Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

 Wii
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
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  1. GameTrailers
    73
    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.
  2. IGN AU
    72
    The old-school controls and clumsy menus are even more evidence that not a lot of thought went into this sequel.
  3. NZGamer
    70
    It's a Fire Emblem game, which means, yes, while it's diabolically hard, the gameplay is solid. More than solid – it's worthwhile.
  5. Eurogamer Portugal
    70
    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.
  6. Game Informer
    70
    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.
  7. Eurogamer
    70
    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.
  8. Games Master UK
    68
    Fans of the series add 10%; newcomers to the genre should start elsewhere. [June 2008, p.67]
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  9. GameZone
    65
    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.
  10. GameSpot
    60
    With a terrible plot and an unforgiving difficulty level, Radiant Dawn is best left alone by anyone but the most hardcore of strategists.
  11. The Wiire
    58
    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.
  12. Destructoid
    50
    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.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Wii Game of 2007
10
#10 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared Wii Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 308 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 262 out of 308
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 308
  3. Negative: 11 out of 308
  1. nonnikchief
    Jun 29, 2011
    9
    Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is the sequel to Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on the Gamecube, and is a strategic turn-based RPG that has youFire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is the sequel to Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on the Gamecube, and is a strategic turn-based RPG that has you fighting as four different groups over four chapters and 30+ levels. This game is pretty challenging, as when a character dies they are dead forever, so you really have to plan your moves ahead. There are also some rock, paper scissor components, like axes overpower lances, lances outreach swords, and swords outmaneuver axes, or that pegasus knights(they're actually pretty awesome) are weak to arrows. all this adds up to some serious strategic gameplay. An awesome thing about this game is the customization, namely what skills you award your characters, or what weapons to buy/use. You'll have to be careful with your money. Another awesome part is the Laguz, half man half animal characters that can change into their animal form when the transformation gauge is filled up. But be careful, their strength is doubled while shifted, but they're really weak when in human form. There are so many things about this game that are awesome. The graphics are great, even for the wii, and the fight scenes, while lengthy, are really cool. (and can be switched off) The games story is really awesome, told over four parts from the perspective of war-torn daein, peaceful crimea and beast-nation gallia. The story really comes together and is pretty original, though slightly far-fetched. The gameplay is great, though it can be frustrating when your favorite character dies on the last turn. If you are a very casual gamer, give this a pass. If you are a challenge seeker, fan of turn-based RPGs, or are anywhere in between pick this game up. (though good luck finding it in stores, it is really rare)… Full Review »
  2. sands777
    Oct 4, 2010
    7
    Overall, the game was a good addition to the series. The gameplay is very enjoyable, and somewhat addicting, the musical score is excellentOverall, the game was a good addition to the series. The gameplay is very enjoyable, and somewhat addicting, the musical score is excellent and the artwork is great. However, the loss of personal support conversations has hindered the character development greatly. If you haven't played Path of Radiance before this, you will realize that you don't give a damn about most of the characters because you don't know anything about them, and even if you had played Path of Radiance, there are new characters that are introduced that have no backstory, personality or development whatsoever. So really, I would not recommend this game if you have not played its prequel, but if you have you will enjoy it immensely.… Full Review »
  3. XilanoA.
    Nov 20, 2007
    10
    This game pretty much fixed everything that was wrong with PoR, an already fantastic game. For that, and for simply being a finely crafted This game pretty much fixed everything that was wrong with PoR, an already fantastic game. For that, and for simply being a finely crafted game, Radiant Dawn gets a 10.… Full Review »
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