Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

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.

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.

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, the AI is not stupid as they will target characters who are in serious danger to finish them off. The length of this game is fairly long (considering it is an RPG) and it can take anywhere from 35-45 hours pending on how skilled you are for this type of game. Graphics wise it is a bit better than the Gamecube released game but other than that not too notable in the same way like Mario Galaxy. Music is beautifully composed, and the controls are simple. My only gripe is the decision to not include the use of the Wii Remote as it would have made the game more easy to move troops around (hoping the next game will include this).Game Score (Based on a 1-10 Scale):Graphics: 9Sound: 9Controls: 8Value: 9Overall: 9 (not a average)Very good game considering this is your only option for turn based RPGs unless more are released later on. Highly recommended for fans of RPG, others might not like the challenge or the long dialogs.