Fire Emblem Engage could be turning its back on Three Houses

techradar.com:

A new trailer for the upcoming tactical RPG Fire Emblem Engage has been revealed, teasing the game's main story. 

Due to release on January 20 for the Nintendo Switch, Fire Emblem Engage is the latest entry in the long-running series of tactical fantasy RPGs. Though not a story sequel to Fire Emblem Three Houses, Engage follows in the footsteps of its critically acclaimed predecessor. As with other titles in the Fire Emblem series, expect a sweeping, high-stakes plot, turn-based battles, and immersive character relationships.  

However, judging by the trailer, it looks like Engage will be walking a more traditional path in line with earlier games in the series. It clearly seeks to tell a more old-school fantasy story by having its protagonist, Alear, journey across four nations on a quest to defeat an evil dragon – classic stuff. 

This comes in stark contrast to the plot of Three Houses, which had its main character put down roots and become a professor at an officer's academy. Though epic and involving high stakes, the story of Three Houses was grounded in the story of the academy, its students, and their experiences. 

Returning to basics is certainly a bold move, and we have yet to see if it is the right choice for the series. 

Fire Emblem Three Houses added something magical to the series' formula. In your role as a professor at the officer's academy, you not only lead your students in battle but teach and befriend them outside of combat, too. Three Houses also introduced a time management mechanic, where you could only socialize with or teach a certain number of students per month. 

Though this was very much a new direction for the series, this Persona 5-esque limitation on how you could spend your time made each moment