Fire Emblem Engage, like the rest of the Fire Emblem series, doesn't offer much by way of character creation. The player can change characters' clothes or swap around Fire Emblems' impressive suite of classes, but they can't build characters from the ground up.
Fire Emblem Engage does give some customization over the protagonist, but only for three factors. These are their character's name, whether they stick with the "canon" name of Alear or not, their gender, and their birthday.
In terms of gameplay effects, Alear's name and gender are inconsequential. It's mostly just a stamp of personalization. Their birthday, however, is a door to some in-game bonuses.
What Happens On Your Birthday in Fire Emblem Engage?
During the course of the game, players will regularly chat and train with their troops on their home base, Fire Emblem Engage's floating island of Somniel. These troops will be aware of Alear's birthday, and, on the special day, each one will have a gift for their commander.
These gifts aren't anything like exclusive gear and equipment. They're all, fittingly enough, gift items, the kind used to further Fire Emblem Engage's support levels. Funnily enough, each character tends to gift things that they themselves already like, meaning the most "efficient" way to use these gifts is to immediately re-gift them back. Don't worry; they won't be offended. They were probably hoping for this exact outcome.
Is There a "Best" Birthday?
Some players may be tempted to make their birthday the date they start the game, intending to immediately reap the rewards. While this may work in other titles, it will backfire in Fire Emblem Engage.
As is common in the series, players don't start with their full army. While they don't start on their own, they recruit more members as the player goes through the storyline. That means if the player opens the game with their birthday, there won't be as many people on Somniel to give Alear presents.
This can seem like a bad deal for players who got the game on their actual birthday, especially since they can't change it after starting their campaign. But, as stated before, birthday gifts aren't exclusive items, and Fire Emblem Engage offers other ways to farm resources, so it isn't that big of a deal.
Fire Emblem Engage is available now for Nintendo Switch.