Fire Emblem [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 2]

Fire Emblem OVA (1996) – A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Adaptation

If you’re a fan of classic anime or the Fire Emblem franchise, you might have stumbled upon the 1996 OVA adaptation of Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem. Produced by Studio KSS and Studio Fantasia, this two-episode OVA is a relic of the past—one that’s equal parts nostalgic and frustrating. Based on the first few chapters of the SNES game, it follows Prince Marth of Altea as he flees from the invading forces of the Kingdoms of Dolhr, Grust, and Gra. But does it hold up today? Let’s dive into what fans are saying and whether this OVA is worth your time.

A Quick Overview

The Fire Emblem OVA was released in 1996, a time when anime adaptations of video games were still finding their footing. With only two episodes, it barely scratches the surface of the game’s rich lore. The animation, handled by multiple studios including Angle and Studio Egg, is a mixed bag—some scenes are beautifully detailed, while others feel rushed or stiff. The voice acting (especially in the English dub) has become a point of contention, with some fans finding it hilariously bad and others cringing at the delivery.

The story is straightforward: Marth, the exiled prince, teams up with allies like Sheeda (Caeda in the games) and Navarre to reclaim his kingdom. But the OVA ends abruptly, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. As one fan on MyAnimeList put it: “And then the rest of the OVA was suddenly canceled. Drats.”

What Fans Loved

1. Sheeda Steals the Show
   Many fans agree that Sheeda is the standout character. Unlike Marth, who comes off as passive or even “useless” (as one commenter bluntly stated), Sheeda is proactive, skilled, and charismatic. A fan noted: “Sheeda is already Mars’ wife and he doesn’t even know. Wait, did they just insert some Navarre x Rena? Even Dohga is different from how I imagined.” Her dynamic with other characters, especially Navarre, adds depth to the otherwise shallow plot.

2. Nostalgia for Game Fans
   For those who played Mystery of the Emblem, the OVA is a fun throwback. The adaptation stays somewhat faithful to the game’s early chapters, and seeing characters like Ogma and Julian animated is a treat. One fan gushed: “Navarre being cool again. I really liked this. Want a rea…” (though their comment was cut off, the enthusiasm is clear).

3. The Dub’s Unintentional Comedy
   The English dub has become a meme-worthy experience. From Gordon’s questionable voice acting to the dramatic yet awkward delivery of lines, some fans found it so bad it’s good. One reviewer admitted: “The dub made this absolutely hilarious. The ending was pretty cute too. Hard to rate since it was like an entertaining trash show. 4/5 for all that laughter.”

What Fans Hated

1. Marth’s Lackluster Portrayal
   Prince Marth, the face of the franchise, is oddly passive in the OVA. Fans expected a heroic leader, but instead, he’s often overshadowed by Sheeda and others. A particularly harsh review reads: “All I got was a tiara-wearing MC who always had a stupid look on his face. 4/10.” Ouch.

2. The Abrupt Ending
   With only two episodes, the OVA feels incomplete. It introduces plot threads (like Marth’s sister’s survival) but never resolves them. One frustrated fan wrote: “I felt I didn’t get anything from the series, no story or interesting characters or backstory.” Another simply said: “Thank god it was only 2 episodes.”

3. Inconsistent Animation
   While some scenes are well-animated, others suffer from stiff movements or off-model characters. A fan compared it unfavorably to another classic: “It’s like Berserk ’97 but bad.” Oof.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

The Fire Emblem OVA is a product of its time—flawed, unfinished, but oddly charming. If you’re a die-hard Fire Emblem fan, it’s a fun curiosity piece. The dub’s unintentional humor and Sheeda’s badassery make it an entertaining watch, even if the story falls flat. But if you’re looking for a well-paced, complete adaptation, you’ll be disappointed.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “Overall okay, stupid that it was such an open ending.” It’s a 6/10—nostalgic for some, forgettable for others. But hey, at least it gave us Sheeda being awesome. And sometimes, that’s enough.