Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

All of Tellius is torn in a bloody war, and only you have the means to put it to an end. Take command of a band of mercenaries loyal only to you, and guide...
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8.9

very good

CRITICS SCORE

8.6

(49 ratings)

GAMER SCORE

9.1

(3970 ratings)

Game Overview

All of Tellius is torn in a bloody war, and only you have the means to put it to an end. Take command of a band of mercenaries loyal only to you, and guide them to victory against the forces of the Daein kingdom. Test your tactical prowess against mages, monsters and madmen as you command your knights, winged soldiers, pikemen, and skinshifters in man-to-man, turn-based combat. Three-dimensional battlefields present all-new tactical challenges, and graphically stunning battle sequences put you right on the battlefield.

The Good

Tried-and-true gameplay is a great blend of strategy and role-playing, Riveting, richly woven storyline will hook you and keep you immersed, Lengthy journey spans 30 hours or more--multiple difficulty settings, too, Beautiful soundtrack hits all the right notes.

The Bad

Unimpressive 3D graphics sacrifice some of the series' old charm, Plays it safe with the formula and presentation almost to a fault .

The Bottom Line

First console installment of the strategy-RPG series since the SNES days. Previously released on Famicom (Japan-only), Super Famicom (Japan-only), and Game Boy Advance, Fire Emblem leaves the 2D overhead maps of old behind to serve up 3D villages, fields, and caves, and polygonal battle sequences. The continent of Tellius is divided into humans and half-man/half-beast demi-humans. These two races have battled for centuries and only recently established an uneasy peace. Now, a new force threatens to tear apart the seven kingdoms and reignite the flames of war. Joining the Fire Emblem ranks are new units, such as such as the shape-shifting laguz who transform into beasts to attack their foes. Additionally, characters can now learn unique skills as they gain experience, giving players even more ways to customize their strategy.

Expert Reviews

86/100

score

An incredible, epic journey well worth experiencing by Fire Emblem fans or by anyone who likes role-playing games.

90/100

score

Path of Radiance radiates with the same wonderful, addictive qualities as the GBA originals. The massive, lengthy battles of the past have been greatly expanded, increasing the length and difficulty that you'll have to endure.

87/100

score

The text-heavy presentation is definitely not for everyone, but the well-tweaked strategy gameplay, long quest (40 hours is not an inflated estimate), challenging missions, and rewarding storyline are worth every penny.

Game Specs

Audio/Video
Progressive Scan

Memory
19 blocks

Modes
Campaign, Full Mission Single-Player, Story

ESRB Game Ratings

This game is Rated: Teen
Content is most suitable for children ages 13 and up. This game may contain violence, gambling, suggestive themes, crude humor, or some strong language.

Content Descriptors:

Fantasy Violence