Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Fire Emblem on GameCube? Be still, our gaming hearts!

With a tremendous library of some of the most innovative role-playing titles ever created (including the Paper Mario series and the Advance Wars series), Intelligent Systems has gotten super-crafty with their Fire Emblem franchise. Easily one of the most popular fantasy strategy properties around, Fire Emblem has been noticeably absent from Nintendo's latest stay-at-home console, but it's clear from the beautifully rendered 3D backdrops that IS is eager to add a new dimension to their classic recipe for tactical gaming goodness.

A World Without Phoenix Downs
Of course, Fire Emblem is known for providing a challenging and meticulously tactical experience, and this installment doesn't sway far from this course as, once again, if you lose a unit, it is gone for good. This may seem like a cruel injustice (especially when the AI mercilessly hunts down and annihilates your healer), but is actually nicely balanced by the presence of some units which are downright invincible - we're looking at you, Titania! As the game progresses, players receive new responsibilities (from editing team rosters to managing finances) as the leader of a band of wild, yet honorable, mercenaries.

Like Busting Open the Arc of the Covenant
Still, what Fire Emblem may hack off of your gaming ego in difficulty, it makes up for with good ol' fashioned beauty. The fully animated cut-scenes, while a rare treat, are of a completely new style that melds cel-shading with classic 3D to create visuals that will blow your mind while simultaneously causing your eyes to melt from joy. Even the tiny character avatars that jaunt along the game grid are lovingly detailed and ooze personality, one of the cardinal qualities of the series.

While Path of Radiance may not be the ultimate strategy consummation for every gamer, fans of the series will not be disappointed with this addition to Intelligent Systems epic legacy.

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