My thoughts so far on Fire Emblem Awakening.

BUY THIS GAME! If you don't have a 3DS, then go buy that too. The game really is this good. It plays out like a hardcore game of chess, only more exciting and way more fun. Its similar to Final Fantasy Tactics in the way you move your characters across the levels. The combat is very fluid, and seamlessly transfers from the moment you attack an enemy to the attack animations. The graphics for the game are great, but in a game like this, graphics are the last thing on your mind. The game does a very good job of getting you wrapped up in the story. I highly recommend playing with permadeath on, something the Fire Emblem franchise is known for. Playing this way really makes you care about your characters. You start to play smarter, and plan your moves much more carefully.

There are a number of different classes that your characters can become, and you can upgrade them using master seals. Doing so can change their base stats and usually changes their appearance as well. Another interesting thing about your characters is that they can marry, and have children. Another reason it can hurt when one of your most loved characters dies in battle.

Weapons can be upgraded, forged, or just bought at many of the towns shops. At the shops you can also buy spell books for your mages, different potions, etc. I found it to be very useful to always have a few health potions on hand.

I have yet to complete the game, I'm about 12 hours in. I definitely don't see myself getting bored with this game anytime soon. It has easily become one of my favorite games. And I hope you check this game out!