Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

Radiant Dawn is one of the best strategy games you'll find on any console, with a crazily addictive strategic core that more than makes up for the subpar visuals.

One of the best strategy games released this year.

The learning curve is not very steep, and newcomers to the series shouldn’t have any problems grasping the gameplay, especially if they listen to Anna.

Even though this is not the definitive strategy RPG of our time, like some have labeled games such as Shining Force, Final Fantasy Tactics, or Disgaea, it's pretty damn close.

The main problem in Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is that the game has no Wii-specific features, and it certainly doesn't have that next-gen presentation that many might expect from a Wii title.

Just sucks this head-scratcher will probably get lost inside Mario's galaxy this winter. [Holiday 2007, p.67]

The newest episode in the Fire Emblem series is very addictive and well made. The tactical combat works as well as ever even though the interface could be a bit smoother. Otherwise the combat is good, different units are well-balanced and it really matters where you move your troops. Even though the story is overly melodramatic and full of cliches I found it entertaining. [Apr 2008]

Hardcore RPG/strategy gamers should love Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn. Along with some stylized visuals the game has simple and streamlined gameplay including very basic control which really makes the game easy to pick up and play.

In spite of its weaknesses, Radiant Dawn delivers where it counts: Engaging characters, an interesting storyline, and above all, terrific strategic gameplay.

The plot is great, the gameplay, while mundane, is entertaining. The graphics are a bit of a drawback, but real Fire Emblem fans will be able to overlook it.

Fire Emblem fans will adore it. [Issue#21, p.82]

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn makes its Gamecube predecessor even more perfect on the Nintendo Wii. Nothing has really changed, but even on the Wii the game is still fun to play. With 38 missions, 72 characters and one hell of an in-game challenge this game really is worth the trouble. Especially if you like tactics.

It’s one of those cases that could easily pass for an expansion of previous titles, but those similarities are also one of its stronger points. There are some highly challenging battles here, especially if you want to keep all of the party members alive. [Apr 2008]

A decent addition to your collection, but it hasn’t evolved.

Radiant Dawn was clearly created by people who know and love their tactical-RPGs.

It's Fire Emblem as you know and love it, but if you're new to proceedings then prepare for a baptism of fire.

Ultimately, Intelligent Systems is giving Fire Emblem fans precisely what they want: more (much more) of the same. [JPN Import; May 2007, p.106]

If you’re looking for an entertaining, challenging, traditional strategy game, look no further, as Fire Emblem is as good as it gets. Just don’t expect anything more than GameCube presentation, visuals, and control for $50.

It satisfies, even if its basic set-up doesn't make specific use of the Wii. The graphics are fantastic and the soundtrack, from Yuka Tsujiyoko, is a must-listen. This series has never burned brighter.

The heart and soul of this title lies in both the amazing storyline and the many creative battles. It never grows stale, which is a fairly amazing feat considering the number of hours packed within.

A finely honed and perfectly balanced strategy RPG this may be, but it could've been so much more had it made better use of the Wii hardware. [May 2008, p.78]

Hardcore strategy wrapped up in candy coloured clothing. If you can get past the dreadful storytelling and focus on the tactical battles and RPG aspects, you'll have fun.

So what if it's the same old Fire Emblem? The score's for non-Japanese speakers - the UK version will likely do much better. [JPN Import; May 2007, p.45]

The game has a solid set of mechanics and challenging gameplay, but it doesn’t make much of an effort appeal to casual fans looking to get a taste of meticulous tactical maneuvering. If you’re thirsting for a challenge, you’ll find it. If you’re hesitant to join up, this isn’t your war.

The old-school controls and clumsy menus are even more evidence that not a lot of thought went into this sequel.

It's a Fire Emblem game, which means, yes, while it's diabolically hard, the gameplay is solid. More than solid – it's worthwhile.

Undoubtedly a very competent game, Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn fails to offer anything new, instead relying on situations and knowledge that stems from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. If you did play and enjoy the Gamecube game, it's an essential, but otherwise it's convoluted story and high difficulty will deter many.

Little effort has gone into crafting a game that belongs on the Wii – very few upgrades distinguish it from the graphical quality you’d see on that earlier system.

Radiant Dawn's core of creamy white strategy nougat does shine through its horribly drab exterior, but only just. We've seen it all before, and this can't help but seem like a wasted Wii opportunity.

Fans of the series add 10%; newcomers to the genre should start elsewhere. [June 2008, p.67]

Those who have stuck with the franchise for a long time will likely consider this score to be too low; and more power to you. But my judgment is coming from someone fresh to the series, and I found only little enjoyment out of playing it.

With a terrible plot and an unforgiving difficulty level, Radiant Dawn is best left alone by anyone but the most hardcore of strategists.

All in all, Radiant Dawn is a worthwhile entry in the venerable series - it just could have been far more. Hopefully the developers will try again and put more of Wii's abilities to some use.

The plot’s weak, the characters blab on too much, and the whole deal’s very last-gen, but for the truly dedicated, it’s playable, I guess. Rent it if you're a tactical geek -- everyone else should forget it.