Marshall your forces and draw your steel--the legendary Fire Emblem series has arrived on the Game Boy Advance! Fire Emblem's addictive combination of strategy and role-playing has made the series a massive hit in Japan since the 8-bit days of the NES. Nintendo and Intelligent Systems, the designers of Advance Wars, have teamed up to bring gamers outside Japan an all-new Fire Emblem game. Put your skills as a military strategist to the ultimate test on the field of battle!

Superior strategists will gauge the strengths and weaknesses of their enemy before the battle begins and choose the best troops to field. Swoop from the sky with your Pegasus Knights or strike with a phalanx of armored juggernauts to crush enemy opposition. Every battle can be fought differently--as the tactician, it's up to you to decide how, when and where to attack.

Fire Emblem's deep story line is heavy on royal intrigue and backstabbing. As your quest progresses, more of the tangled plot will unfold and the ranks of your army will swell with fresh recruits. Complex relationships between the characters will be revealed, which can make for some unique bonds. Some soldiers are motivated by honor and good, others seek riches, but all of them are at your command.

Bottom Line

With dozens of soldiers, weapons and magic spells at your service, Fire Emblem equips you with everything you need to dominate the battlefield. Though the series has spanned many years in Japan, this new Fire Emblem is a fresh adventure that doesn't require any knowledge of the previous games. Its easy-to-learn controls make Fire Emblem an excellent choice for even the most novice armchair tacticians, while the underlying complexity makes it the can't-miss GBA game of the year for even the most battle-hardened veterans.

As with the previous Fire Emblem, there are legions of unique character classes in the game: Each character has a unique set of skills, shaping the way in which you play the game. You can decide which characters to use, giving you more control over your strategic approach. This game includes brand-new character classes and introduces a new way of changing your character classes, opening up new strategic possibilities: Players can choose how to develop their characters and what types of units to focus on.

New units include the axe-wielding great knight; the summoner, who can call monsters into battle; the mage knight, who can use both weapons and magic; and many more. For the first time, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones features some traditional fantasy monsters, from skeletons to zombies, from gargoyles to gorgons ?€“ these monsters generate new challenges for experienced players.

Taking a cue from traditional role-playing games, this installment of Fire Emblem gives players the opportunity to gain experience and build their units?€? levels endlessly by fighting in new monster battles. As a result, the game not only gives new players the opportunity to practice and improve, but also gives advanced players the chance to develop their characters to suit their playing styles. This feature gives players of this Fire Emblem much more flexibility in developing their units.

Defend against usurpers and assassins as you aid young lords on their quest against evil.

Assume control of a diverse and powerful army of soldiers loyal to your cause.

Each character possesses a unique personality. Characters with special bonds can give each other support.

Persuade powerful enemy heroes to leave their evil armies and join your growing cause.

Over 20 character classes, including Cavalier, Mage, Pirate and Druid. Once a character reaches level 10, they can be upgraded to elite classes like General and Sniper.

Manage your troops wisely--if they fall in battle, they're gone for good!

Use terrain and defensive positions to your advantage as you fight across hostile lands.