“I see... I'm not much for politics. All I do is live by my principles, my sword, and my friends. What can I say? I won't change who I am, even if it means fighting you.”
Ike – FE: Radiant Dawn
In response to Crista's wonderful idea to commemorate Fire Emblem's 25th Anniversary, I've decided to also chip in and write about my second favorite series in videogaming history. Yes, things fluctuate and change every now and then but relatively the list of favorites stay the same while just rearrange themselves from time to time. Fire Emblem always comes first or second depending on my mood, and it persists to be one of my most cherished franchises from both my childhood ages and now. The balance of human connection, moral storytelling, romanticism with valour always gets to the heart of positives emotions such as bravery, camaraderie, going against the odds and sadly even represents the ideal politician that I believe cannot exist in a world like ours.
The gaming industry is always bent on talking about the newest innovations in storytelling with complexity, moral ambiguity and individuality. But sometimes it takes a small concept in its simplicity to remind us that there are still enjoyable tales of the purest confrontation between good vs evil.
Over the course of the franchises fruition into the western market, we have seen and experienced many different points of view with various main characters, yet all stay true to the concept of what makes Fire Emblem what it is as both a brand and an example of great ethical quality. Because yes, it’s good to feel like a hero. So herein to the listing of my personal favorite FE protagonists, throughout the ages. I’ll admit to the nostalgia of the old titles when it comes to such however.
3) Eliwood of Pherae
(FE: Blazing Sword aka Fire Emblem 7 – also appearing previously in Fire Emblem 6: Binding Blade)
This choice is a bit bias in nature as FE7 was my first Fire Emblem game I had ever played. Eliwood however permanently set the grounds for my experience throughout the series to come in the initial representation of the compassionate, princely lord who treats all his subjects well. Eliwood is kind spoken, polite in manner albeit without his own set of faults as he’s very passive in nature. He speaks as a leader and friend, while urging others to disregard his title when speaking to him. He believes in equality regardless of gender or age. Eliwood is basically the well-rounded personality that becomes better characterized through his interaction with other characters. At first he’s seemingly plain in depth but continues to grow on you as the story progresses due to his actions and firm stance in his ideals. The understated type of hero that doesn’t feel like he’s stealing the spotlight even though he himself is the main protagonist. His determination to find his father and then later avenging his death is very organic. Eliwood later becomes the Marquees of Pherae and has a son named Roy, who is the protagonist of FE:6.
2) Princess Eirika & Prince Ephraim
(Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones aka Fire Emblem 8 )
This one was very difficult to pinpoint because I initially only wanted to list Ephraim, but really couldn’t bring myself to remove Eirika who is actually my favorite female videogame protagonist if I were to ever list one. The children of King Fado of Renais, Eirika and Ephraim are twins and clearly represent two sides of one coin.
In Eirika’s route she is first seen escaping Renais after an invasion from Grado’s military army, to which she herself decides to travel to Grado in search of her brother who had went missing to fight in the battles. Ephraim on the other hand deals with the pressures of having to be a strategist of war with an accurate tone because you can see his insecurities with having to deal with such decisions at a young age. Both understand the fact that they are royalty, and don’t deny their titles that have been essentially been undermined from them. Eirika represents elegance, caring and having heart, while Ephraim is steadfast, regal and decisive. Their interactions with one another is that of a deep bond, to the point where even within the story Ephraim while admitting that his actions affect more than just himself, puts Eirika as his main priority regardless.
What struck really strongly with me was the fact of how realistic their endeavours seemed and the importance of it. Yes, they look for a higher standard and have people that care about them, but you can sense the inner struggles that they have within themselves and their identities. Ephraim never cared for knowledge of history and the world, and suddenly has to come with the fact that he may have to become King. Every battle he has deep insecurities to the point you really feel the actual disconnection in titles between his subjects and himself. He truly is the most unique, interesting lord compared to the rest in Fire Emblem and not only for the fact that he fights with a lance. The dude is just plain badass and gutsy! He besieged and slaughtered an entire castle of people by himself just because they didn't think he would do it. An entire nation takes over your country, and what do you do? Lead a four man strike force against them, obviously. A person betrays you, what do you do? Fight through the thick of it with only two loyal members, obviously! Also his sprite is awesome, yes to stabbing people in the face!
Now reeling it in a bit, Eirika’s character growth is one that’s also really enjoyable. She goes from being unwilling to fight (despite her formidable skill) and not wanting to hurt anyone into realizing that she has to. She portrays a great sense of strength as a main character without losing her femininity; something I personally relate to. She’s also not the typical sister in Fire Emblem that is portrayed weaker than the brother, they are equals in both talent and acknowledgement. She can kick your ass and doesn’t need someone to save her. To her fighting is a necessity and she’s not afraid of saying her mind, even towards the people that are trying to protect her.
1) Hector of Ostia
(FE: Blazing Sword aka Fire Emblem 7 – also appearing previously in Fire Emblem 6: Binding Blade)
Definitely not the typical face of Fire Emblem, playing Hectors route in FE7 has essentially solidified the meaning of badass to me. Not only is he a lord with a fucking axe, but he is a ruthless killing machine that will destroy you. As a unit there’s no one to rely on more. And as a personality, he’s the perfect foil towards Eliwood’s calm exterior, Hector is brash and honest to the point where most people generally dislike like him. But he’s a true friend that will do literally everything to help a friend in need. Your archetypal ‘heart of gold’ character with a personality so infectious, it doesn’t matter.
His interactions with his ragtag army members are genuinely hilarious and you feel the connection he has with Serra, Mathew, Oswin, Lyn and many others. Loyal and true, it’s always a breath of fresh air to have characters say it as they see it. So here’s to Hector! The Axe Lord of the Millennia, a real heartbreaker to many and all evil devices! Who oft screws up the best laid plans just by being and staying alive, where any and every enemy he encounters remarks. "Hector of Ostia, you're here?!?! SON OF A BITCH!" All cockiness goes out the window with Hector and everything falls to his axe.
HERE'S TO THE BLASTED HECTOR!
Mary Ann is your not so average lady from the faraway land of Canadia, as dignified royalty of the North she serves to protect her subjects in both kindness and elegance. For those who wrong her, she wields her hockey stick as her sword and her punches like jackhammers.