them to focus on getting the game to run at a consistent 30fps. It doesn't really matter that much for FE, but the framerate was a mess and this game is lucky it can get away with that. Graphical fidelity wasn't very impressive either, but I don't really care that much about that, and at least I thought the character models were good.

Focus on non-technical aspects would just be fleshing out the hub world. Just more random activities like fishing would go a long way (though preferably a little more engaging). Just more different things you can spend your time doing besides eating 5 times a day.

 

[Dogenzaka]

I hope the next game has higher quality character models and some actual anti-aliasing because both of these things really bring down the game's visuals.

 

[PlanetSmasher]

Everyone who didn't say " character customization " is wrong
The answer , the correct answer is character customization. Give more of it

Click to shrink...

Being able to give the female protagonist some ACTUAL FUCKING PANTS would be great.

Get the fuck out of here with the shredded stockings look, IntSys. So goddamn stupid.

 

[Hailinel]

I just want it to go back to being Fire Emblem, instead of Waifu Emblem.

Click to shrink...

What is it about Three Houses that's Waifu Emblem?

 

[CarlSagan94]

An increase in graphical quality and general presentation, less repetition of maps, and a more focused narrative.

The story and characters of Three Houses are excellent but the presentation is really butt. Framerate issues, atrocious textures in some places, 2d warped backgrounds etc, the game really needed a boost in visual presentation.

I also feel like having 4 different paths was a bit too ambitious, and they should have limited themselved to 2 to really flesh them out as much as possible and make them very distinct. It's also a bit tedious having to collect information from 4 different playthroughs to get the entire picture of the plot.

 

[Gartooth]

Graphical fidelity and cutscenes get my vote. It would be nice for the maps and Garreg Mach to have looked even better.

I also find the cutscenes to be a great way of telling the story. I wished there was more fulfilling ending cutscenes for the routes since it goes immediately "war is over cutscene" --> "narration and art about Fodlan's fate" --> "romantic scene" --> "epilogue text".

Just being able to interact with my students one more time after the war would've been nice instead of jumping to their epilogue text. The only way to get something more fulfilling is the S-rank Supports.

 

[skLaFarebear]

What is it about Three Houses that's Waifu Emblem?

Click to shrink...

People just miss the humbler times of Genealogy, where shipping your husbands and waifus had absolutely nothing to do with the game at all.