This is the sequel to "Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance", and a great extension to the story. I have to say this branch of the series is my favorite to be released in the states so far. For those new to the series, the games play fairly similarly to chess - you move all your soldiers, then the enemies move, then it's your turn again. This particular story arc revolves around a continent of humans and demi-humans (called Laguz) who must pick sides in the impending war. There's a few mild curse words - 'd**n', perhaps the term 'c*r', but it's all used fairly decently. It's violent but seen at a distance and there's no blood or gore - if someone dies they simply drop to their knees and disappear. It's probably okay for kids a little younger, but I'm going to say it's best for 10+ just because of the general content: for example my little brother probably wouldn't play it because there's too much reading and he has to take turns (god forbid) as opposed to free-form fighting. If you can get a little one to enjoy it, however, power to you - the tactical approach will keep anyone's mind at a good pace.
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Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
(2007, Video Games - Strategy, Rated E10+, Play it on: Nintendo Wii)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Fantasy strategy game more mature than it looks.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn was written by Chad Sapieha
Parents need to know that this game involves mild but frequent fantasy battles. While the violence is relatively tame, characters who perish remain dead for the rest of the game -- a significant and potentially unsettling departure from most games. The high difficulty level could frustrate players who have never played a turn-based strategy game before. Because of this difficulty, we set the age at 11.
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More on Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
What’s the Story?
On the surface, FIRE EMBLEM: RADIANT DAWN, a sequel to the GameCube's Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, is just another turn-based strategy title. It's a chess-like experience in which you shuffle units with varying skills and movement abilities," a defining trait of the Fire Emblem brand.
Every unit at your command has his or her own backstory and compelling, ongoing drama -- that is, until he or she dies. If it's a primary protagonist who perishes, it's game over. But if any of the dozens of secondary characters bites the dust, the game continues and he or she is gone forever, their story cut prematurely short as a direct result of your shortcomings as a commander. If the dead characters were among your more powerful units, you'll sorely miss them in future missions.
CloseIs It Any Good?
Many players replay battles with an aim to make it through with all their beloved characters intact. But take our advice and do this sparingly. As in all Fire Emblem games, Radiant Dawn is best enjoyed as it was designed to be played: with unpredictable, melancholy death lurking around every corner. Not only does it make battles more emotionally charged, it also forces you drum up better, more prudent strategies to ensure your heroes' survival.
However, it also makes an already difficult game much more challenging. Fire Emblem games have always required a keen tactical mind capable of thinking several moves in advance and keeping tabs on each unit's unique skills and weapons. However, brute strength is also required, and if you've lost your most powerful units, some missions will become an exercise in frustration.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 11/05/2007, price $37.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E10+ (for Fantasy Violence, Mild Language)
ESRB rating: E10+ (for Fantasy Violence, Mild Language)
Our Members Say
See all 6 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
- Easy to play
Fantastic sequel - great for kids of (almost) any age
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Another great FE game, but far too similar to Path of Radiance
This game is compelling and fantastic for anyone who can even mildly appreciate games of the turn-based strategy genre. Nothing to worry about here aside from the negligible amount of fantasy violence that might give young elementary kids that wrong idea. The Fire Emblem games are noted for having a story that is far more detailed and complex than the average video game and having realistic characters that develop as the story goes on. The game’s entire action takes place on the battlefield where the player controls the character's individually in a turn based gameplay style. If characters perish during battle they are not revived and are gone for the game. You will find yourself re-loading the game because of losing a character. This game provides a good challenge even on the easy setting so I would recommend it for children older than 10 for that very reason.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
a great game
my mom REALLY loved it, and i played through the first time on easy. my mom is stubborn and wont let anyone die. the word damn is used a few times, but its just fine.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
it is awesome........
this game is pretty good. i like the strategy involved in winning.this game is fun because you get all sorts of characters.(sages,fighters,etc.)but i dont like the names.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Not the best of the Fire Emblem series, but a worthy addition
While it not my favorite turn based strategy RPG, overall it is a good game. You have a large amount of characters to choose, each with their own unique back story. Most of the game is spent on the battle screen, and while there it no blood, characters die. When this happens they say something and then they are removed from the game. The only questionable thing is the idea of losing a character that has grown on you. There is somewhat of a learning curve on this game. If you have played a FE game or something close to it, it should be a little easier to get used to. Either way and age limit should be 11+ due to the sometimes beastly difficulty.
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