Overrated and Underleveled: Difference between revisions

* The ''[[Fire Emblem]]'' series of tactical [[RPG|RPGs]] has more instances of this than can be conveniently listed. The reason is primarily a result of the games' mechanics -- since [[Final Death|death is permanent]] in this series, late recruits exist only to give the careless and the inexperienced a fighting chance in the later levels. As a result, the experienced knights, powerful generals and legendary warriors of the world (who come later in the game) are almost invariably weaker than the rank novices, random mercenaries, and inexperienced students (who join early) raised to the same level. Almost without exception, a character who starts out at level 5 and is raised to level 15 will be far stronger than a character who starts at level 15, even if the character who starts at level 15 is renowned for his peerless strength and skill. (The only exceptions are [[Game Breaker]] units who join on the final chapter of most games.) Too many specific examples to list, but a few are Cecilia, Dayan, Juno, and Niime from ''FE6''; Vaida, Karel, Karla, Renault, and Marcus from ''FE7''; Innes and Duessel from ''FE8''; and Elincia's retainers from ''FE9''. There's actually a bit of [[Fridge Brilliance]] regarding them, as you'll read.

** Karel in particular since in ''Fire Emblem 7'', he is referred to as the "Sword Demon" and his supports with Dart and Karla show how skilled he was, yet a well-leveled Lyndis or Guy can outclass him. In ''Fire Emblem 6'' though, he has actually grown far more but can still be outclassed by Rutger or Fir if leveled correctly.

** Same with Lucia and Bastian, the retainers of Elincia in PoR/RD. While both have excellent growth rates, they also have atrocious base stats for their high levels. The third, Geoffrey, is ironically the lowest leveled despite being the head knight, and his base stats are much better suited to his level.

*** Although, the trope is notably averted with Stefan, who, while a much higher level than the rest of your team at that point, has a stat spread that's more than adequate for his level (except for his paltry Luck score). This trend continues in the sequel, where he's among the last units you recruit in the game, but is no less effective than his fellow swordmasters (still has low Luck, though). It might have to do with his [[Guide Dang It|recruiting requirements.]]

[[Category:Video Game Characters]]

[[Category:Overrated And Underleveled]]