The First Hour: A First Impressions Blog

 FIRE EMBLEM ENGAGE SYSTEM: SWITCH        GENRE: STRATEGY RPG     Fire Emblem Engage is the latest title in Nintendo's long running franchise. It dials back some of the social aspects of its predecessor, Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Most of the fun I've experienced so far is in the neat innovations and quality of life changes in combat.       The Engage system really spices things up. The Engage system allows characters to call upon the strengths of legendary Fire Emblem characters, such as Marth or Sigurd. It allows characters to use skills and weapons that they normally do not have.      The graphics are quite astounding, and the colors really pop. It is every bit as enjoyable to look at as it is to play.  

POKEMON VIOLET SYSTEM: SWITCH          GENRE: RPG      Pokemon has always been charming. There's something about exploring the world and adding to your collection of small critters that really sets off the endorphins in my lizard brain. Scarlet and Violet are the newest iterations of the franchise, and are oozing charm and impressing with new innovations. My impressions are based on the Violet version, and was not sent to me for review.     Taking place in the Spain-inspired region of Paldea, you take the role of a new student enrolled at Uva Academy and are quickly paired with your new Pokemon partner. I chose Fuecoco, the new Fire type starter. He looks like a doofy little crocodile. We also meet our rival, the already champion Nemona, who is LOVELY but also thirsty for Pokemon battles. That's her main trait, she is just down bad for battles.     Quickly it is easy to travel around these large open areas and capture all the P...