Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (cube: 2005): Reviews

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Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance


9.2

based on 42 reviews
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based on 40 votes
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GAMES:

Fire Emblem (GBA)

Cheat Code Central

(Also known as "Fire Emblem: Trail of the Blue Flame") All of Tellius is torn in a bloody war, and only you have the means to put it to an end. Take command of a band of mercenaries loyal only to you, and guide them to victory against the forces of the Daein kingdom. Test your tactical prowess against mages, monsters and madmen as you command your knights, winged soldiers, pikemen, and skinshifters in man-to-man, turn-based combat. Three-dimensional battlefields present all-new tactical challenges, and graphically stunning battle sequences put you right on the battlefield. [Nintendo]

PUBLISHER:	Nintendo
DEVELOPER:	Intelligent Systems
GENRE(S):	Role-Playing Game, Strategy
PLAYERS:	1
ESRB RATING:	T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE:	October 17, 2005

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Cheat Code Central

With its large expansive game play and large battles around every corner. The game is hard so don't expect to beat it down with out at least sending your Gamecube into orbit at least once.

100

Detroit Free Press

We liked the way the game's basic rules followed logical principles, but these elements quickly built into complex situations.

Nintendojo

In every important aspect, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance reaches a strategic peak that other games in the genre only dream of achieving. Every item, every action, every decision leads to logical consequences in rather difficult battle situations.

NintendoWorldReport

This game is difficult, even on the easiest setting. For those who have been craving a difficult game ever since the GBA titles held off, "Maniac" mode is waiting and it is positively brutal. [JPN Import]

Nintendo Power

The battle system and story are the bread and butter of the game, and they are executed flawlessly. Intelligent Systems has created a masterpiece with Path of Radiance. It sets a new standard for Fire Emblem as the title that future games in the series will be tested by. [Nov 2005, p.110]

Kombo

Yet another remarkable production by the skilled developers at Intelligent Systems. The series finally returns to the console realm, and its radiance should incite anyone to do one thing: cross the path, and never look back.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

As good a turn-based strategy game as you could hope to expect, with a cracking story. [GamesMaster]

Gaming Age

If you’re looking for that epic game to ease your wait until "Zelda" finally makes it out, this is the perfect game to suck away hours of your time.

WHAM! Gaming

Achieves something many role-playing strategy games fail at. It provides a fantastically involving adventure strategy for those who live and breath RPG, but also allows those who just want the strategy to ignore the wrapping paper and get straight to the gift.

N-Insanity

The campaign mode generally lasts anywhere from 25 to 40 hours.

GameZone

Path of Radiance radiates with the same wonderful, addictive qualities as the GBA originals. The massive, lengthy battles of the past have been greatly expanded, increasing the length and difficulty that you’ll have to endure.

BonusStage

A shining testament to the fact that a game doesn’t need to be flashy or genre-redefining as long as the gameplay and storyline are top of the line, which they indeed are in this game.

Game Informer

Yet another exquisitely crafter offering from arguably the most talented developer working in the genre. [Nov 2005, p.162]

Gamer 2.0

Aside from its drastic visual differences, nothing was really lost in translation from the GBA to the GCN, but it wouldn't have killed the developers if they had a bit more done with the game.

eToychest

It can be absolutely brutal at times, but it is also true to the series’ fundamentals, and that alone should ensure acceptance from fans of the series.

Da Gameboyz

The story and graphics really impressed me to the point where I couldn't even sleep without dreaming about grids and battle tactics.

IGN

The text-heavy presentation is definitely not for everyone, but the well-tweaked strategy gameplay, long quest (40 hours is not an inflated estimate), challenging missions, and rewarding storyline are worth every penny.

Pelit (Finland)

A couple of small tweaks makes the game even better: stronger horse units and better character customisation. The only disappointment are the bland graphics, GameCube could do much better. [Dec 2005]

GameSpot

An incredible, epic journey well worth experiencing by Fire Emblem fans or by anyone who likes role-playing games.

Nintendophiles

Underneath the less than stellar presentation, is a game that pulls off is a complex, tactical, and worthwhile adventure.

GameShark

Really does nothing particularly better than its predecessors have done. It is a traditional strategy RPG in almost every way.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

This may not be an innovative title, but it's an excellent example of developers really nailing a game's design and clearly shows what separates the experts from the amateurs.

Armchair Empire

The plot is full of fantasy cliches, so you can expect your fair share of dragons and lost princesses and Black Knights.

Games Radar

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.

Gaming Target

For all of its shortcomings Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is a solid game that stands on the legs of the series' praised gameplay and an epic story that is not seen in every other video game of its kind, which sadly is an accomplishment these days.

EuroGamer

It starts off brilliant, then erodes your enthusiasm over time.

Thunderbolt

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.

My Gamer

A wonderful addition to fans of the Fire Emblem series. The cut scenes are very cool, the upgrades in animation breathe more life into the characters, and the new character types and stage goals bring some new gameplay elements to the series.

Computer Games Magazine

Luckily, it has that challenging, supremely polished, turn-based gameplay to fall back on. [Jan 2006, p.91]

DarkStation

Old school RPG is very much alive here, as Fire Emblem charms us with its engaging storyline, uncompromising combat and solid gameplay.

1UP

If you're a fan of strategy games, you'll love Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. And if you want a game that will bring your GameCube out of retirement, this is the one.

Yahoo! Games

The only flaw is that it didn't go the extra mile -- but with a series of this pedigree, that isn't much to complain about.

GameSpy

Undoubtedly, the worst thing you can say about Path of Radiance is that it's a bit drab in regards to aesthetics.

G4 TV

The sheer escapism Fire Emblem offers is nearly impossible to downplay, but it’s difficult not to be judgmental of the game’s four-years-ago presentation.

GamePro

Still, what Fire Emblem may hack off of your gaming ego in difficulty, it makes up for with good ol' fashioned beauty.

TotalGames.net

Fans of S-RPGs will adore this game. When you play a game as in-depth as this you aren't paying too much attention to how pretty the graphics are. That said, Intelligent Systems has had experience with the GameCube previously and there's no excuse for the game looking as bland it does. [JPN Import]

Siliconera

Entertaining and frustratingly challenging at the hard difficulty. Could Nintendo have done more with the series? Absolutely. Is Fire Emblem a fun game? Without question. [JPN Import]

Game Revolution

Like a goldfish in a bigger bowl, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance makes much of its newfound space without actually evolving into a new beast, and that's mostly a good thing. What it lacks in innovation it makes up for in sheer challenge.

GameBrink

Addictive battle system.

Gamestyle

Both entertaining and satisfying yet difficult and frustrating in equal measures, if you haven’t already fallen out of love with the series or have never played a Fire Emblem game then there’s an awful lot to enjoy.

Sydney Morning Herald

Unlike other games of this ilk, there's no movie presentation - you're never fooled into thinking you are taking part in anything other than a videogame.

GamerFeed

While Path of Radiance is a top notch RPG, it hardly takes advantage of the GameCube at all. The gameplay is identical to the GBA games in the series, the improvement in visuals isn't very impressive, and there's little to no voice work.

The average user rating for this game is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 40 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Bob M. gave it a10:
This game gives you a challenge at every corner. the guiding wind level was HARD not to die, give equal amount of experience and defend the base. it is a very challenging game.

GamerLlama gave it a10:
I've played all three Fire Emblems that are out in English, and I have to say this is my favorite one. I can't see why people complain about bad graphics. Yes, the enemy minions are obviously recycled models, yes the maps are slightly dull when you're viewing them bird's eye view. But the cut scenes are beautiful and 2D artwork is extremely colorful and well detailed. True, if characters die they're gone forever. Which I learned the hard way. As frustrating it is when a character dies, it also forces you to not only think about completing the level but also for the long term as well. Some levels can be easily beaten at the cost of losing a valuable character which might help you out in another level; so you're forced to decide whether the sacrifice is worth avoiding the harder way. There were a couple of improvements from the Gameboy games here. The first is the merchant convoy that comes around level 8. No longer will you have to worry about being forced to chuck good items because your character can't hold any more--the merchants will now carry your items for you. No longer will you have to make a risky manuver to visit a shop/armory in the middle of the battlefield--the merchant handle this too. Secret shops are gone, but your character will promote automatically after level 20 anyway and Master Seals can give almost any promotable character an early promotion. Thieves can steal unequipped weapons too--and these weapons no longer have to be ones that would be dropped anyway. Support conversations are now held between battles. Which is nice, because you can actually relax and enjoy them and not stress about wasting valuable turns for social iteraction. The laguz--people that can change into animals to fight, are also a great addition. The story line is engaging and filled with plot twists that will keep you engaged long after you've beaten the game 20 times over like I have. Every level is an important to the plot of the story--you are not sent on pointless missions that are included just to drag out the game. The game takes a long time to beat but nothing is a waste of time. Unless you're not a fan of the turn based system. But frankly, the game is addicting enough without button mashing. It also makes the game more fun for the non hardcore gamers out there who just want to sit down and enjoy a game without having to train their reflexes.

Greg D. gave it a10:
FE: POR provided me with a solid 60 hours of gameplay and a more then fun experience while playing it. The storyline makes you feel as if you are actually involved in the game. The graphics may not take full advantage of the Gamecubes capabillities but the fun gamplay more then makes up for it.

Brian S. gave it a10:
The great storyline and superb art make up for the graphics as always.

Adam F. gave it a9:
The thing that really nails this game is that the gameplay is so addicting it borders on unnatural. You can play through the main game 10 times (which you actually have to do to unlock all bonus characters) and still have as much fun as always because of the brilliantly designed maps, variety of challenges, 40 something playable characters, and a storyline so good that you could make a movie out of it. My only complaint is that if any character dies, they are gone for the rest of the game. I know it adds realism and challenge to the game, but playing through a huge level only to have some random enemy kill one of your allies is one of the most frustrating things in gaming. If you're ok with this, thought, this game is just plain awesome.

Kevin B. gave it a10:
Easily the most addicting game since Animal Crossing. I'm currently working on my 5th time through and plan to do it many more times. A must have for any Gamecube owner.

Mivey S. gave it a10:
It couldn't get any better than this I have every one of the games I would kill someone who insulted fire emblem.