Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

 GameCube
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 282 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 258 out of 282
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 282
  3. Negative: 7 out of 282
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  1. Dokkodo
    Sep 9, 2013
    5
    Now and then I get the urge to play an older game for nostalgia and to see what I missed back in the day. So this review is from 2013, but I'm trying to think with a mind of the past to be fair.

    When compared to other games in the genre, I feel PoR is more linear, less customizable and less complex than other grid TRPGS(tactical role-playing games), like say Final Fantasy Tactics or    Now and then I get the urge to play an older game for nostalgia and to see what I missed back in the day. So this review is from 2013, but I'm trying to think with a mind of the past to be fair.

    When compared to other games in the genre, I feel PoR is more linear, less customizable and less complex than other grid TRPGS(tactical role-playing games), like say Final Fantasy Tactics or Disgaea. It's by no means a bad game, but it is rather simple and straightforward.

    For a novice to the genre, it's probably a good starter. For veterans of the genre, I would pass this one over unless you're just completely out of unplayed TRPGs.    … Expand
  2. CarcasGalatic
    Jan 8, 2006
    7
    I was so glad when I herd one was coming out for Game Cube but i was majorly disopointed. Graphics are terrible. I actully rate this game one point lower than the ones out for game boy. The story line is the only real good part.
  3. guiletheguiles
    Apr 23, 2021
    5
    I have to be honest - I did not like this game so much.
    This is only the second game in the franchise the I've ever played, but Path of Radiance kinda got me a little disappointed.
    First, the good thing. The glue that holds it all together IS the combat system. The true meat of the game! Strategizing your units, taking advantage of the amazing and well-designed maps, leveling up,    I have to be honest - I did not like this game so much.
    This is only the second game in the franchise the I've ever played, but Path of Radiance kinda got me a little disappointed.

    First, the good thing.
    The glue that holds it all together IS the combat system. The true meat of the game! Strategizing your units, taking advantage of the amazing and well-designed maps, leveling up, changing classes, getting to know them, recruiting, losing members and etc. When it comes to what was supposed to be the basic in a tactical game, Path of Radiance is great! I had fun with it!
    When things work out or when you know exactly what went wrong with your strategy, that's when the game shines.

    The story is alright. I liked it, but it took me several chapters to actually get a grasp of it as a whole. Things are just thrown at you. Not not just 'things', 'THINGS' are thrown at you! The pinnacle of TMI! I'm glad there were some actually interesting character and story development, but it was VERY slow. I blame the story flaws in the tedious writing.
    But, still, not a bad story. Especially when you're getting close to the end - That's when it gets GOOD!

    But that's about it. That all I actually liked about in Path of Radiance. Sure, it's basically the core of the experience, but the game lacks in so many other aspects!

    The presentation, for example, it's so bad, it's offensive! This game could've been a SNES game!
    To me, that hurt a HUGE part of the experience. The soundtrack sounded bad, the storytelling felt stiff. the artstyle was weird and everything else seemed too archaic.
    And although I liked the fact that the game focuses mainly on the main story, without any sidequests or unnecessary detours, THIS TIME I missed it.
    See, depending on the way (and difficulty) you play, Path of Radiance can be extremely punishing and there's no extra way to grind or get a bit stronger. Some bonus exp or character recruitment requirements are never actually explained to you, so you're left in the dark, with whatever you make out of its gameplay. It also doesn't help that most units are USELESS! Their resistances/defenses are made of PAPER and their attack power can be quite low. Good luck on the field, with your 11 characters vs 22 enemies and a one-shot freak of a boss!
    Add that to the preposterous permadeath system and you have a mediocre way to challenge the player, instead of actually teaching them how to get better and giving them mens to it. You're basically on your own and you don't have much else to do.

    Maybe my hype for this game was too big. But I'm not to blame here, since EVERYBODY LOVES Path of Radiance. I had my share of fun during battles, yes, but found no love here, only frustration.
    I don't recommend this game, unless you're an ultimate sucker for the genre and the franchise.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best GameCube Game of 2005
3
#3 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2005
8
#8 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Games Radar
    80
    While the presentation and lack of innovation may not wow you, you'll be sucked in by just how well judged every element of the gameplay is.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer
    80
    It starts off brilliant, then erodes your enthusiasm over time.
    Read full review
  3. Thunderbolt
    80
    Sure, this game is nowhere near as difficult as its SNES and GBA predecessors, but it still requires all the strategy and thought required to make it great.
    Read full review
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