I've been pairing up characters and creating relationships in Fire Emblem: Awakening for the Nintendo 3DS. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Fire Emblem: Awakening is a game made to be played multiple times. There's a giant cast of characters and a relationship support system that when fully maxed for certain pairs of characters, they can get married and have children who become available for combat. It's a very detailed game in this matter, and there's so many tidbits of dialogue awaiting to be unlocked.

"Permanent death" has always been a classic staple of the Fire Emblem series, and it's back again here. Luckily for those that have always felt intimated playing one of its games with this punishing mechanic, Casual mode revives fallen characters after chapters are completed. It's a great option for newcomers, and at the same time the game doesn't alienate longtime fans of the series.

You can also create your own character that plays a role in the story, but appearance options are slim pickings.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.