Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

 Wii
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
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  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 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, likeFire 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)… Expand
  2. 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 game, Radiant Dawn gets a 10.
  3. uxya
    Jun 22, 2013
    9
    This is easily one of the greatest Wii games of all time IMHO, although that is a title that is not hard to aim for. Even having not played all of Path of Radiance, I found the difficulty to be engaging, the story to be compelling, most of the major characters to be rather fleshed out, and the RPG elements to be on par.

    The FMV cuts are gorgeous, even if a bit sparse, and the lack of    This is easily one of the greatest Wii games of all time IMHO, although that is a title that is not hard to aim for. Even having not played all of Path of Radiance, I found the difficulty to be engaging, the story to be compelling, most of the major characters to be rather fleshed out, and the RPG elements to be on par.

    The FMV cuts are gorgeous, even if a bit sparse, and the lack of voice acting in the major dialogue scenes can get rather tiring, but this is a minor complaint.

    The only reason why this doesn't deserve a ten is a few gameplay gripes. The graphics clearly could have been better, especially when you're on the map playing. The battle music has little variation and gets old quickly. The inability to repair forged weapons easily makes the game even more difficult beyond the actual strategy. Ranged units rarely are ranged enough (would it have been hard to make damage fall with distance and let the archers actually be archers!?), there are too many Condition: Rout battles, and the difficulties in distributing EXP and making certain units as useful as they should be just make the game hair-rippingly difficult in the second half of the third chapter and all of the fourth.

    However, the relatively deep strategy for a console game, simple controls, wide variation in unit types, functions, and strengths, the great story, and the slightly-more-than-passing-thought RPG elements easily makes this one of the best games on this console.    … Expand
  4. TharosTheDragon
    Sep 27, 2015
    9
    I love this game, but then again I love all Fire Emblem games. The level design is impeccable and the strategy gameplay is deeply involved. Unfortunately, I thought I could count on a Fire Emblem game to have a standalone story. I didn't realize this was a sequel to the Game Cube Fire Emblem which I haven't played. Yet. So anyway, I often find myself confused about which characters I'mI love this game, but then again I love all Fire Emblem games. The level design is impeccable and the strategy gameplay is deeply involved. Unfortunately, I thought I could count on a Fire Emblem game to have a standalone story. I didn't realize this was a sequel to the Game Cube Fire Emblem which I haven't played. Yet. So anyway, I often find myself confused about which characters I'm supposed to recognize and which are new.… Expand
  5. SKULLbrgr7
    Aug 11, 2011
    10
    The greatest strategy RPG of all time, bar none. The only problems are subpar graphics (there are quite a few stunning battle animations, however) and some of the story can be a bit difficult to understand if you didn`t play Path of Radiance. If you didn`t play this game yet though, you are not a real strategy RPG fan. Play it now and bask in its wonderful story and gameplay. :-)
  6. Theday
    Jun 1, 2011
    9
    Gives you a ton of characters, an engrossing story that starts small but ends in a massive climax which completely overshadows Path of Radiance, and is hard. Very hard. Doesn't give you many chances to gain experience and fluff up your entire team, limited weapons, limited money, and the flow doesn't stop. One of the toughest things to do is to beat this game without anyone dying on you.Gives you a ton of characters, an engrossing story that starts small but ends in a massive climax which completely overshadows Path of Radiance, and is hard. Very hard. Doesn't give you many chances to gain experience and fluff up your entire team, limited weapons, limited money, and the flow doesn't stop. One of the toughest things to do is to beat this game without anyone dying on you. Try it. Balls to the wall tough. The graphics are a slight improvement over PoR's and there are more beautiful cinematics to enjoy and the soundtrack is 4 times larger then PoR. It is highly suggested that you play PoR first before setting into this game or the story will not make much sense at all. If you like SRPG's and want something tough, then pick up this game.… Expand
  7. Regal4point1
    Jul 15, 2012
    8
    A fantastic strategy game that is hard at its core, and created for its audience thus. An underrated treat that deserves far more recognition. Although not contemporary by any means, it makes up for it with a large (yet not forgettable) cast and elongated storyline. The death feature also makes things extremely personal.
  8. Teliiii
    May 27, 2012
    8
    Great sound and story, but I felt the game was a little inconsistent. One level it would be really easy, and then the next, it would be ridiculously hard. Also the three-tier system is a cool addition, but I felt it would have been better if the game was longer. Also, the absence of support conversations is a let-down, but on the positive side there are cool base conversations that you canGreat sound and story, but I felt the game was a little inconsistent. One level it would be really easy, and then the next, it would be ridiculously hard. Also the three-tier system is a cool addition, but I felt it would have been better if the game was longer. Also, the absence of support conversations is a let-down, but on the positive side there are cool base conversations that you can use to learn about character's personalities.… Expand
  9. Aarvex
    Nov 22, 2011
    9
    This game is addicting. Fire Emblem has always been about the turn based strategy concept and the formula works yet again. The story is compelling and ties together the prequel to it but you do not need to have played the former Path of Radiance to enjoy this game. The battles get repetitive but even easy mode will challenge you. If you want to be challenged then try out hard mode. TheThis game is addicting. Fire Emblem has always been about the turn based strategy concept and the formula works yet again. The story is compelling and ties together the prequel to it but you do not need to have played the former Path of Radiance to enjoy this game. The battles get repetitive but even easy mode will challenge you. If you want to be challenged then try out hard mode. The character level ups, weapon choice, and position all become so crucial that they must be perfect to achieve victory. The story is long and will take over a day straight to complete in its entirety.… Expand
  10. Kirisoul
    Nov 23, 2011
    10
    This game is underrated. The gameplay is absolutely fantastic, with difficulties to accommodate newcomers and long time veterans alike. It is by far the most challenging game I've played in awhile on hard mode. The story isn't particularly special, but it's original enough to keep you interested. Character list is massive, and customizing as well as strategy is top notch. Replayability isThis game is underrated. The gameplay is absolutely fantastic, with difficulties to accommodate newcomers and long time veterans alike. It is by far the most challenging game I've played in awhile on hard mode. The story isn't particularly special, but it's original enough to keep you interested. Character list is massive, and customizing as well as strategy is top notch. Replayability is also through the roof, as second play through even gives you perks. The only complaint I have is the low poly graphics on the maps, but the competent battle scenes as well as exquisite music more than make up for that.… Expand
  11. VonSeux
    Dec 17, 2013
    9
    Many improvements on Path of Radiance; specially the skill system. But fells short on the story. With 3 branches, the game got too big and sometimes confusing. Still a beast to dive a hundred hours in. New characters like Sothe and Micaiah are very special, I love them!
  12. EmptyPockets
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Radiant Dawn is a direct sequel to Path of Radiance, one of the few of its kind in the Fire Emblem series. While graphics tend to be a non-issue for Fire Emblem games, especially to fans, they are still appealing, and this is one of the better/best looking titles on the Wii. The gameplay is fun, and the story is engaging and deep. This is also one of the longer Fire Emblem games, and thusRadiant Dawn is a direct sequel to Path of Radiance, one of the few of its kind in the Fire Emblem series. While graphics tend to be a non-issue for Fire Emblem games, especially to fans, they are still appealing, and this is one of the better/best looking titles on the Wii. The gameplay is fun, and the story is engaging and deep. This is also one of the longer Fire Emblem games, and thus will keep you occupied for plenty of time. It is the first Fire Emblem game to allow for a save game carry-over, allowing you to benefit from having played through Path of Radiance. Gameplay ranges from "Inviting for beginners" to "Unforgiving" based on the selected difficulty, and thus caters to a wide audience. The permanent death mechanic is very unique, shared by few if any other games outside the Fire Emblem series, and adds a layer of depth and challenge. You can't simply expend your "pawns" as you will eventually run out, and will also be missing out on certain characters. The very wide selection of characters gives variety, so a player that likes mages can field an all-mage army, or perhaps the player wants to use cavalry and knights, which would work just as well. Surprisingly, the wide character selection does not detract from the personality of each individual character. All the characters have deep personalities and character development, as in most Fire Emblem games, and it is one of this games best features. The gameplay can finally be described as easy to learn, but daunting to master. It is incredibly satisfying when you can breeze through the game on the hardest difficulty on levels that gave you trouble back in normal mode, and the incredible depth to the characters adds great replayability. I would highly recommend picking this game up if you have any interest in strategy or tactics. Also, as an added bonus, this is one of the few Fire Emblem games with Dark Magic in it, which is the best kind ;D… Expand
  13. OcilaytonFanboy
    Oct 29, 2012
    10
    To start off, this might just be the best strategy game you'll ever play. One critic stated that it was not in the same league as disagea or ff tactics. It isn't, only because it's miles better. It's difficult to explain what makes FEs gameplay amazing. Is it the weapon weakness triangle? Partially. Is it the fact that you know each characters strengths intimately? Partially. Is it theTo start off, this might just be the best strategy game you'll ever play. One critic stated that it was not in the same league as disagea or ff tactics. It isn't, only because it's miles better. It's difficult to explain what makes FEs gameplay amazing. Is it the weapon weakness triangle? Partially. Is it the fact that you know each characters strengths intimately? Partially. Is it the brilliant level design? Again partially. You see it's strength comes in that is the culmination of many MEANINGFUL game mechancs. By meaningful i mean mechanics that have a substantial effect on your descicions. Far too often i find in strategy games many BS mechanics that i might use once if ever. All of FEs mechanics are simple but meaningful and make for a great strateg experience. And the gameplay is only half the the game! It also has a great storyline and epic memorable music. Definetly pick this one up if you like strategy games or just rpgs in general. You wont be disapointed.… Expand
  14. McSkittle
    Dec 1, 2012
    9
    Greatest fire emblem yet. This makes you feel like your in a world war of RPG. I like how you can make a real dragon Lord. No RPG gamer should miss out on this. My only complaint is graphics and we need more voice acting.
  15. CoolBeans
    Feb 27, 2013
    9
    Unreal game. Gripping story, addicting game-play and an awesome score. While not perfect it is worth your time, as to me it stands as the single greatest turn-based strategy game on the market.
  16. WyattTheAwesome
    May 31, 2013
    9
    A fantastic strategic turn based RPG and it's one of the best the Wii has to offer. It provides 40+ hours of gameplay and you control over 80 characters. The only downside, it is very easy for certain units to be underpowered because of the amount of times you switch from group to group. Overall, go dust off your Wii and play this game.
  17. TerribleFate
    Jul 17, 2013
    9
    Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is the first game that I play of the Fire Emblem series and I didn't know what to expect from this game, because I didn't know it. Surprisingly I found that this game is amazing, it has a fun gameplay, an entertaining story, nice graphics (obviously for wii standards), amazing sound and an addictive formula that will keep you entertained. If you have a wii, youFire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is the first game that I play of the Fire Emblem series and I didn't know what to expect from this game, because I didn't know it. Surprisingly I found that this game is amazing, it has a fun gameplay, an entertaining story, nice graphics (obviously for wii standards), amazing sound and an addictive formula that will keep you entertained. If you have a wii, you MUST buy it; it's one of the best games on this console and one of the best SRPG of all times.
    Graphics: 8/10
    Sound: 9/10
    Gameplay: 9/10
    Presentation: 8/10    … Expand
  18. Ydun79
    Feb 11, 2019
    10
    I love this game. This was my first fire emblem game and I have played a lot more since. The characters are so memorable and the story is so epic. I love the combat, i love the perma-death. No hand holding in this one ... perfect.
  19. leonardo2360
    Mar 25, 2016
    10
    uno de los mejores juegos rpg de todos los tiemposssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
  20. Sunshadow87
    Jun 4, 2020
    9
    Una gran secuela del FE de la GameCube, pero que personalmente esta un poco por debajo en historia y personajes. Eso sí, introduce nuevas mecánicas con respecto al anterior y es uno de los FE más difíciles para los que les gusten los retos.
  21. calanga
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    Great ending of this story, all of it design, music, player, scenarios are all of them perfect
  22. Hynda
    Sep 7, 2010
    9
    Radiant Dawn is probably the best Fire Emblem game on wii, of course because its the only one, but also because of its quaility. A quaility that surpass Demon Souls, I have Demon Souls and Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn and I have to tell you the truth, Radiant Dawn beats Demon Souls in every single way even in the artistic direction, Radiant Dawn doesnt have a story with clichés,Radiant Dawn is probably the best Fire Emblem game on wii, of course because its the only one, but also because of its quaility. A quaility that surpass Demon Souls, I have Demon Souls and Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn and I have to tell you the truth, Radiant Dawn beats Demon Souls in every single way even in the artistic direction, Radiant Dawn doesnt have a story with clichés, it does have a mature story only smart people will understand, its about people who turns into monsters, the most intelligent plot in history. Even if you see it as a joke, its not, just think about it, ¿what would you do if tomorrow your girlfriend becomes a wolf and kills your family? it would be horrible, but also interesting, like Fire Emblem plot. The game mechanics or gameplay is very simple, yet complex and deep, its like if you were playing a huge chess board, just that instead of a board, its a battlefield, and instead of chess, its war. And you have to think carefully if you dont want to lose your friends. Do you remember when I told you about your girlfriend killing your parents? imagine they wont revive, its even more horrible now right? well that is Fire Emblem. People who dies, cant revive. But also, the most important part of all, the main character is a Rogue at the start. What can be more cool? you are a rogue, a smart powerful rogue that can steal from enemies, and you can kill your own allies if they piss you off, and the best part is they dont revive, I killed that fatty pink girl, yeah. This Game deserves a 10. If you rate it lower than that, then you are a stupid person who cannot understand how to win battles with strategies.… Expand
  23. Sapient2k7
    May 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Radiant Dawn continues the story of Path of Radiance for the Game Cube. It is only the second game that is a direct sequel to a previous Mainline installment. This installment definitely improves upon the previous installment in a lot of subtle ways. The graphics are improved in some areas but look similar to the older game cube installment in others. This is by no means a bad thing as the game is beautiful to look at and play. The animations are improved over the predecessor and look great. For veteran gamers the option to have map only animations works wonderfully as those are animated well and cuts down on the time.

    The GOOD:
    - Story is definitely one of the strong points of this game. It expanded upon the PoR story in a lot of ways , providing deeper insight in the psyche and reasoning of the antagonists
    - second play though allows you to see certain key points in different ways and allows recruitment of 2 hidden characters that fleshes out the story even more. I really liked how it basically shows both versions , the first play through with no choice and the second which allows you to see the what/if scenario essentially. I can't describe how it felt. A really high point of the story for me.
    - The game play is excellent and improved upon over PoR. Bonus EXP feature has been retained and is really a welcome addition.
    - Forging is a new favorite activity and is unlimited (as long as you have money) whereas POR limited to once per chapter.
    - Import of PoR: almost all characters from PoR return and the game save import allows you to have the whole team imported with their current stats (plus some to account for the 3 years in between the 2 games). This makes the game feel so much better as playing without a save file feels really different.
    - Second tier promotions: Getting a second tier promotion really makes it feel like your characters have improved. The second tier is where characters like Astrid really start coming into their own.
    - Scale of battles: By far this has the biggest scale in any FE game, it really looks like the team intended for the player to get the scale and magnitude of the war.
    - Cut scenes and STILL to COME: I loved the cut scenes implemented in this game as there are a lot more than PoR and seem to be much longer than before. I was really surprised by the Still to Come aspect of the different parts as it shows a mixture of cut scenes and maps of the upcoming chapters at the end of each part. I thought it was an excellent idea implemented really well.

    The BAD:
    - Difficulty spikes: Due to the nature of story telling in this game the viewpoint shifts from one protagonist to another in quick succession and that can cause difficulty spikes. I feel that the developers have tried to implement features in the game to circumvent the problem but you should be forewarned that the first time this happens it will feel horrible.

    Just to elaborate a bit; there exists one faction (the one you start with ) that is comprised of mostly base tier characters. While you do spend more time with them in the beginning they do not get enough experience to get to second tier ranks. Also, unless you are reading in forums and walk-throughs you are not aware that the viewpoint will shift. I feel the Bonus exp system was put in place for exactly this reason and also why BEXP actually has hard coded 3 guaranteed stat upgrades while on the field RNG determines how many upgrades happen (min is 1, same as PoR which is an improvement over older FE games where RNG could screw you with no stat upgrades).

    Overall I feel that the difficulty spikes can be mitigated with the BEXP as it was clearly intended for this reason. This does take some getting used to but it wouldn't be an FE game if you didn't have a few surprises midway through the chapter :)

    VERDICT:
    This was one of the best games I have played and I feel that it didn't get the recognition it deserved. Radiant Dawn got a bad rep for its difficulty spikes and sold less than PoR or any other FE released in the west. I think it is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed by fans.    … Expand
  24. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    Jun 21, 2021
    8
    this is a pretty good sequel to path of radiance. If you liked the first one you will probably like this one too.

    Like in the first game the characters and the story are great, the visuals are sufficient and there are some pretty nice animated cutscenes. The lacking RPG elements which i critisized in the first game are still pretty meh but at least theres a pretty nice skill system now.    this is a pretty good sequel to path of radiance. If you liked the first one you will probably like this one too.

    Like in the first game the characters and the story are great, the visuals are sufficient and there are some pretty nice animated cutscenes. The lacking RPG elements which i critisized in the first game are still pretty meh but at least theres a pretty nice skill system now. Also playing in support groups is pretty immersive at times.

    What i didnt like this time around is the amount of enemies in later levels, the engine and this style of game is simply not that great for that much combat (and these really long turn times). I honestly still dont like the lacking character avaliability it makes playing this game really annyoing at times.

    In summary i would say it is a good game and a good sequel but its a shame they only iterated so slightly.    … Expand
  25. DLippert
    May 7, 2008
    9
    Anyone who complains that this game doesn't use motion controls doesn't quite get the Wii. It's not all about the motion controls, it's also about playing fun games on a system that is still reasonably priced. Second this game is very challenging, and the instruction do tell you to play on easy if you are new to this series. I did and was very happy (got a bit easy Anyone who complains that this game doesn't use motion controls doesn't quite get the Wii. It's not all about the motion controls, it's also about playing fun games on a system that is still reasonably priced. Second this game is very challenging, and the instruction do tell you to play on easy if you are new to this series. I did and was very happy (got a bit easy towards the end). Finally as far as the graphics are concerned I thought they were great. I play on a 42" LCD with component cables and it looked great. Could it have looked better on a PS3 or 360 sure, would it have made a difference NO! But it Play it Love it. It is too long to rent and if you are not a tactical veteran or a veteran of this game play on easy and if you want the challenge restart on hard after the first chapter.… Expand
  26. Joe
    Nov 8, 2007
    9
    A very solid game. Much needed difficulty was added to this game, because POR was simply too easy. Much variety in choices of characters, 67 playable IIRC, also a very gripping story line.
  27. ZacharyH.
    Jan 18, 2008
    10
    Don't be mistaken, despite Nintendo's recent moves, this is a game for the very core of the hardcore gamers, and I fully approver. Not to say this is a bad point to jump in, it is a bright point in a completely blinding series, though the difficulty can be a little much for newcomers. And even if you are a seasoned strategy gamer, I'd advise away from the "normal" Don't be mistaken, despite Nintendo's recent moves, this is a game for the very core of the hardcore gamers, and I fully approver. Not to say this is a bad point to jump in, it is a bright point in a completely blinding series, though the difficulty can be a little much for newcomers. And even if you are a seasoned strategy gamer, I'd advise away from the "normal" difficulty setting. Anyway, it has an engaging plot and intriguing characters. Some have complained of the lack of motion controls, but for a game like this they'd be simply ridiculous. And so, 10/10 for me, but in all fairness I'm in love with the series.… Expand
  28. Alex
    Jan 3, 2008
    10
    After paging through some of the reviews, I found a lot of them to be completely nonsensical. Please, let me know how you integrate meaningful motion controls in a turn-based strategy/rpg. Moving on, the game's story drew me in and kept me there(as FE games tend to) and the gameplay and challenge was everything I expected. In short, another excellent Fire Emblem experience.
  29. DavidS.
    Jan 7, 2008
    10
    I've never played this series before. It's fantastic. It bugs me that all the critics could see is that the graphics weren't jaw dropping. Maybe I'm just too old school, but the game looked great to me. This game delivers in everything it tries to. Most engaging story in a war game I've played, and I think it's the first actually hard strategy game I've I've never played this series before. It's fantastic. It bugs me that all the critics could see is that the graphics weren't jaw dropping. Maybe I'm just too old school, but the game looked great to me. This game delivers in everything it tries to. Most engaging story in a war game I've played, and I think it's the first actually hard strategy game I've played in a very long time.… Expand
  30. RichardG.
    Apr 14, 2008
    9
    As a fan of all of the Fire Emblem games, they have done it again a very enjoyable game.
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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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. RPG Fan
    88
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Gamer.nl
    80
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    80
    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]
See all critic reviews »