Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore: Should You Dive into this Switch JRPG Gem?
You’re looking at Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore for Nintendo Switch. Is it worth your cash? Let’s get straight to it. You’ve likely heard “Persona meets Fire Emblem.” That’s catchy, but it doesn’t cover all of this enthralling JRPG.
Picture this: the entertainment industry and supernatural threats collide. Iconic Fire Emblem characters appear as stylish “Mirages.” Now you have a clearer image. Still unsure? Relax. We will explain it all.
What is Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore?
At its core, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a turn-based RPG. Turn-based combat thrives in modern Tokyo. Leave castles and dragons behind for a moment; you battle Mirages on vibrant Tokyo streets. Your heroes? They are not knights but members of Fortuna Entertainment, juggling auditions and saving the day!
This game is a true crossover. It combines the essence of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem. Fans will find elements from both franchises within gameplay and story. Combat feels like Fire Emblem, while SMT fans enjoy monster-collecting and fusion mechanics. Newcomers can still enjoy this exciting JRPG.
Gameplay: More Than Just Posing for the Camera
Prepare for stunning turn-based battles. Combat showcases Fire Emblem’s and Atlus’s DNA. Each encounter is a dance of skills and enemy vulnerabilities. You won’t be mindlessly attacking. You’ll think ahead and unleash powerful combos called “Sessions.” These happen when you hit an enemy weakness, letting your party members attack together.
But battling isn’t everything! When not fighting, you explore Tokyo. Visit Shibuya, Harajuku, and other notable areas. Chat with friends at Fortuna Entertainment and enjoy the vibe. This social aspect mirrors the Persona series without managing traditional social links. Bonds with party members matter for character growth and unlocking abilities.
Each chapter opens a new dungeon, or Idolasphere. These surreal environments reflect people’s distorted desires. Expect puzzles, secret paths, and many enemies to challenge your skills as you navigate these unique realms.
You can even summon Fire Emblem characters! Chrom, Caeda, and other heroes appear as Mirages, strengthening your party in combat. It’s thrilling to see these characters in a fresh context.
Story and Characters: Drama On and Off Stage
The game has 6 chapters, plus a prologue and epilogue. This adds depth to the narrative experience. Sidequests offer even more to enjoy.
You follow seven playable characters on their adventures. The main character is Itsuki Aoi. Alongside him are:
- Tsubasa Oribe: Itsuki’s childhood friend and aspiring idol.
- Touma Akagi: An actor with dreams of stardom.
- Kiria Kurono: A cool veteran idol.
- Eleonora Yumizuru: A bubbly actress seeking Hollywood fame.
- Mamori Minamoto: A talented young cook and rising star.
- Yashiro Tsurugi: A brooding actor with secrets.
Supporting characters include Maiko Shimazaki, president of Fortuna Entertainment, Tiki, a guiding figure, and Barry Goodman, an eccentric vocal coach fascinated by Japanese culture. Character designs by talented toi8 enhance visual appeal.
For challenge seekers, a secret boss, M-DEUS, awaits in New Game+. This optional fight demands skill!
How Long Will You Be Performing? Game Length and Completion Time
If curious about playtime, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore has fantastic content. Count on about 48-50 hours for the main story. Want more? Exploring side content may take around 65 hours. For completionists, expect over 110 hours. The game respects your time while keeping you engaged.
DLC: The Encore is Already Loaded!
Good news for Switch users! Unlike the Wii U version, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore includes most DLC in its base game. You gain access to additional quests as you progress, plus a selection of costumes (swimwear excluded) hidden in a new Idolasphere called the Area of Aspiration. It feels like an expanded director’s cut right away.
Reception: Standing Ovation or Just Polite Applause?
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore earned a generally positive response from critics and gamers alike. Many call it one of the best JRPGs on the Nintendo Switch. The stylish presentation, engaging combat, and unique genre blend earned praise. It’s more than just another JRPG; for many, it stands tall against big titles. Sales figures reflect this acclaim with impressive sell-through rates.
Persona or Fire Emblem? Why Not Both?
The comparisons to Persona and Fire Emblem are inevitable. Yes, social aspects mirror Persona with character interactions enriching the world. Yes, the Fire Emblem crossover attracts fans with familiar characters and sound effects. However, Tokyo Mirage Sessions is more than a mashup. It forges its own identity with its vibrant setting and flashy battles.
Technical Bits: Lost in Translation (Not Really)
A note about the voice acting. Due to costs, Atlus opted for a Japanese voice track. Some may miss an English dub, but the Japanese voice acting is excellent and fits the anime aesthetic perfectly. Consider it a chance to sharpen your subtitle skills! The game remains accessible to English players with integrated English signs.
So, Should You Get Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore?
If you’re after an engaging, stylish JRPG for Wii, then Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is worth your attention. It fuses elements of Persona and Fire Emblem into something fresh and fun. Whether you’re new to JRPGs or experienced, there’s much to enjoy in this vibrant adventure full of sparkles and catchy J-Pop!
