Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

"A Path of Radience...and ploys"

Gameplay: 9.5/10

The game is 30 Chapters long but like the GBA versions you can go through the game with the same 8-17 people per battle. The game follows Greil's Mercenaries as they fight against the ominous King Ashnard and the Daein Empire. You play as Ike, who starts as a trainee but due to the sudden death of his father Greil becomes the new Commander of the Swords-for-Hire.

A few of the Gamecube Exclusives are of course unlockables for the GBA Games and 5 Save Slots, to get started. When I found out what the Fire Emblem: Scared Stones Unlocked, I was sorely disappointed and unsurprised. Let's just say Nintendo forgot they already offer it on their website. The staple Music Select and Extra Missions features are also back from FE8. There's a bit of replay value in that.

PoR also takes a bit from Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire in the fact that each Unit has a Unique Special Ability. Mira's starting ability allows her to strike first regardless of speed, for example while Sorin's can allow him to randomly strike the enemy multiple times. There's also the inclusion of many new classes such as Bow/Lance/Axe Knights and even the Crimean Princess who hired the Mercenaries.

The Laguz, are a half human/animal race that can transform and tear up enemies in a flash. Unlike the beorc (human) the Laguz don't fight with weapons. Instead they rely on the strength of their animal forms. You can recruit Tiger, Cat, Hawk, Lion and even Dragon Laguz. The drawback to using these powerful allies is the fact that unless you open with Lethe and Janaff or use the Demi Band (which weakens whoever uses it) they can't maintain their animal forms. Tibarn, the Hawk King uses it in the final battle but by then it's already too late to be of much use.

Controls: 10/10 or 6/10

Nintendo is known for improving what already works well. They did the same here. The Control sceme is the same as the Game Boy Advance Games aside from the obvious 3D environment to look into. You can even adjust the camera to focus on one particular part of the battlefield or pan it out for a wide shot.

If you played either of the GBA Games you'll be fine but if this is your first Fire Emblem or just plain your first Strategy Game it'll take some time to get used to the Mechanics.

Sound: 5/10

It would've scored higher if they included the Trademark Fire Emblem Theme from the GBA Games and Super Smash Brothers Melee (featuring Marth and Roy of FE 1 and 6, ) or "Together, we Ride!" from FE7 (the first US GBA game). I found the music nearly Identical to Yugioh The Falsebound Kingdom. Battle sounds are pleaseant and never age, simulating a live melee.

The map music seemed to remind me that this was going to be a long battle while the Battle Animation Music failed to match the pace of what was going on. This kind of thing would be acceptable in the GBA Games, NOT the first Gamecube Game. The nail in the coffin was again the fact that they didn't cue from Namco's ToS and have voiced conversations. Again, the lack of this causes me to refer to The Falsebound Kingdom.

Graphics: 10/10

Of course the Graphics are superior. I loved how they meshed GBA-style art with Animated Effects during the storytelling portions (ex. Mist's Glowing Medallion) and the Battle Animations are crisp. The only drawback is keeping the Battle Animations 'ON' makes the matches draw on for a time. You can turn them 'OFF' and still enjoy the Animation, though not close up. Nothing beats Titania planting a Steel Axe into the skull of Enemy Knights!

The Ability to rotate the camera adds more depth to the gameplay, as does the Animated Cutscenes thrown in for good measure. They are reminiscent of SSBM Melee but done Fire Emblem Style. Although this is a T rated game the one following Chapter 6 is hard to watch (specifically the last 2 minutes). Obviously that's a plot spoiler so we'll leave it a that, heh, heh.

The addition of Six FMVs made the game all the more enjoyable. I thought "The Gathering" (The one where the Laguz Leaders Meet) was simply badass and the ending FMV was heartwarming, yet showed Ike in a very candid moment with Elincia.

Fun Factor: 9/10

Weather you're a Trainee or a Lordling you will enjoy the game quite well. If you played The GBA Games you'll be fine on Normal, though newer gamers should start on Easy. You may be tempted to play through the game's 30 chapters at once but don't forget to sleep!

There's a score of hidden characters that can only be unlocked when you have already recruited certain people. With Shinon you have to kill him to get him in Chapter 18. One Swordmaster named Stafan will only appear before Lethe or Mordecai on the desert battle in the far North-East corner of the field. He comes with the Vague Katti, possibly a cousin to Lin's (of FE7) Mani Katti and Sol Katti.

Replay Value: 7/10

There's some replay value in there but not much. There's just enough to keep you playing, though--unlocking everyone, all the songs and the GBA Bonuses. Chances are they're gonna release FE 1-6 in the US pre or during Revolution launch so don't be quick to dump This game!

Compared to the GBA Games: 7/10

It's better than the GBA Games in terms of Graphics, features and controls but when it comes down to it, you'll find yourself referring to one of the GBA games if you played them. If not then you may want to try to find the first US Fire Emblem--it's secretly been getting rare stateside. I also suggest you play Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones before picking this up as the game is straight forward but has enough non-linear features to allow you to get accustomed to all the characters.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/18/06