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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. GameMan2005
    Aug 23, 2023
    10
    Incredible game, the first 3D home console Fire Emblem and is an incredible RPG as well.
  2. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    9
    The only FE that i really liked back then. It was very, very hard but not frustrating.
  3. TianLong1
    Mar 31, 2023
    10
    One of my favourite Fire Emblem games, it has everything you need in a good tactical RPG game : great story, great characters, great maps and challenging battles with nice mechanics. The mysterious antagonist makes you want to progress further in the game and find out more.
  4. moschidae
    Nov 14, 2022
    10
    I didn't experience this game till a few years ago, but it's still one of my favorite games of all time. The character development is the best in the series, it doesn't just feel like a bunch of stereotypical archtypes bumping into each other. The same can be said about the story, it is oddly nuanced in a way I wasn't sure fire emblem could be. A woman designed all the characters too, soI didn't experience this game till a few years ago, but it's still one of my favorite games of all time. The character development is the best in the series, it doesn't just feel like a bunch of stereotypical archtypes bumping into each other. The same can be said about the story, it is oddly nuanced in a way I wasn't sure fire emblem could be. A woman designed all the characters too, so they all look incredible and theres no confounding boob armor to be seen, that alone means the world to me and places por above most of the other FE games. And of course as a lesbian, Ike and Soren's relationship holds a special place in my heart.
    Sigh.. I miss the good old days when male protags were based off of BL tropes for seemingly no reason. They don't have the guts anymore to do that...except for Ace Attorney, I suppose.
    Man, fire emblem was so cool! sooooo sad they never made another game after this one ): maybe they'll bring it back one day... or maybe not maybe they shouldnt. maybe they really shouldnt. maybe its a bad idea. but i'm glad the series ended on such a high note!    … Expand
  5. P5Royalisgod
    Oct 23, 2022
    10
    This game is one of the best games I’ve ever played in my life. This game has such a superior cast of characters out of any game I’ve played (except for one and it’s in my name). But this game has helped me through so much and I think every Fire Emblem fan should have the opportunity to play this astonishingly splendid game.
  6. MisterBee55
    Dec 11, 2021
    10
    CHECK THIS GAME OUT HOWEVER YOU CAN! It is my favorite Fire Emblem game ever, from the lovable characters to the enticing story to the fun gameplay. Similar to other Fire Emblem games, you travel to take down a great power while recruiting other characters along the way. Unlike most other Fire Emblem games, however, the protagonist, Ike, is not of royal blood and only planned on becoming aCHECK THIS GAME OUT HOWEVER YOU CAN! It is my favorite Fire Emblem game ever, from the lovable characters to the enticing story to the fun gameplay. Similar to other Fire Emblem games, you travel to take down a great power while recruiting other characters along the way. Unlike most other Fire Emblem games, however, the protagonist, Ike, is not of royal blood and only planned on becoming a mercenary, giving him a chance to grow more over the story as a leader without being like that from the start. The soundtrack is also my favorite in the series, having some of the best themes. The characters are also on another level with characters such as Ike, Mia, Jill, Marcia, Zihark, etc. Although the gameplay is easier than other Fire Emblem games like Binding Blade or Thracia 776 because of the addition of bonus EXP, this game is far from boring.… Expand
  7. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    May 29, 2021
    8
    This is my first FE and im pretty intrigued so far.

    The linear and no way back progression makes this pretty challenging and interesting when playing on hard. The characters are pretty funny and over the top and the dialogues are enough to convey the decent story. What i didnt like is the sloooooow pace of the dialogue scenes and in general slow pace of combat. There's enough tactical    This is my first FE and im pretty intrigued so far.

    The linear and no way back progression makes this pretty challenging and interesting when playing on hard. The characters are pretty funny and over the top and the dialogues are enough to convey the decent story. What i didnt like is the sloooooow pace of the dialogue scenes and in general slow pace of combat. There's enough tactical depth to keep it interesting all the way trhough. Some "roadblocks" (black knight & end boss) can really screw you up if you havent leveled the correct character and dont have a half decent team. Overall i would have liked a few more RPG elements e.g. skill points, skill unlocks etc. 8/10 very interesting game.    … Expand
  8. 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
  9. frederik1478
    Jan 12, 2021
    9
    If your first timer to
    FIRE EMBLEM this is a fine start , The story and abilities and maps a very good I enjoyed the game a lot , The support system is one of the best in the series , It's also nice to play a someone there's a Commoner instead of somebody of high Birth , And a skill system is amazing that you can create some really Unfair combos with the abilities , And the bonus    If your first timer to
    FIRE EMBLEM this is a fine start , The story and abilities and maps a very good I enjoyed the game a lot , The support system is one of the best in the series , It's also nice to play a someone there's a Commoner instead of somebody of high Birth , And a skill system is amazing that you can create some really Unfair combos with the abilities , And the bonus experience is also A good system that makes you can always get some other character to fill a role if one of your characters die in Battle so you are not totally screwed , All in all a really good Fire Emblem game, in top 5    … Expand
  10. weskergamer
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    I played Radiant Dawn 5 years ago and since that moment i've always wanted it to play Path of Radiance but thanks to emulation problems i was never able to finish it. But today i did and i can say that it can perfectly be the best one of the series, but i still believe that RD is a bit better. Still this game is almost perfect, the story is so great and it have one if not the best cast ofI played Radiant Dawn 5 years ago and since that moment i've always wanted it to play Path of Radiance but thanks to emulation problems i was never able to finish it. But today i did and i can say that it can perfectly be the best one of the series, but i still believe that RD is a bit better. Still this game is almost perfect, the story is so great and it have one if not the best cast of characters in the franchise. Is very dificult to play it since you can only play it on emulator unless you want to spend $100 for it but i can say it was worth every minute.… Expand
  11. Sunshadow87
    Jun 4, 2020
    10
    El paso a las 3D de la saga. Este FE es una joya que introduce nuevas mecánicas (como los personajes aprendices con 2 cambios de clase, nuevas clases medio animales...), y un nuevo universo y mapa político que se aleja de la historia de otros FE. Tanto la historia, como los personajes, como las batallas son geniales. Su dificultad aumenta muy progresivamente, resultando un reto las últimasEl paso a las 3D de la saga. Este FE es una joya que introduce nuevas mecánicas (como los personajes aprendices con 2 cambios de clase, nuevas clases medio animales...), y un nuevo universo y mapa político que se aleja de la historia de otros FE. Tanto la historia, como los personajes, como las batallas son geniales. Su dificultad aumenta muy progresivamente, resultando un reto las últimas batallas, pero con una dificultad general media y no inaccesible para los nuevos.… Expand
  12. tukumalu
    Jan 22, 2020
    8
    Straightforward storyline, subpar graphic but memorable characters. Too much idle time during enemy turn.
  13. Kelonline
    Aug 22, 2019
    10
    Path of Radiance was a huge experience for me. I was kinda scared about the leap from GBA to console, but god this game just nailed everything. Like any other FE games, Path of Radiance is challenging and fun at the same time. It kept me on for hours watching all these awesome graphics from 2005, which still looks good in 2019. The characters were unique and memorable and the maps werePath of Radiance was a huge experience for me. I was kinda scared about the leap from GBA to console, but god this game just nailed everything. Like any other FE games, Path of Radiance is challenging and fun at the same time. It kept me on for hours watching all these awesome graphics from 2005, which still looks good in 2019. The characters were unique and memorable and the maps were clever. Sure, there are problems in this game like long animation time, but the game was so good at everything else that it wasn’t a problem. They made sure that the combat animations were smooth and and addictive. Fire Emblem: Path of radiance, shouldn’t be missed, and totally worth the hig price.of Rad… Expand
  14. shootingstars99
    Aug 13, 2019
    9
    This is by far the best Fire Emblem I have played. While I do not like the direction the series has gone in recent years, this game never fails to bring me back to the glory days of Fire Emblem. The plot is thick, the characters colorfully designed and interesting to learn the stories of, and the tactical element is a nice way to tie the whole Fire Emblem package together. As of today, theThis is by far the best Fire Emblem I have played. While I do not like the direction the series has gone in recent years, this game never fails to bring me back to the glory days of Fire Emblem. The plot is thick, the characters colorfully designed and interesting to learn the stories of, and the tactical element is a nice way to tie the whole Fire Emblem package together. As of today, the game is well over $80 and rising due to rarity, so if you have a chance to get your hands on this gem on the Gamecube, go for it, and that goes double if you are a fan of when Fire Emblem was great!… Expand
  15. LuisAntonio
    Mar 17, 2019
    9
    It is a very solid game. Charming characters, good story, nice music. Easy to play hard to master, if you want finish it in difficult mode. But there some flaws..........like the graphics. But in general, it is almost a masterpiece.
  16. Ydun79
    Feb 11, 2019
    10
    Such memorable characters, such enjoyable combat. Years later I still remember most of it. A classic!
  17. calanga
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    A great, awesome strategic game, fantastic story, scenarios, style, sound, player design. a must truly must have
  18. Glaba24
    May 5, 2017
    10
    Certainly one of, if not the very best game in the franchise. Having a much more in-depth story than the most recent entries and the ones on the GBA, it balances out the journey/adventure, with simplified but interesting politics, and explores themes such as discrimination, racism, revenge, and more. With very well-written characters, a world that feels alive due to it's info.Certainly one of, if not the very best game in the franchise. Having a much more in-depth story than the most recent entries and the ones on the GBA, it balances out the journey/adventure, with simplified but interesting politics, and explores themes such as discrimination, racism, revenge, and more. With very well-written characters, a world that feels alive due to it's info. conversations, and an amazing story to drive it, it truly gives off the impression of an epic, especially if you play the sequel: Radiant Dawn. It's gameplay is good and fair, starting off easy and slowly increasing the difficult by reasonable increments per level. It is certainly a more sophisticated game than FE7 or the newer Awakening and Fates and can make as a great entry point into the franchise for beginners. While the graphics are not amazing, they get the job done and combat is still entertaining to watch. The soundtrack however, is to die for. A full orchestra with elegant strings, boisterous brass instruments, and simply superb composition, it'll feel like being in an excellent movie. A must-play for anyone passionate to the franchise that hasn't already and a great beginning for those who want to get into it.… Expand
  19. Wake_loms
    Apr 27, 2017
    9
    Fire Emblem en una consola de sobremesa, increible como despliegan la formula de estos juegos maravillosos y la enriquecen con una historia y elementos que no habiamos visto en las entregas anteriores de esta franquisia
  20. aspentitan
    Dec 31, 2016
    10
    I think unless you are a hater you have to give this game either a 9 or a 10. I'm definitely not saying this game is mind-blowing but this 2005 game sells for double its release price used for a reason. This is one well crafted game with lots of effort put into the game to be a solid experience. So many games are rushed to market with glitches or balancing flaws. This one is a warm storyI think unless you are a hater you have to give this game either a 9 or a 10. I'm definitely not saying this game is mind-blowing but this 2005 game sells for double its release price used for a reason. This is one well crafted game with lots of effort put into the game to be a solid experience. So many games are rushed to market with glitches or balancing flaws. This one is a warm story and rpg with lots of variety and player choice and absolutely no flaws in the software. No matter which style you choose to go with balance, fairness and challenge is always there. The thing that stands out to me about this game is it is obvious it was not made as a money grab. Even at the end of the game you get cinematics which properly finish up the experience making you glad you purchased this game as a keeper.… Expand
  21. ixalfleet
    Nov 20, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. kfhasdkljfhasdjklfhaskldjfhaskljfhasjklfhasjklfhasjklghasjklgfhasdjklfhasljkfhasdjfhsd bfasdjkfasjkhfjkasfnsdk fsdjkafhasdjkf basdfjkashdfjklashfljkasfhasjlfasfas… Expand
  22. palomiusdan
    Apr 13, 2016
    9
    que puedo decir, soy un FANBOY de fire emblem, no me importa que no tenga buenos graficos o que quisiera que fuera tan largo como un final fantasy tactis, pero DIOS! I LOVE this game!!
  23. Sworddancer
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    This game made a huge impression on me and was my first Fire Emblem experience.
    So no matter how much I have loved many Fire Emblem games after this - my first love will always have a special place in my heart.
    If you can only play 5 turn based strategy JRPG´s in your life - make sure this is one of them!
  24. currer_bell
    Nov 1, 2015
    10
    Best Fire Emblem game ever, and I've played them all (well those released in North America...) It's even better than Awakening in my opinion. The preparation parts between fights never been more fun than on Path of Radiance, especially the distribution of extra Xp between your characters. And of Course, the story is insanely great, the overall game is polished and deep.

    It's sad that    Best Fire Emblem game ever, and I've played them all (well those released in North America...) It's even better than Awakening in my opinion. The preparation parts between fights never been more fun than on Path of Radiance, especially the distribution of extra Xp between your characters. And of Course, the story is insanely great, the overall game is polished and deep.

    It's sad that every Top10 Game Cube games seem to pass over Path of Radiance's greatness. In my Top 10, This game is on top of them all.    … Expand
  25. LetzShake
    Mar 11, 2015
    9
    Amazing game, has a kind of "handheld" feel though. The tactical system is a bit simplier than than the one in Awakening, but the plot is definitely much more immersive.
    As my second FE title I found it a bit easier than Awakening (normal, p.d.-on) so I may assume the game can be a great starting point for newcomers,
  26. WheelzFourReelz
    Dec 30, 2014
    10
    Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is a tough, frustrating, and unforgiving game that keeps having me go back to it because of how fun and engrossing the gameplay, characters and story are. This truly is a masterpiece.
  27. IGNsus
    Mar 25, 2014
    10
    Great game, great series.

    If you like Awakening, Path of Radiance offers a richer, deeper experience. The map design is far superior to Awakening, and the story is a lot less contrived.

    Give it a chance.
  28. VonSeux
    Dec 17, 2013
    10
    The best Fire Emblem yet, mostly due to characters. The team felt very united and charismatic. Level design is superb and the challange will make you think harder not to loose that beloved unit. Some improvements were made on later games, but this one raised the bar way up from both GBA games.
  29. ConnKon
    Nov 6, 2013
    9
    Epic story, amazingly interesting and relative characters, great RPG gameplay. Only big drawback is it's graphics that seem low budget (except from the cutscenes of course). 8.7/10
  30. 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
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »