Current Events > I'm playing Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade for the first time.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Or just Fire Emblem I guess, whatever it's called. My only Fire Emblem experience is limited to Awakening, Fates, Sacred Stones and Path of Radiance/Radiant Dawn. Path of Radiance is my favorite. I hear this one is one of the favorites so I figured why not. Anything important I should know before I dive in?

If you liked PoR, then you'll probably like Blazing Blade. They are probably the two most straight-forward entries in the series. No real gimmicks to them. You aren't worried about marrying parents off to make strong kids. There is no world map or random battles. You aren't changing protagonist or teams randomly throughout the story. Just straight-up Fire Emblem gameplay at it purest.
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Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Anything important I should know before I dive in?

You'll have to play the game twice if you want the complete story, but the plot is designed in a way that it'll feel satisfying to finish even if you do one playthrough.

You get three save files iirc. I'd recommend keeping your Lyn save file separate from the other one if you plan on playing through again. That way, you only have to go through the tutorial once.
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Gheb posted...

If you liked PoR, then you'll probably like Blazing Blade. They are probably the two most straight-forward entries in the series. No real gimmicks to them. You aren't worried about marrying parents off to make strong kids. There is no world map or random battles. You aren't changing protagonist or teams randomly throughout the story. Just straight-up Fire Emblem gameplay at it purest.

Good to hear, Radiant Dawn's constant jumping between characters really tripped me up. I didn't like getting an awesome character and suddenly have them not available for the longest time.

PalmerSensei posted...

You'll have to play the game twice if you want the complete story, but the plot is designed in a way that it'll feel satisfying to finish even if you do one playthrough.

You get three save files iirc. I'd recommend keeping your Lyn save file separate from the other one if you plan on playing through again. That way, you only have to go through the tutorial once.

I'm not opposed to running it twice. Unless I end up really not liking it, but I don't imagine that'll happen.

PalmerSensei posted...

That way, you only have to go through the tutorial once.

I'd actually recommend playing through Lyn's tale on Hard Mode so TC can Knight Crest Kent or Sain instead of Wallace. That is, if TC doesn't like abusing glitches.
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PalmerSensei posted...

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Anything important I should know before I dive in?

You'll have to play the game twice if you want the complete story, but the plot is designed in a way that it'll feel satisfying to finish even if you do one playthrough.

You get three save files iirc. I'd recommend keeping your Lyn save file separate from the other one if you plan on playing through again. That way, you only have to go through the tutorial once.

I disagree with this. Your first run through the game you have to do Lyn Normal Mode which isn't exactly known for giving you freedom. It's typically worth doing a Lyn Hard Mode run for the freedom it gives you.

Kircheis posted...

PalmerSensei posted...

That way, you only have to go through the tutorial once.

I'd actually recommend playing through Lyn's tale on Hard Mode so TC can Knight Crest Kent or Sain instead of Wallace. That is, if TC doesn't like abusing glitches.

You don't really need to abuse a glitch to do that. I mean you are probably doing some boss abuse to get Sain or Kent to a level where you would want to use the Knight Crest on them, but boss abuse isn't really a glitch.
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Oh, I get a Robin! Nice!

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Oh, I get a Robin! Nice!

Sorta....
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Aww. Poor Lyn. She's got a sad backstory.

Play Lyn/Normal into the main Eliwood/Normal story, then for the second playthrough, do Lyn/Hard (same missions and enemies but without all the tutorial stuff and a bit more freedom) into Hector/Normal. I wouldn't worry about trying to get all of the extra gaiden chapters until that second playthrough, but they're worth checking out.

When you get to the main story, you'll notice Marcus and his much higher stats. Just like Seth, Titania, Frederick, etc., he's the designated "Jagen" paladin that starts out pre-promoted, has mediocre growths, and punishes players for being too overdependent on him by their other units being too weak later on. But like Seth, and unlike most other Jagens, Marcus has good enough base stats that he's still very useful in the mid-to-late part of the game even if you minimize his use early on. Keep that in mind.
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I was just gonna ask when I get my Seth.

Calwings posted...

Play Lyn/Normal into the main Eliwood/Normal story, then for the second playthrough, do Lyn/Hard (same missions and enemies but without all the tutorial stuff and a bit more freedom) into Hector/Normal. I wouldn't worry about trying to get all of the extra gaiden chapters until that second playthrough, but they're worth checking out.

So, I guess it has two stories? Like Sacred Stones? Without spoiling, is it gonna branch at a choice, or is like automatic or something.

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

I was just gonna ask when I get my Seth.

Calwings posted...

Play Lyn/Normal into the main Eliwood/Normal story, then for the second playthrough, do Lyn/Hard (same missions and enemies but without all the tutorial stuff and a bit more freedom) into Hector/Normal. I wouldn't worry about trying to get all of the extra gaiden chapters until that second playthrough, but they're worth checking out.

So, I guess it has two stories? Like Sacred Stones? Without spoiling, is it gonna branch at a choice, or is like automatic or something.

The last story is unlocked when you beat the game once
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I never got too far into this. Maybe I'll do this too. This was the first in elibe right?
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There is exactly one Shaman in the game, so unless you want to collect a pile of useless dark tomes, make sure you recruit him.
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Popcorn_Fairy posted...

I was just gonna ask when I get my Seth.

Calwings posted...

Play Lyn/Normal into the main Eliwood/Normal story, then for the second playthrough, do Lyn/Hard (same missions and enemies but without all the tutorial stuff and a bit more freedom) into Hector/Normal. I wouldn't worry about trying to get all of the extra gaiden chapters until that second playthrough, but they're worth checking out.

So, I guess it has two stories? Like Sacred Stones? Without spoiling, is it gonna branch at a choice, or is like automatic or something.

Eh, Hector mode is mostly the same as Eliwood mode, except you have a different main character, a handful of extra chapters, and two units exclusive to that mode. It's also a bit harder. Mostly it just fleshes out the game's story a bit more.

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

So, I guess it has two stories? Like Sacred Stones? Without spoiling, is it gonna branch at a choice, or is like automatic or something.

Not exactly. It's the same story, but with Hector as your "main" lord (AKA the one you capture objectives with) and with a couple of extra chapters (and unlockable gaiden chapters) tacked on to flesh out the story more. The chapters shared with Eliwood's story have some minor changes and might be slightly more difficult.

GiftedACIII posted...

I never got too far into this. Maybe I'll do this too. This was the first in elibe right?

In the timeline, yes. In release date, no. Binding Blade (Roy's game, only released in Japan) came out first, then this came out later as a prequel to Binding Blade.
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Oh nice. The recruitment theme is pretty badass. Not as hype as Path of Radiance's though.

Oh, this should probably go without saying, but do be sure to actually use the Energy Ring and Angelic Robe before clearing chapter 10. You probably don't care about ranking first playthrough, and Lyn or Florina could really use those extra boosts.

And don't be shy about abusing Mani Katti during Lyn mode, you'll get another one in the actual game even if it breaks.
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So I was really hoping Lyn's unique sword would have unlimited use. Now I'm probably never gonna use it because I might want to use it later, or it's unique, I don't wanna lose it.

Be like Awakening and make Falchion have unlimited use dammit.

Like I said, don't be shy about abusing it in Lyn Mode. She always starts with a fresh one in Eliwood/Hector mode, and she's kind of trash without it, so it's better to use it while you have it to not make Lyn a complete liability.
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FE7 is somewhat unique to the series in that every unit is a viable option to use. Some are clearly better then others but if you just plain like a character, there's no fear that they won't be viable.

Except with Hector hard mode. That mode makes you pretty reliant on Marcus but you're at least 2 playthroughs away from being able to start that.
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Kircheis posted...

Oh, this should probably go without saying, but do be sure to actually use the Energy Ring and Angelic Robe before clearing chapter 10. You probably don't care about ranking first playthrough, and Lyn or Florina could really use those extra boosts.

And don't be shy about abusing Mani Katti during Lyn mode, you'll get another one in the actual game even if it breaks.

Yeah, it's important to mention that Lyn's story ends after chapter 10, and (besides the Mani Katti being restored to full durability) the items you got in that mode don't carry over, so use those stat boosters while you have the chance. Also, everyone you met in Lyn's story can be recruited again at some point in Eliwood/Hector's story.
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Kircheis posted...

Like I said, don't be shy about abusing it in Lyn Mode. She always starts with a fresh one in Eliwood/Hector mode, and she's kind of trash without it, so it's better to use it while you have it to not make Lyn a complete liability.

But still. I don't wanna break it.

doomcrusader posted...

FE7 is somewhat unique to the series in that every unit is a viable option to use. Some are clearly better then others but if you just plain like a character, there's no fear that they won't be viable.

That is a very good thing to hear. I always set my dudes up based on who I like.

Calwings posted...

Yeah, it's important to mention that Lyn's story ends after chapter 10, and (besides the Mani Katti being restored to full durability) the items you got in that mode don't carry over, so use those stat boosters while you have the chance. Also, everyone you met in Lyn's story can be recruited again at some point in Eliwood/Hector's story.

Aww, she's not my Protag anymore after 10? But I like Lyn so far.

Calwings posted...

In the timeline, yes. In release date, no. Binding Blade (Roy's game, only released in Japan) came out first, then this came out later as a prequel to Binding Blade.

Ooh, gotta play binding blade first then. I know I have it somewhere... I had all the FE games at one point
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Lyn comes back. Unfortunately her and Eliwood are both awful and you're stuck with them in a lot of chapters.
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Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Aww, she's not my Protag anymore after 10? But I like Lyn so far.

She still plays a big role in the main story once you recruit her again, but Eliwood (or Hector once you play his story) becomes the "main" lord that the story revolves around and that you're required to take into every battle. However, all three of them are important enough that if any of those three falls in battle, it's an instant game over.

GiftedACIII posted...

Ooh, gotta play binding blade first then. I know I have it somewhere... I had all the FE games at one point

Play Blazing Blade first since it's the prequel. Binding Blade takes place after it.
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Ok, so a lack of being able to resupply between missions is kind of tripping me out. Once my stuff breaks I'm screwed. I don't like having the stores being limited to the map.

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Ok, so a lack of being able to resupply between missions is kind of tripping me out. Once my stuff breaks I'm screwed. I don't like having the stores being limited to the map.

Yeah, you have to buy items/weapons while you're in the chapter. Also, you get the ability to store items you're not using either after chapter 13x (a gaiden chapter, unlocked if you visit a certain village in chapter 13) or after chapter 15 (if you didn't go to 13x), so you can make use of that to store extra items.
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Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Ok, so a lack of being able to resupply between missions is kind of tripping me out. Once my stuff breaks I'm screwed. I don't like having the stores being limited to the map.

Welcome to Fire Emblem lol

There's a decent stretch at one point where there aren't any weapon shops so make sure you keep your supplies topped off.
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Mani Katti is like the only thing that makes Lyn even worth using. She is otherwise outclassed by like all other sword infantry. Don't use it all the time but definitively use it when it makes sense.
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Dorcas seems like a cool dude. Shame he can't hit anything though.

I think I avoided axes in general because they felt like they had godawful accuracy most of the time.
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Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Dorcas seems like a cool dude. Shame he can't hit anything though.

Don't expect him to double any time soon either with his 20% speed growth lol. The Fighter he joins with in Eliwood Mode (Bartre) isn't much better either. And the one Pirate you get has an expensive promotion item. Basically if you're not Hector, a Paladin, or some other prepromote, then get fucked lol.
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@Gheb posted...

You don't really need to abuse a glitch to do that. I mean you are probably doing some boss abuse to get Sain or Kent to a level where you would want to use the Knight Crest on them, but boss abuse isn't really a glitch.

Missed this edit. I was referring to the break forced movement glitch in normal mode.
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Healing free of charge? Serra is so generous.

ArthasReborn posted...

I think I avoided axes in general because they felt like they had godawful accuracy most of the time.

Seems like it. I never get much use out axes because they never seem to hit anything.

Kircheis posted...

Don't expect him to double any time soon either with his 20% speed growth lol. The Fighter he joins with in Eliwood Mode (Bartre) isn't much better either. And the one Pirate you get has an expensive promotion item. Basically if you're not Hector, a Paladin, or some other prepromote, then get fucked lol.

If he can't double, can he atleast tank hits or something?

I don't want to influence how you play, but it's not axes that are bad, it's Dorcas

Also tag, this is my favorite GBA game

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

If he can't double, can he atleast tank hits or something?

I mean, he has the high HP characteristic of Fighters, so he can at least take some hits. I guess. Never bothered with the guy. If you just want a tanky axe user then all you really need is Hector. He's like a Knight, but with axes.
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Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Dorcas seems like a cool dude. Shame he can't hit anything though.

He is a cool dude. Great character, fun support conversations, solid growths (except for Speed and Resistance) and the power of memes on his side. Also, fun fact: in terms of availability, Dorcas is actually usable in more story chapters than any other character in Blazing Blade, even surpassing all three of the main lords.
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Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Healing free of charge? Serra is so generous.

top tier girl

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

Seems like it. I never get much use out axes because they never seem to hit anything.

As mentioned, Hector's about the only exception, at least in my game. He's not memed into oblivion for nothing, after all.
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Kircheis posted...

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

If he can't double, can he atleast tank hits or something?

I mean, he has the high HP characteristic of Fighters, so he can at least take some hits. I guess. Never bothered with the guy. If you just want a tanky axe user then all you really need is Hector. He's like a Knight, but with axes.

Dorcas also has one of the highest Skill growths of all axe wielders in the game, so he actually has less problems hitting things compared to other axe users. After promotion to Warrior, he actually turns into a pretty solid bow user as well if you decide to train his proficiency with them.
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Calwings posted...

Kircheis posted...

Popcorn_Fairy posted...

If he can't double, can he atleast tank hits or something?

I mean, he has the high HP characteristic of Fighters, so he can at least take some hits. I guess. Never bothered with the guy. If you just want a tanky axe user then all you really need is Hector. He's like a Knight, but with axes.

Dorcas also has one of the highest Skill growths of all axe wielders in the game, so he actually has less problems hitting things compared to other axe users. After promotion to Warrior, he actually turns into a pretty solid bow user as well if you decide to train his proficiency with them.

That's actually pretty neat I guess. Never woulda figured, I think the only Fighter I ever bothered with is Boyd (haven't played Radiant Dawn).
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Of the pure axe users, Dart is best, but he absolutely murders your funds rating to promote.

Dorcas and Bartre are fine, but they're just so outclassed by Hector and Raven.
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Nobody cares about a ranked run on your first playthrough on Eliwood Normal.
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Yeah, non-ranked and Eliwood Normal runs are pretty manageable in difficulty no matter who you use, so just go for whoever you think is coolest. I went for all the qt girls in my army.
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If you play Hector's story definitely look up the gaiden requirements, because a couple of them are legit impossible to ever figure out on your own.

Prepromotes are actually pretty solid in this game, don't be afraid to ditch a unit that got subpar levels for one.

Obligatory Raven is the most susceptible to being RNG screwed.
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The_Juice_ posted...

Prepromotes are actually pretty solid in this game, don't be afraid to ditch a unit that got subpar levels for one.

Fo real, I would go gay for Pent. Best Sage in FE7. Dem bases, A staves, automatic A support that boosts his durability. Only bad thing about him is that he's so good he can screw you out of his recruitment map's gaiden requirement (get 700 exp) if you let him rampage unchecked long enough.
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The_Juice_ posted...

Obligatory Raven is the most susceptible to being RNG screwed.

Guy, Lyn, and Eliwood are all more vulnerable to getting screwed overall. Hector MIGHT be speed screwed but that's about it.
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Fire Emblem Heroes just got more Blazing Blade characters.
TC is a prophet

Put Osw1n in your A-team. Most armor knights/generals are pretty underwhelming throughout the series but he is an absolute beast and one of the best units in the game