Fire Emblem Awakening vs Suikoden Tactics
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.


Fire Emblem Awakening is a critically acclaimed tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. Players assume the role of Robin, a tactical strategist who suffers from amnesia, joining forces with Prince Chrom and the Shepherds of Ylisse to protect their kingdom from the threat of the Plegian army and mysterious masked warriors. The game seamlessly blends traditional turn-based tactical combat with deep social simulation mechanics. Players can forge bonds between characters through the Pair-Up system and conversations, unlocking powerful combat bonuses and the ability to marry units to pass down skills to their children, creating an emotionally resonant journey where permanent death adds high-stakes tension to every battle.
Suikoden Tactics is a spin-off strategy role-playing game that serves as both a prequel and sequel to Suikoden IV, shedding light on unexplored areas of the Iska islands. Players take on the role of Kyril as he investigates the mysterious Rune Cannons and battles the forces of the Coolgarus Empire. The gameplay combines traditional tactical RPG movement and combat mechanics with unique features like the "Support Attack" system and elemental terrain manipulation. Fans of the overarching Suikoden series will also appreciate the ability to recruit a vast roster of characters and manage a headquarters base.
- Engaging and deeply strategic turn-based combat system
- Memorable cast of characters with rich support conversations
- Innovative marriage and child inheritance mechanics
- Outstanding presentation featuring beautiful cutscenes and music
- Engaging tactical combat with unique terrain manipulation mechanics
- Expansive roster of recruitable characters to discover
- Rich lore and storytelling that expands the Suikoden universe
- Challenging strategy gameplay that rewards careful planning
- Difficulty curve can spike unexpectedly in the later chapters
- Level design occasionally favors brute force over tactical puzzle-solving
- Avatar character can sometimes overshadow the established main cast
- Grinding can occasionally become necessary for underleveled recruits
- Pacing can feel slow during certain narrative segments
- Graphics and presentation show their age compared to modern tactical RPGs
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Fire Emblem Awakening
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Classic turnโbased tactical RPG that launched a legendary series
Alternatives to Suikoden Tactics
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Command the Shepherds and alter the threads of fate in this acclaimed tactical RPG.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataFire Emblem Awakening is the safer, higher-rated default choice offering superior presentation and modern mechanics, while Suikoden Tactics caters specifically to fans wanting Suikoden lore and terrain manipulation at a higher price.
Key differences
- โขCritical Reception: Fire Emblem Awakening holds a significantly higher critic score of 90/100 compared to Suikoden Tactics' 64/100.
- โขPricing: Suikoden Tactics costs $49.99, whereas Fire Emblem Awakening is priced lower at $39.99.
- โขUnique Mechanics: Suikoden Tactics features elemental magic that alters terrain properties, while Fire Emblem Awakening includes a Pair-Up system, optional permadeath, and a marriage/child inheritance mechanic.
- โขRelease Era: Suikoden Tactics launched in 2005 by Konami, while Fire Emblem Awakening released in 2012 by Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.
Gameplay & fun factor
Fire Emblem Awakening features a turn-based combat system with a Pair-Up system and marriage mechanics, earning a 90/100 critic score.
Platform availability
Not specified for either game in the provided facts.
Price & value
Fire Emblem Awakening costs $39.99, which is $10 cheaper than Suikoden Tactics at $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly single player with no multiplayer features listed.
Content & replayability
Fire Emblem Awakening offers marriage and child inheritance mechanics and a sprawling epic narrative across multiple acts.
Difficulty & accessibility
Fire Emblem Awakening includes an optional permadeath mechanic, though its difficulty curve can spike unexpectedly in later chapters.
Graphics & performance
Fire Emblem Awakening features fully voiced animated cutscenes and an orchestral soundtrack, whereas Suikoden Tactics' graphics show their age.
Choose Fire Emblem Awakening ifโฆ
Strategy gamers looking for a highly-rated tactical RPG with modern presentation and relationship mechanics.
Choose Suikoden Tactics ifโฆ
Fans of Suikoden lore and tactical grid-based combat willing to pay a higher price.
Common questions
Which game is less expensive?
Fire Emblem Awakening is less expensive with an MSRP of $39.99, compared to Suikoden Tactics at $49.99.
Do either of these games feature multiplayer?
No, both Suikoden Tactics and Fire Emblem Awakening are single player only.
Which game received better reviews from critics?
Fire Emblem Awakening received a critic score of 90/100, while Suikoden Tactics holds a critic score of 64/100.


