I actually prefer fire emblem to final fantasy, I don't know why. I just don't really like final fantasy that much.

I think part of the reason why Fire Emblem does not appear as popular is the "omnipresence" of Final Fantasy games and Franchise (especially VII, really). I mean I think FE started to live up when Marth and Roy were included in Smash Bros., but before that (at least to my knowledge), FE was more of an underdog in the West.
But I digress.


Fire Emblem is certainly my favourite because of the strategy element, though I know that it isn't everyone's cup of tea. (Then again, Final Fantasy does have such turn-based games as well, which I too happen to own).

I suppose FE might seem somewhat limited, as you follow a pretty linear plot and you don't have the freedom to roam as in FF, which can make leveling a bit of a challenge; but it is one that some are willing to take.
And as of recent, I've been very pleased with the Wii Version (and its predecessor).
I <3 Laguz! :3

Final Fantasy is the commonality in the west due to mass franchise in it. However, FE might become as popular as FF if it advertise more often and made more games than it could be as popular as FF in the west.

So...Final fantasy is winning, how odd, I thought America was a Fire Emblem fanatic. Guess not.