I almost wish I played this game first instead of binding blade because it gives a much better introduction to the (mostly) modern series mechanics and gameplay. The game makes it much easier for you to not have your main units not fall behind with the bonus xp system helping everyone stay in the same level. Supports are also simplified as its much easier to level them up compared to the gba games. The story is probably on the higher up for me (as of the writing of this review) because of the simple plot and worldbuilding of the world of the Tellius. I thought that Ike is a pretty cool protagonist and has a good cast of character with an interesting world to go with the different laguz tribes. as the first game in the series to move to 3d and have voice acting it does well to transfer the same good gameplay loop and simple plot the series is known for

Replaying this game nearly 5 years after my initial playthrough, I was kind of blown away by how good it is. I ended up loving the gameplay, as it really feels like an expanded version of the GBA games with a lot of smart additions like how they handle promotions, forges, supports, and bonus experience. The chapter designs are also great and I really enjoyed the progression of them over the course of the game. Path of Radiance's biggest strength over the rest of the series though is its worldbuilding and writing. Tellius is an incredibly fleshed out continent with so many different factions and plot threads that connect together surprisingly well. This is helped by how well done the pacing and scale of the game is, with it starting out very small and gradually building over the course of the game. One of the reasons Ike is one of the series' best protags is because of how closely we follow his journey from mercenary to hero through his point of view. He's also given an actual personality that reacts accordingly to what happens rather than being a very standard protagonist who reacts generically. Having all of the base conversations before each chapter just helps the entire world and cast feel so much more alive and connected, which is much appreciated for a series which forces most of its characters to be in the background due to permadeath's implementation. My only issue with the game is that it does start to slow down a bit in the Daien arc, as the game definitely could've cut a couple chapters, but they're still fun to play. Overall, even though the game clearly sets itself up for its sequel, this is an immensely satisfying game to beat and stands to me as the ideal Fire Emblem game.

I feel like this game is the literal textbook definition of going through the motions. It starts off pretty solid, and I appreciate it's simplicity compared to some of the more modern games, but at the same time there really isn't that much going on here strategically.

Some of the earlier chapters are kind of weighed down by the fact that it gives you some really overpowered units really early on, and you can kinda just use them to either steamroll the map, or give everyone else ample exp.

By the time you get to the midgame, while these units are mostly gone, or toned down a bit, as soon as the rest of your units get leveled and promoted, there really isn't any unit that can take any of them down unless you're positioned extremely horribly.

So it just turns into one of those cases where the further you get into the game and the more powerful your units get, it just becomes more and more trivial to play. It really wasn't that fun to get on when the entire gameplay loop is just putting a few of the many overpowered units in enemy range and looking at my phone until enemy phase is over. If I didn't have speedup on an emulator I probably wouldn't have even bothered finishing it. This problem gets even worse at endgame, where instead of being able to breeze the map with a few units, you really only need the protagonist.

Pair this with there not really being anything too interesting about any of the characters, be it their personal skills or reasons to use them outside of their mobility or some of their stats. It goes without saying that the weapon triangle doesn't really matter here that much either so that's another thing you really don't have to think about.

It's also kind of annoying to recruit characters. Whenever you see a unit that stands out among the enemies, you just have to drag each and every one of your own units next to them to see which one can talk to and recruit them.
And aside from just a few I can think of, the map design is also incredibly boring here. Not that I think there are many that are that bad, but most of them are just there. Kind of unremarkable.

If you're looking for a simple power fantasy, you probably will get some enjoyment out of this game, but if you're looking for a strategical experience I would recommend looking anywhere else.

Path of Radiance is fantastic. It’s one of the best stories Fire Emblem has told, a great gameplay experience with lots of fun tactical management elements, and well designed maps. This is absolutely one of the prime “first Fire Emblem games” for anyone looking to dive into the series.

The story is very masterfully told through the lens of Ike, a somewhat sheltered mercenary, curious about the world and lacking the prejudices many have. He has a perspective very similar to what a player would and the writing soars for it. Everything feels natural.

The map objectives and types are varied so the player’s always on their toes. I also love this game’s iteration of the Base system. Learning more about characters and the battle scenario ahead through the Info tab, dishing out Bonus EXP, managing weapons, it’s all so satisfying. I also like that this is the first entry where you can reasonably attain and read supports without spamming “End Turn” for hundreds of turns for no reason.

I don’t even want to tip off too much about the story. Its depiction of heavy topics like genocide, corrupt governing bodies, and prejudice are deftly written for the most part and beg being read through.

There are also some fantastic “story through gameplay” moments like Chapters 11 and 27! Plus, I’m one of those people that actually likes when FE used to do post-game trial maps. (I just don’t like the “do 15 playthroughs” requirements to get every character, but it’s an inoffensive side mode unlock)

A true classic that is sadly really inaccessible to a lot of people. This game deserves every bit of hype and praise.

This is my first Fire Emblem I tried to go in as blind as possible, so I looked things up as little as possible which had bolstered and also made the experience much harder. Still really enjoyed it over all with a rough start with lack of a convoy to you reach around chapter 7 or 8 till you can access it so any new items on a character with a full inventory you had no choice but the chuck an item. The mid game felt alot better as I was able to form my army more to how I liked it only issue was not realizing that class promotions weren't only tied to a master seal so I stopped using some characters when they got to 19 not knowing the now promote at 21. At the same time I feed all my bonus EXP to Sothe thinking he'll promote to an assassin or something but hes actually locked to thief and Volke would only get a promote but later in the story, that was something I wish I knew ahead of time. Outside of some chapters being a little annoying the only big issue I had was the final Black Knight fight since I did not use Mist at all not know she would be there. Adding to this I final boss was way to tanky and I don't know how anyone could beat him without Aether and alot of Physic staffs. Overall playing through the game on the hardest difficulty for the western release wasn't that bad but I wouldn't have minded just playing on the difficulty right below it.