Another good Fire Emblem game, but could do with some improvements...
The main character, Ike (I was irritated slightly at this name, surely they could have though of something better) is a young mercenary. During his travels, he picks up new members and new rivals. Slowly he amasses a small army of sell-swords, and gathers the strength to oppose nations. However, this army is extremely shallow. The game has about eight or ten unit classes, so units are repated often. In the game, you can achieve maybe five Paladins, five Sages, etc. This offers a very similar type gameplay, and makes the game far to easy. The game misses out on the alternative class system, so a lance knight can only become a paladin. This makes Sacred Stones a far better game when it comes to classes.
A slight compensation to this is the apperacne of the laguz, part human and part animal. These laguz can transform into Lions, Hawks, Ravens, and even Dragons. Although it may seem exciting, they are not what they are cut out to be. Even the revered Dragons are extremely weak, and are of no substance. Also, Laguz have several weakeness; things such as a Laguz Slayer, and several forms of magic do critical damage. They can be easily beaten when they are not in laguz form as well.
The game is slightly worse than its predecessors, but it is not one to toss aside. I'd say this game should be rented, but keeping it has benifits as well. You can unlock enemy generals, witch keeps you driving for sometihng even after the game ends. The game is good, no doubt, but improvement is vital.