3 "gacha" games like Fire Emblem Heroes that are well worth your time
Nintendo’s newest mobile game, Fire Emblem Heroes, is a gacha game set in the iconic Fire Emblem universe. If you’re not familiar with gacha games, it’s a game genre, or rather a monetization mechanic, that is hugely popular in Japan, and is starting to drift into western mobile games, too.
Derived from the gashapon prize machines in Japan, gacha games ask players to complete missions or pay real-life cash money to buy items that grant chances to randomly win powerful characters or items. It’s a bit like low-key gambling, but with an RPG attached.
While there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Fire Emblem Heroes, perhaps you’re curious about other games. There are plenty of games of a similar nature that promise robust gameplay and hours of entertainment. Here are three of our favorites.
Phantom of the Kill
FREE!
This strategy RPG from the director of the Ghost in the Shell anime most closely resembles Fire Emblem. In fact, it draws a good deal of direct influence from the classic Nintendo games. You move a select team of units across a map to fight your enemies. Weapons follow a strength and weakness cycle, much like Fire Emblem, and you can combine units to power your fighters up. The game carries a satisfying amount of depth and you'll be able to go far without spending money if you choose to play that way.
Puzzle & Dragons (English)
FREE!
Puzzle & Dragons could very well be the gacha game. While it hasn’t gained a whole lot of traction in the west, the game pretty much took over Japan a few years ago, quickly becoming the first mobile game to gross $1 billion in revenue. Puzzle & Dragons also inspired endless game spin-offs, its own Super Mario version, and, of course, an anime.
But all of that aside, Puzzle & Dragons is an incredibly well designed game. Half of the screen is occupied by what appears to be your average match three puzzle game. The top of the game sees five of your favorite RPG warriors taking on dangerous baddies. It may sound bizarre, but these two elements work in tandem to create something fresh and exciting. Each character has a designated orb color, and as you match these orbs, your character will be able to fight and execute special moves. It’s a blast, and easy to play without spending all of your hard earned cash.
FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS
FREE!
While past mobile Final Fantasy games have been hit or miss, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is an exciting bit of fan service for long time enthusiasts and mobile gaming fans alike. It’s a turn-based RPG, the likes of which you’re most definitely familiar with if you’ve played a Final Fantasy game before.
Players build up a team of heroes mainly comprised of beloved Final Fantasy characters. Battles are fun and varied, and Square Enix has done a good job thus far supporting the game with regular new content and in-game events. You can either win or purchase Summon Tickets which give you a chance to roll for more exclusive Final Fantasy characters to join you in battle.
While gacha games can be controversial depending on how they treat players, there are some real gems thrown into the mix. If you’re addicted to the uncertainty these types of games add to the RPG experience, we highly recommend these three titles.
Do you have a favorite gacha game? Share in the comments below.