Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE

Did You Know?

• The game's Japanese title, Genei Ibunroku ♯FE, translates to 'Illusory Revelations ♯FE'.
• The allied Mirages include characters from Fire Emblem Awakening and Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light.

Synopsis

The game is set in modern-day Tokyo, with locations such as Shibuya and Harajuku. In this universe, everyone holds energy called Performa that enables them to pursue their dreams. Performa attracts beings called Mirages from an alternate dimension called the Idolasphere; some Mirages harvest Performa maliciously, while others ally with humans to protect the real world. Those who form alliances with friendly Mirages are known as Mirage Masters.

The main cast are employees and associates of Fortuna Entertainment, a talent agency that secretly organizes Mirage Masters. The protagonist is Itsuki Aoi, a high schooler who becomes involved with Fortuna. Other human characters include Tsubasa Oribe, an aspiring pop idol; Touma Akagi, an aspiring actor; Kiria Kurono, a famous idol; Eleonora Yumizuru, a half-Scandinavian actress; Mamori Minamoto, a cooking show host; and Yashiro Tsurugi, a hostile male idol.

They are aided by Maiko Shimazaki and Barry Goodman. The allied Mirages include Chrom, Virion, Tharja, Caeda, Cain, Draug, and Navarre, with Tiki appearing as a popular utauloid.

Development

The project originated with Nintendo producer Kaori Ando, who first proposed a Fire Emblem crossover in 2010. Her initial idea for a Fire Emblem and Pokémon collaboration was rejected due to a similar project, Pokémon Conquest. She then submitted a crossover between Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei. Atlus, developer of Shin Megami Tensei, had previously worked with Nintendo on Itsumo Purikura ☆ Kuradeko Premium.

When pitched in 2010, Atlus seemed unenthusiastic and cited being too busy. Over a year later, they inquired about the project, revealing they had been enthusiastic but occupied. Shinjiro Takada, working on Devil Survivor 2, was appointed producer. Directors were Mitsuru Hirata, who had supported on Strange Journey, and later Eiji Ishida, who worked on Strange Journey and Shin Megami Tensei IV.

Ishida was brought on seven months after the game's announcement to manage the workload. Full development began in 2013, and production lasted five years.

Release

The game was announced in January 2013 during a Nintendo Direct under the working title Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem. The trailer showed artwork from both series and ended with 'Development in Progress'. Journalists speculated about the genre; Atlus confirmed the next day it was an RPG developed by Atlus and produced by Nintendo. At announcement, many parts were unfinished, as development had begun only two months prior.

A lack of later reports raised cancellation concerns, but at E3 2014, Yamagami confirmed the game was on schedule. In April 2015, a gameplay trailer revealed the Japanese title Genei Ibunroku ♯FE and release window. First-print copies included codes for costumes from other Atlus games. A 'Fortissimo Edition' included an artbook, a CD with 'Reincarnation', and DLC outfits.

A Wii U bundle featured stickers and lyric cards. Kiria's stage costume for 'Reincarnation' was altered to be less revealing before release. DLC included scenarios such as a 'Hot Spring' scenario.

Reception

Famitsu found the story's premise entertaining and praised side stories. Chris Carter of Destructoid noted its focus on Japanese culture might deter some. Kimberley Wallace of Game Informer called the narrative amusing and predictable. Cassandra Khaw of Eurogamer praised character portrayals and the inclusion of darker entertainment industry elements.

James Kozanitis of GameRevolution enjoyed the story despite a slow start. David Roberts of GamesRadar noted the lighthearted tone despite a dark premise. Meghan Sullivan of IGN found characters bland and narrative poor. Conor McMahon of Nintendo Life praised side stories and preservation of Fire Emblem personalities.

Daan Koopman of Nintendo World Report enjoyed the brisk pace and entertainment industry highlights. Janine Hawkins of Polygon compared it to magical girl anime. Multiple reviewers noted a lack of Fire Emblem references. Famitsu praised aesthetics and UI.

Carter enjoyed art despite technical limits. Khaw praised animated cutscenes. Wallace found graphics dated and environments lacking detail. McMahon called visuals a strength. Koopman praised visuals despite long load times. Music received praise from multiple reviewers.