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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. ReneeG.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    It's so awesome! Ike is my fave person. Machiah is alittle wimpy though. I haven't finished it yet, but I'm hoping Machiah and Ike get together! Make another please please please!!
  6. AlexB.
    May 5, 2008
    10
    A great story and incredibly addictive gameplay. A must have.
  7. Fred
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    Ever hear of if it's not broken don't fix it? Someone needs to tell a few of these reviewers. News Flash: Not every game for the Wii HAS to utilize motion sensing. This game stays true to its prequel, developing on the already incredible storyline and simultaneously adding many more characters to the entire cast from the previous game. In short, a must buy.
  8. JeremyJ.
    Nov 21, 2007
    10
    Fire Emblem perfection, plain and simple. If you liked it before, you'll love it now. Just don't expect anything new.
  9. MattK.
    Mar 29, 2008
    10
    Fantastic game! Excellent, well rounded gameplay with lots of extras and characters to unlock. Playing the game repeatedly is very rewarding.
  10. AlexC.
    Jun 23, 2008
    10
    When you buy the 10th fire emblem, you will get is a interesting story which asks what is evil, and who is evil, or misguided, or has a difference of opinion. The story will also have you wondering when the ends justify the means. On easy mode this should be a fairly easy game. On normal and hard mode you will be getting a good challenge. On these difficulties, the game will make you plan When you buy the 10th fire emblem, you will get is a interesting story which asks what is evil, and who is evil, or misguided, or has a difference of opinion. The story will also have you wondering when the ends justify the means. On easy mode this should be a fairly easy game. On normal and hard mode you will be getting a good challenge. On these difficulties, the game will make you plan ahead and think about how you can conquer each battle without losing any of your team. Fire Emblem radiant down is a good game, and will keep you playing and having fun though all ~50 hours of the main story. After it is finished, you will likely want to come back to tackle hard mode. Hard mode will most likely take you even longer due to the fact that it is well, really hard. When push comes to shove, it… Expand
  11. AaronK.
    Nov 14, 2007
    10
    Nearly perfect turn-based Strategy FRPG. If you like that kind of thing, this is the best release in a very long time. I could probably find something to ding it with if needed, but I do not feel the need. Also great to (finally) get some quality additions to the wii catalog.
  12. 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. :-)
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. leonardo2360
    Mar 25, 2016
    10
    uno de los mejores juegos rpg de todos los tiemposssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
  19. frederik1478
    Jan 29, 2023
    10
    The problem with the game is that it is one of the greatest fire emblem games to replay and the first time you played it's gonna be really weird and a slug, but it's so fun to replay and makes ready-to-use and find out which character to use this time.

    game does good feeling of being an underdog in the beginning and slowly getting to see many perspective of a war it has a really    The problem with the game is that it is one of the greatest fire emblem games to replay and the first time you played it's gonna be really weird and a slug, but it's so fun to replay and makes ready-to-use and find out which character to use this time.

    game does good feeling of being an underdog in the beginning and slowly getting to see many perspective of a war it has a really interesting story and way of showing the consequences of the path of radiance game

    The difficulty is a big Fu** not because it's too hard, but because it's mislabeled in the Japanese version it's normal hard and maddening .when in the West version it is easy normal hard.

    The ad style the story it works, so we'll till an interesting story in looks so good the only problem is that if you're playing this on wii hardware then there's no speed up button and they is sometimes you have a lies in the so many enemies that it takes forever to become your turn again.

    It is one of the more interesting fire emblem games to play and it is at least in my top 3 now.    … Expand
  20. weskergamer
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    This is basically the best Fire Emblem game ever made, great story, gameplay, characters. When i played this game 5 years ago i just felt in love more with the franchise becoming one of my favorite franchises of all time.
  21. Wake_loms
    Apr 27, 2017
    10
    El juego de Fire Emblem por excelencia, le ayuda mucho estar en la consola de sobremesa wii, es el mas desafiante, con una historia maravillosa y unas animaciones increibles que no se encuentran en ningun otro juego de esta franquisia
  22. RatTheBrave
    Sep 25, 2020
    10
    Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is my favorite Fire Emblem game and it it certainly the game I have replayed the most in the series. The strategy is brilliant and the map designs are the peak of the series (Elincia's Gambit/Blood Contract ftw). All the little details of the strategy (using the terrain to your advantage, keeping track of biorhythms, using careful judgement as to where to placeFire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is my favorite Fire Emblem game and it it certainly the game I have replayed the most in the series. The strategy is brilliant and the map designs are the peak of the series (Elincia's Gambit/Blood Contract ftw). All the little details of the strategy (using the terrain to your advantage, keeping track of biorhythms, using careful judgement as to where to place your characters) make the game addictingly fun and replayable. The game is hard, but I find this to be a strength of the game because I find it pushes you to use your brain and consider each turn incredibly carefully. Additionally, the game has my favorite story. Like the strategy and gameplay, it's the little details about the story that make it great. I love that you get rewarded for 100%ing the game because you get extra details about the inctricate story.

    The game isn't for everyone, but if you're a hardcore strategist who likes good stories, this game is for you.    … Expand
  23. Phuz
    Apr 8, 2019
    10
    I sold this game after playing it twice. Why 10/10? It was challenging, fun, addictive and I spent so long on it over those two nights I knew it would be detrimental to my time to keep it. If you like chess you will definitely like this.

    The position of this game in top Wii games by critic score and the **** that comes above it goes to show that critics were as useless in the 00's as they    I sold this game after playing it twice. Why 10/10? It was challenging, fun, addictive and I spent so long on it over those two nights I knew it would be detrimental to my time to keep it. If you like chess you will definitely like this.

    The position of this game in top Wii games by critic score and the **** that comes above it goes to show that critics were as useless in the 00's as they are in the 10's and 20's.    … Expand
  24. calanga
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    Great ending of this story, all of it design, music, player, scenarios are all of them perfect
  25. LORDTIKIDCANCER
    Mar 17, 2023
    10
    SAFETY PIN
    tactis lore rpg hot anime girls with dragons orc demons all this is fire emblem
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. RichardG.
    Apr 14, 2008
    9
    As a fan of all of the Fire Emblem games, they have done it again a very enjoyable game.
  29. a.ka.sw
    Jul 20, 2008
    9
    best in his class by far. and what i don't get. some critics bash this game because of lack of online mode (...) no wii mote elements (like what?) and Bad graphics (maybe). it seems that those things are becoming whaaay more importand than Gameplay, Replay value and story (wich once were the elements on wich critics gave the FE games 8/9's)
  30. KevinR.
    Nov 11, 2007
    9
    Easily the toughest, and yet, one of the most enjoyable Fire Emblem games to date.
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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

All reviews »
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 »