Gameplay
Fire Emblem is a turn-based tactical role-playing game in which players move a small group of units around a square-based grid, battling their enemies in order to complete a certain predefined objective. It is reminiscent of other tactical RPGs with features such as character classes and the ability to level up. For more information, refer to the Fire Emblem gameplay basics.
The single-player campaign is divided into chapters which generally begin with story elements presented through the use of scenes animated with still images of the main characters, then followed by a battle with an enemy; after each battle, the player is given the opportunity to save their progress. Fire Emblem introduces some notable changes to the series, including a tutorial mode. The single-player campaign is divided into Lyn's tale and Eliwood's tale, the former of which serves as a mandatory tutorial designed to ease new players into the game. The tutorial disappears in Lyn's Hard mode. Fire Emblem also introduces new mission objectives, like surviving a certain amount of turns, destroying all enemies, or traveling to a predefined space on the map. Terrain and weather effects have also been added.
All the 44 units in Fire Emblem are divided into classes such as Shaman, Berserker, or Thief. Depending on class, a unit can use either magic or weapons; the "weapons" category comprises swords, axes, lances and bows, while the "magic" category comprises anima (or elemental) magic, dark magic, light magic and staves (used for functions such as healing and curing status ailments). The game follows a rock-paper-scissors mechanism in which axes beat lances, lances beat swords, and swords beat axes; the bow in the game is not a part of any weapon triangle, but is especially effective against flying units. Similarly, the magic system is also structured through a triangle, the Trinity of Magic, in that dark has the advantage over anima, anima over light and light over dark. There are different levels of weapon, which run from E to A in alphabetical order and then to the ultimate level which is S; a unit can raise their weapon level by persistently using that weapon.
After attaining 100 experience points, a unit will level up and may increase its statistics, such as Speed and Defense. An unpromoted unit can change class ("promote") at any level from 10 to the maximum of 20; this requires a special item depending on the class that it is intended for, such as the "Knight's Crest" for knights and cavaliers. Once promoted, the maximum level the unit can reach is level 20 of the promoted class.
Certain pairs of units can increase their support level by spending many turns adjacent to one another. Supporting units receive a statistical gain when they are within three spaces of each other. Each unit has an elemental affinity; the form of statistical bonus from supports depends on the combination of the elemental affinities of both units. This bonus is strengthened by increasing the support level, which is measured from C to A—C for a single conversation, B for two conversations, and A for three conversations. With each support activated, a conversation will occur between the two characters. Once the story mode is completed, a "support viewer" will become available in which the reader can read previously viewed conversations at will.
If a unit falls in battle, he or she can never be used again. However, an exception is made for characters in Lyn's tale, who will return in Eliwood's tale even if they are defeated during Lyn's tale. The death of one of the Lords (Eliwood, Hector, or Lyn) results in a "Game Over", and the player must restart the chapter to continue the story.
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