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Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

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8.9 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 36 critic reviews
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Based on 42 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Intelligent Systems

Genre(s): Role-Playing Game, Strategy

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: November 5, 2007

Summary

Three years have passed since King Ashnard of Daein invaded neighboring Crimea and, in doing so, almost doomed the world by awakening the slumbering goddess of chaos. Now, the fires of war burn bright once again, and a band of freedom fighters unites to break the foreign chains that bind their homeland. As this new war spreads, Ike and the Greil Mercenaries find themselves caught up once again in events that threaten to awaken powers that will judge the world - and find it wanting. A goddess' judgment could threaten once again to bring ruin to all of Tellius. [Nintendo]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central GameFAQs

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

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...

Nintendo Power

It's the best it its class, and motion-control or not, it's only on Wii. [Dec 2007, p.80]

1UP

Radiant Dawn is one of the best strategy games you'll find on any console, with a crazily addictive strategic core that more than makes up for the subpar visuals.

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GameSpy

One of the best strategy games released this year.

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ZTGameDomain

The learning curve is not very steep, and newcomers to the series shouldn’t have any problems grasping the gameplay, especially if they listen to Anna.

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RPG Fan

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.

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Kombo

The main problem in Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is that the game has no Wii-specific features, and it certainly doesn't have that next-gen presentation that many might expect from a Wii title.

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Electronic Gaming Monthly

Just sucks this head-scratcher will probably get lost inside Mario's galaxy this winter. [Holiday 2007, p.67]

Pelit (Finland)

The newest episode in the Fire Emblem series is very addictive and well made. The tactical combat works as well as ever even though the interface could be a bit smoother. Otherwise the combat is good, different units are well-balanced and it really matters where you move your troops. Even though the story is overly melodramatic and full of cliches I found it entertaining. [Apr 2008]

Da Gameboyz

Hardcore RPG/strategy gamers should love Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn. Along with some stylized visuals the game has simple and streamlined gameplay including very basic control which really makes the game easy to pick up and play.

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Game Revolution

In spite of its weaknesses, Radiant Dawn delivers where it counts: Engaging characters, an interesting storyline, and above all, terrific strategic gameplay.

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Cheat Code Central

The plot is great, the gameplay, while mundane, is entertaining. The graphics are a bit of a drawback, but real Fire Emblem fans will be able to overlook it.

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n-Revolution Magazine UK

Fire Emblem fans will adore it. [Issue#21, p.82]

N-Europe

It's Fire Emblem as you know and love it, but if you're new to proceedings then prepare for a baptism of fire.

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Gameplayer

A decent addition to your collection, but it hasn’t evolved.

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Gamer.nl

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.

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Maxi Consolas (Portugal)

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]

IGN

If you’re looking for an entertaining, challenging, traditional strategy game, look no further, as Fire Emblem is as good as it gets. Just don’t expect anything more than GameCube presentation, visuals, and control for $50.

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games(TM)

Ultimately, Intelligent Systems is giving Fire Emblem fans precisely what they want: more (much more) of the same. [JPN Import; May 2007, p.106]

GameDaily

It satisfies, even if its basic set-up doesn't make specific use of the Wii. The graphics are fantastic and the soundtrack, from Yuka Tsujiyoko, is a must-listen. This series has never burned brighter.

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PTGamers

Radiant Dawn was clearly created by people who know and love their tactical-RPGs.

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Game Positive

The heart and soul of this title lies in both the amazing storyline and the many creative battles. It never grows stale, which is a fairly amazing feat considering the number of hours packed within.

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Official Nintendo Magazine UK

A finely honed and perfectly balanced strategy RPG this may be, but it could've been so much more had it made better use of the Wii hardware. [May 2008, p.78]

PALGN

Hardcore strategy wrapped up in candy coloured clothing. If you can get past the dreadful storytelling and focus on the tactical battles and RPG aspects, you'll have fun.

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NGamer UK

So what if it's the same old Fire Emblem? The score's for non-Japanese speakers - the UK version will likely do much better. [JPN Import; May 2007, p.45]

GameTrailers

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.

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IGN AU

The old-school controls and clumsy menus are even more evidence that not a lot of thought went into this sequel.

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NZGamer

It's a Fire Emblem game, which means, yes, while it's diabolically hard, the gameplay is solid. More than solid – it's worthwhile.

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Eurogamer Portugal

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.

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Eurogamer

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.

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Game Informer

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.

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Games Master UK

Fans of the series add 10%; newcomers to the genre should start elsewhere. [June 2008, p.67]

GameZone

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.

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GameSpot

With a terrible plot and an unforgiving difficulty level, Radiant Dawn is best left alone by anyone but the most hardcore of strategists.

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The Wiire

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.

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Destructoid

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.

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Video Game Talk

If you are looking for a game experience similar to recent Final Fantasy games, you will ultimately be disappointed with Radiant Dawn. However, if you craved focused gameplay and a story without embellished full voice acting or tons of FMV cut scenes, then Radiant Dawn fits the bill.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 42 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Oman L gave it a9:
Quite a brilliant and underrated game. Not for the fainthearted though, even on easy mode it's a tough game. I'm a big strategy game fan- the only reason I haven't given it a ten because the lack of a good support system like in previous games. The various parties also add another level of difficulty to the game. The Laguz Kings in the final levels is very easy, Ike's party is easy, Elincia's party is normal and the Dawn Brigade is Hard. It's a long game which has kept me coming me back every time, I've completed it nearly ten times. For hardcore gamers it's a dream, but the casual gamer will have a hard time. The best in the series though, if you ask me.

Alex C. gave it a10:
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’s a really fun game and definitely worth the buy.

Josh S. gave it an8:
This game makes Final Fantasy look like a kid's game in terms of difficulty. Damn it's hard.

D Lippert gave it a9:
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.

Alex B. gave it a10:
A great story and incredibly addictive gameplay. A must have.

Renee G. gave it a10:
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!!

Jim S. gave it a9:
Very good battle scene graphics. Creative story line. Sometimes too hard, but all around good.

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Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

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Summary

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What The Critics Said

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