Fire Emblem

Fire Emblem is a fantasy tactical role-playing video game franchise. Many games in the series have sold well, despite a decline during the 2000s which resulted in the series' near-cancellation. Individual entries have generally been praised, and the series as a whole has been lauded for its gameplay, and it is cited as a seminal series in the tactical role-playing genre. Characters from multiple games have also been included in crossovers with other franchises.

The Fire Emblem games take place across multiple unrelated settings within a Medieval or Renaissance-themed time period, with the main protagonist, usually royalty, caught in the conflict of two or more countries across a continent. Outside of a few rare sequels, most games in the series are self contained. They may share similar themes and elements, but the world and characters are generally unique to the game they appear in. One of these recurring elements in the series is the titular "Fire Emblem" (also called Emblem Zero or Foundation Emblem). Its name derives from its connection to dragons and weapons of war, another recurring element. Feuding gods, secret societies, mystical emblems (besides the fire emblem), special swords, and dragons in places of power (both good and evil) are commonplace. Fantastical creatures are often rode into battle; such as Pegasus, griffons, and giant wolves. History and politics are also featured prominently.

The series has received some degree of criticism for the overuse and often poor implementation of tropes and certain storytelling devices, notably: irredeemable evil wizard cults, amnesia and brain-washing as character motivation, emotionless protagonists, contrived drama, and pacing issues.