12.3.2008

In case you don't know the history of this gaming gem, Fire Emblem began in the 1990's with the release of Fire Emblem 1 on the NES. This tactical role-playing experience has developed through Nintendo's history into a true prize in the Wii's extensive treasure chest. The gameplay mechanics follow a turn-based tactical role, where you manage a group of characters through a map grid in order to defeat the enemy and ultimately complete the chapter objective. Created by the same team which brought us Advanced Wars, Fire Emblem follows suit in the strategic gameplay style. However, in my opinion, with a more broad character development setup than in any game I have ever played,Fire emblem surpasses her sister game in almost every aspect.However, onto what you're all here for. As always in Fire Emblem games, Radiant Dawn takes place in the mediaeval period. Following from the Gamecube great `Path of Radiance,' Radiant Dawn tracks the tale of two intertwining characters from the previous game. Three years on from the defeat of "Mad King Ashnard" Tellius has once again erupted in war. I don't want to go very in depth with the plot so much so that I spoil the story for you, however what I will say is that this game features one of the most enjoyable and intense storylines of any game I've ever played!"Why is this game value for money?" you ask yourself. Well along with a healthy 42 chapters to accomplish, this game takes the average gamer well over 40 hours to complete on the medium setting. As I've only just started my outing on hard, I can't say exactly how long it takes to complete in this mode, but judging by the medium mode I would think it takes roughly 50 hours+. Additionally, this game has brilliant replay value. Once you have completed it once you want play it through again to train characters you couldn't do the first time round.Of the game's few negative points, the limited use of the Wii's motion sensing capabilities ranks as the most disappointing. Essentially, the controls reflect those of the Gamecube outing almost exactly; they have not created a control method which utilises the wii-mote at all. In fact, when playing, I found it easier to simply plug in my old Gamecube controller and use that instead. This kind of made it feel like a Gamecube game again, (albeit one with a more substancial feel and story than what the Gamecube was capable of). This did detract from the experience, however it did not ruin it. What I have always liked about Fire Emblem - the immersive character development, the cunning strategy, and the forgotten blend of mediaeval warefare, (that of which has been replaced with constant shooter games in recent times) - is not affected by the control's. Whilst it most certainly would have advanced the game further, I can forgive the developers for not changing what is, essentially, not broken. This was the reason that I gave the game four, as opposed to five, stars."Why should I buy this game?" you ask yourself. This game does not exactly push the Wii's capabilities to the limit, however much like the previous games, they are enjoyable, immersive and entertaining to play. Moreover, the addition of 'full-motion-video cut scenes' (that separate key chapters) make the game play more like a movie in parts, entrancing the people watching, as well as those playing.As well as this, Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn allows you to transfer data from the pre-instalment `Path of Radiance.' This means that statistics, items, coins and support conversations are transmitted to the Wii to give you subtle advantages during the game. If you haven't played the prologue game to this - Path of Radience - then don't worry; at the start of this one we are introduced to the characters again and we receive background information on every character.One thing I should mention is that this game can be extremely difficult. Luckily, it includes three difficulty settings - Easy, Medium and Hard. If you're new to the series I would recommend starting out on easy because it incorporates a tutorial mode as you play. But once you understand the basics everything falls into place easily.To summarise, I believe that this game includes all the originality and flair that any good game must have and is most definitely the best RPG/Strategy game on the Wii so far. Whilst it failed to utilise the capabilities of the Wii to the full - missing out on the motion sensing aspect - it does incorporate a richer, more substancial, and more developed story than the Gamecube could provide. Well worth the money, go for it!

17.11.2007

I will be objective and critical in my reviews.This game is a true sequel to Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance.-An example of the game. Imagine: your forces (about 18) and your computer ally (about 20) vs. enemy (about 60). you have to defend the castle entrance (you have long range attackers) and the only way for the enemy to go there is through the stairs. You block off both sets of stairs with your strong melee guy with an archer/mage behind for long range support. The enemy is approaching, then both of you are at a stand still, but they attack the one blocking. Your HP is slowly draining from the close and long range attacks by melee, arrows, and/or magic. You need to heal him/her now (or you'll lose that character in the game).If you use a Vulernary (HP potion), you could get attacked by an enemy with 1 hp (which you could have defeated if you attacked instead of healed). If you have a priest heal you, an archer could shoot over your character and hit your priest (who has very low max hp and defense stats). If you attack, you may defeat one more, but what will take it's place? What would happen if I did this, or that, or... What would you do?PROS:-Customize the strength, material, weight, and other stats of weapons-Objectives are interesting and challenging: DEFEND THE CASTLE, ROUT THE ENEMY, DEFEAT THE BOSS, SURVIVE FOR X TURNS, DEFEND "PERSON", AND MORE.-Story, although not always presented well, is very engaging-Even just reading the scrolling story is very interesting-This game is really fun, it's gonna eat up your free time.-Challenging strategy game. Really makes you think-If you wanna keep all your characters, you will appreciate the challenge-About 45 hours of gameplay, not counting the unlockables and how many times you will reset the game because you realize you made a wrong move. (this is a good thing by all means). So this means about 100 hours in real life. Great length and depth.-Difficulty is appropriate, definitely not too easy and there are MUCH harder levels-Gameplay is just as it was in FE:POR, it's simple, yet complex and very effective-The cutscene movies are very well done-Music is orchestrated, sounds great.-Gamecube controller compatibleCONS:-Like I said, about 75% of the cutscenes are scroll and read types-Not enough movie cutscenes, which make the game seem more sub-par-I'm NO graphics-nut, I'm a GAMEPLAY-nut, but the developers could have stepped up the graphics to have more detail There's more graphics potential in the Wii than the Gamecube, and they didn't improve other than progressive scan and 16:9 support. I think the developers were just lazy in the graphics area.-I have to reset the game to go to the main menu from the battlefield, come on, this is just poor development. Disappointing.FINAL THOUGHTS:PERSONALLY, I REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVE THIS GAME.Those reviewers and critics giving this game a bad rating most likely aren't strategy-fans. Not everyone likes strategy games, but those who do should give this game high marks.-If you like strategy games, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS GAME.-If you are new to the strategy genre, get the prequel to this game FIRE EMBLEM: PATH OF RADIANCE (ALSO WELL DONE) first.-If you do not like RPG strategy games, I don't recommend this game because this is a true RPG strategy game.-If you are a graphics-nut, this game will disappoint you.-If you are a gameplay-nut, you will really enjoy this game. I did.-If you liked FIRE EMBLEM: PATH OF RADIANCE, don't hesitate because of the other negative "CRITIC" reviews, it is really, really worth it.-TO RESPOND TO THE CRASHING INCIDENT IN THE THREE STAR REVIEW: I THINK IT WAS PROBABLY A PROBLEM WITH THAT PARTICULAR PERSON'S WII OR MEMORY CARD BECAUSE MY CLEAR DATA FROM FE:POR TRANSFERED FINE WITH NO CRASHES.

25.12.2007

Let me preface my review by stating my background with these kinds of games: none! With that said, I am a very experienced RPG gamer--I've played every Dragon Quest game (Japanese and American), Final Fantasy games, Breath of Fire games, and a slew of other PC RPGs. So, this is the first time I've tried my hand at a strategy RPG.Since I'm used to RPGs I felt that the story began slowly. I felt a little lost and somewhat bored because the story feels like a continuation from the middle of another story. From reading many Fire Emblem forums I have come to the conclusion that this is because the story is carried over from previous games in the series (unlike most RPGs). However, as the game progressed,the story became very involving and the characters became very well developed.In most RPGs you control where your characters go and how. This game does not allow you to control what cities/towns/places your characters will go to (not counting bonus material); you are limited to how the story progresses. However, this game doesn't center on exploration nor on adventure. If I had known that, I certainly wouldn't have expected it.Many other reviews have mentioned the graphics and the non-existent use of "Wii" like controls. This game certainly has no need for those controls. The main gameplay involves moving your characters on a grid-like map. Battles are handled much like traditional RPGs with the computer doing all the work. I honestly see no reason for additional controls. The graphics, on the other hand, are ok. The colors are a bit drab and the battle scenes and characters could be rendered more fully. However, that does not deter from the overall gameplay and experience.The greatest feature of the game (and the main reason I have fallen in love with Fire Emblem) is the ability to control the destiny of your characters. Your character development ultimately leads to the final battle of the game. Depending on what kind of strategy you want to use for this game (magic attacks, brute force, stealth) is how you will develop your characters: who you will use, who to give certain weapons to, and who you will never use; the choice is up to you. Because of this flexibility and control, I have found the game to be extremely entertaining and very involving. Also, replaying the game feels like a new experience because I'm using different characters and playing other characters than I did the first iteration.Overall, this is a great game. I have enjoyed every minute of it and plan on playing this game multiple times. If I had the option to add anything to the game I would provide more control over where the characters can go by walking around on a world map. I would also have some kind of multiplayer capability. As far as subtracting things from the game I wouldn't take away any option or component.

29.6.2010

I am a big Fire Emblem fan, and so this review may be biased. I think this game does a lot of things right, it is very challenging, has a lot of interesting characters and a ton of replay value. The plot is pretty difficult to sum up if you hadn't played Fire Emblem Path of Radiance as this game is a direct sequel set three years after the original and contains all of the characters from that game as well as a group of new characters.Gameplay: This is a typical strategy game, characters appear on a grid, you move the characters towards the enemy and when you meet them you can attack. Each level has an objective whether it is to defeat all of the enemies, survive for a certain number of turns or seize a space.

11.3.2018

Most people think this game is a sequel to Path of Radiance, but it actually a continuation of the story. It was pretty obvious when Path of Radiance didn’t end with the “where are they now” that every Fire Emblem game ends with. Many things that were set up in Path of Radiance were answered in Radiant Dawn, like the blood pact, Micaiah, and even Seriphan’s cryptic message at the end of the first game. This is a fantastic game, with a rich and complex storyline. I’ve heard this is considered one of the hardest games in the franchise, but I found it rather easy. Many people forget that it is a strategy game, one must use thinks in order to beat the map and keep all your units alive.

22.1.2008

This is probably the only option you have if you consider that there are no Turn Based RPG games released on the Wii, hence it's high score. I have to admit I simply love the Fire Emblem series. It's ridiculously hard (since when your character dies that's it, they're gone forever...except for the main character). This game is similar to the Gamecube game where the controls are not adapted for the Wii but for the Classic control. That doesn't mean this game isn't any fun as it is still great for those who are into Turn Based RPG games or those who love just about everything RPG (which I am). Note of warning, this game is no easy game. Though there is a learning curve which does not take a while to learn,

11.1.2017

The plot is divided into two narratives: One featuring the Grail Mercenaries from Path of Radiance (POR), and one featuring a new collection of characters (with some familiar faces helping them). Both stories are interesting, exploring the unexplored ideas of the first game. The stories tie together and you as the Player are caught somewhat in the middle, having experienced the story from both sides. This can add a tragic overtone in places as well as a fear of certain characters who you know you dont want to go to-to-toe with. It's a fun dynamic.The graphics are ok...the Wii has never been too impressive in this department... I highly reccommend using an HD component cable for this game.

8.9.2008

Let me preface this review with the fact that I've never played another Fire Emblem game before this.Now that that is out of the way....Starting the game off seemed to be very difficult! You start off with a few characters who are very weak and tend to die very quickly if you're not using some sort of strategy. If you've never played the series before, you start to realize that your characters can't come back from the dead! This threw me off until I realized what was happening! So be prepared to save and save often if you want to keep all your characters alive and kicking.The gameplay was very reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics and for that I enjoyed the game.

12.2.2008

So... a New Fire Emblem Game graces another Nintendo Console, and it's about time too :-)This isn't for people who like a quick blast of the wii, it's for the serious strategem fans like myself who like their games To have Depth, longevity and in the case of this series.. fiendish difficulty!It's a sequel, that's granted, but in most cases, where RPGs go, that's no bad thing.. Many of the Gamecube Versions Characters are here in full Regalia, and i'm pleased to see the Graphic Style is very much top notch Japanese Influenced Fantasy.Weapons, Allies, Enemies, Plotline, it's here in spades for those who want it, my only gripes would be that the New (to be released)

10.5.2014

Fire Emblem is an strategy game but as you can see from the cover it isn't typical military style. Most of the fun that comes from this game is based around the art of the characters which are all cool anime clichés. Ninjas, sword masters, dragons, wizards and I think I saw an neko. I'll try to keep this short.Fire Emblem games aren't that great. The graphics are bad, the level ups are based on luck, and each level plays out the same for the most part. The only redeeming factor to the fire emblem games is the anime cut outs of characters which was great when the series came out on the Gameboy advance but when you have games that can offer better anime fixes and gameplay fire emblem just sort of gets snuffed out.

13.2.2017

This is hands down one of the best games I've ever played. I usually play this game about once a year, along with Path of Radiance, its predecessor.The game is extremely long, and very punishing on higher difficulty levels. There are trade-offs from PoR; while the battles are far more diverse, as are the units, the support conversations and system is far simpler, sometimes for the worse. Switching between groups is interesting, but the first set of chapters are incredibly frustrating given the state of the group you are in charge of and their strength compared to the enemy you face. The game actually gets easier as you progress, as your characters become stronger.This game is extremely rare and expensive,

21.12.2010

This is another addition to the Fire Emblem series that any fan should enjoy. While they did ramp up the difficulty, they also dramatically increased the amount of bonus exp you have and increased the levels and stats of pretty much all the characters. If you use the bonus exp wisely than your units will be far superior than the enemies. Of course the higher difficulties are higher but that's the challenge that true fans love. Plus, with the new battle save, you can always save right before you take a gamble so losing a soldier can always be avoided.I believe this has a good storyline especially if you played Path of Radiance.***Spoiler Alert***One of the biggest additions is fighting from multiple perspectives.

24.1.2013

Technology is old-fashioned; text subtitles rather than audio speech, limited action animation, 2-D images; but that is secondary. What appeals to me is the planning and thought required to successfully negotiate the levels. Reaction time and reflexes don't count here. It doesn't matter how fast you push the buttons. This is like playing chess as opposed to pinball.One of the knocks on this game is that once a character is lost, it is gone for the rest of the game. In my opinion, this adds a significant challenge that makes the game more interesting. And yes, you do need to subtract.I enjoy the Fire Emblem games for the challenge. If Nintendo would update the graphics and audio,

23.11.2007

Alright this is my second review for this game and apparently the first one was too short. Gameplay is a combination of srpg and "rock-paper-scissor" sword beat axe, axe beat lance, and lance beat sword. Nice character designs and is a direct sequel to the gamecube game. You gain new character throughout the game but be careful because once they're dead they're gone forever. Game save features allows you to load your gamecube saved data and transfer over to the wii version. Overall much hasn't change from its predecessor but thats a good thing, if it ain't broken don't fix it. Highly recommended, please buy this game and spread the word.

22.9.2008

You guys that are rating this thing low just don't get it do you?!?!?!Fire Emblem is SUPPOSED to be complicated, that is what makes it that much better and more fun to play!!!!!!I can't believe that you idiots would rate a great game like this one so low.......I'd like to see how far you guys would get in FE5hehehe......9.5 Presentation I loved the way this game was presented Just awesome9.5 Graphics For the Wii, it had some VERY decent graphics9.5 Sound Good sound quality on this game as well10.0 Gameplay Some of the best RTS gameplay I've ever had10.0 Lasting Appeal Loved the game even after I played it.... it had a lasting effect.10.0 OVERALL (out of 10 / not an average)

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (Wii) - Reviews

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