Fire Emblem: Awakening character progression revealed

Next week another installment of the Fire Emblem series will be released for the Nintendo 3DS. A video has been released that describes the character progression and leveling process in detail, so fans of the series can plan out how they will play.

battle from FE: Awakening

Based on the information from the video, characters earn experience from fighting in battles, and they're stats improve when they gain a level as in any standard turn-based RPG. Each weapon type will have different levels too. If you use a certain weapon type more than the others, it will be your most effective weapon because your character will be more skilled in using it. Weapon types include swords, axes, bows, lances, tomes and stones.

Apparently the AI in this game is top notched as enemies will seek to battle characters that they have a high advantage over. The video urges players to not rely on your strongest character, but make sure your weaker characters support your stronger characters in battle so they can level up too.

There are two types of classes in the game; base classes, and advanced classes. Base class units are weaker while advanced class units are stronger. With the use of a master seal item, a base class unit can evolve into an advanced class unit, which gives them a massive stat upgrade.

Special abilities are acquired through this evolution process. The class of knight can choose to evolve to either great knight, or general. Great knights can move longer distances on the map as well as equip swords, lances and axes. Generals on the other hand are a more defensive and become nearly impenetrable by enemy attacks.

overhead view of map

An item called the second seal allows you to change your character's base class. The class type you can change into depends on the unit. For example, knights have the options to become priest or thieves while cavaliers have the option to become myrmidons or wyvern riders. You are able to change between base classes and advanced classes as many times as you like as long as you have the seals to do so.

The game includes many skills that will improve your character's stats and give them special abilities. The skills can be carried over to various class types, so it is important for players to develop and train characters from different class types. Special abilities are used in battle and are normally in the form of extremely powerful attacks that give you the upper hand in battle.

Skills are used to give your characters an advantage in areas such as strength, healing, disarming and many more. Characters can have up to five skills equipped at one time.

Fire Emblem Awakening will be out Feb. 4 for the Nintendo 3DS. Check out the video below.