Retro Hackers LogoGuestLog in

Summer Tree
News
Database
Users
Projects
Game Ports
Videos
Music
Material
Feedback

Drums of War

Original game : Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Platform : GBA

Author : Parrhesia

Release date : 09 March 2024

Category : Complete

Patch version : 2.725

Modifications : G, S, L, T, P, O

Downloads : 1095

ROM Information

Database match: Fire Emblem - The Sacred Stones (USA, Australia)
Database: No-Intro: Game Boy Advance (v. 20210227-023848)
File/ROM SHA-1: C25B145E37456171ADA4B0D440BF88A19F4D509F
File/ROM CRC32: A47246AE

Hack description

FE: Drums of War is a full campaign total conversion hack, that implements a wide array of custom graphics, QoL patches and unique objectives, while still operating within the non-SkillSys GBAFE framework. It features 22 chapters, a cast of 46 playable characters and over 50 complete support chains, as well as a number of non-essential secrets. It aims to tell a nuanced, grounded story, without reverting to tired cynicism; no matter how dark the hour, it is strength to be found in each other, and a new day will always come.

In gameplay, emphasis is placed on decisive, aggressive play to deal with tight, hard-hitting enemy formations that will overwhelm passive play and outflank lowmanning. It is probably closest in difficulty to Radiant Dawn's Normal mode, or the Hard/Classic setting of more recent titles, and is designed to be ironman-friendly with clear signposting, a tough lord, and a constant stream of available recruits.

WEBSITE: https://drums-of-war.vercel.app/

FEU PAGE (INC. CREDITS): https://feuniverse.us/t/fe8-fire-emblem-drums-of-war-v-2-complete-22-chapter-campaign/16368?u=parrhesia

Screenshots

Contributions

ContributorType of contributionDescription
ParrhesiaHacking

Reviews

Great gameplay, excellent writing!Arbalist942024-03-17Version 2.725

I played thus romhack about half a year ago and was vert impressed by it. It's nice to see this posted outside of the usual FE boards and places as it definitely deserves a bit more recognition and praise... but what makes this romhack so good?

To put it simply: it has an excellent story, set in a very well-crafted and newly-invented fictional universe, detailing the journey of the main character Roxelana as she guides her freshly-raised levy through several wars and conflicts. Characters and factions are more morally ambigious compared to those in most FE games, and the story is not so much about the typical 'plucky rebels fight invading empire' fare but focuses more on the everyday rank-and-file soldiers who struggle to survive through a war in which their superiors treat them as little more than disposable pawns.

The overall tone of the game is much more raw and gritty than most romhacks, but it manages to do so without ever resorting to 'edgy' cynicism or bleak cliches. The author has put a lot of effort in creating a rich backstory for the setting as well, and elements mentioned early on tend to become relevant later on. Several plot twists and reveals will keep you caring about the story and the main characters in a way most romhacks don't... I can honestly say I'm very impressed by what the author has done.

Those more interested in gameplay should give this romhack a try as well. Maps are varied, challenging and often have optional bosses or objectives to complete. One unique gimmick which this hack has is the option to either recruit some characters or ransom / sell them off for gold (which is pretty limited), forcing you to think critically about whether you really need the new recruit or would be better off upgrading or buying new weapons. It also adds some degree of replayability, like doing a full- or no optional recruitment run.

Diffuculty is reasonable but pretty consistent. I found some of the early maps pretty challenging, but it mellows out somewhat later on when your playable characters become stronger. If you're the kind of person who doesn't like to use save-states constantly for these kind of games (it kinda defeats the purpose of strategy games IMO) there's an additional option to let start over from the beginning of your last player phase when soft-resetting, which alleviates a lot of frustration from unlucky RNG rolls or whatever without feeling like you're 'cheating'.

I could go on for a while about all the positives this hack has, but you're better off experiencing it for yourself. It's in my top three of favorites GBA FE romhacks - and competition is stiff there.