Gamertell

I picked up my first Fire Emblem game—Radiant Dawn—during one of the WiiGaps soon after the system’s release (WiiGaps being those periods where nothing new of note has been released or will be in the immediate future). I didn’t like it at first, but after going back to it a bit later, I was hooked. Completely enthralled.

Radiant Dawn is a turn-based strategy game in which you lead numerous characters through a series of battles in what is one of the deepest and most sophisticated stories I’ve seen in a video game. Because each character has a personality and a story, and each is gone for good if killed in battle, you can’t help but develop an attachment to them. If you’re like me, a few will quickly become favorites and it’ll be hard to not focus on them when leveling up.

Is it hardcore?
Yes, and no. Turn-based strategy games are more about brainpower and awareness than about reflexes and skills with a WiiMote. The gameplay is in the planning, not the execution. It’s about numbers and positioning. So no, it’s not headshot hardcore but, if you can make it through the Hard Mode on this, you’re ready to match wits with Viswanathan Anand.

Here’s a lengthy sample video (with spoilers) of the story elements, the RPG/strategy component and the battle cinematics. The action begins at right around 7:30.

How deep does it go?
Fire Emblem is a Nintendo exclusive franchise, and the only Fire Emblem game available for the Wii is Radiant Dawn. Without too much difficulty, however, you can find its predecessor—Path of Radiance—for the Game Cube (remember that the Wii can play Game Cube discs). This is a two part story, and although you shouldn’t be too lost if you have to start with Radiant Dawn (most of what you need to know is covered in the narration), it’s worth a quick look on ebay or the local used video game shops to see if you can first turn up a copy of Path of Radiance. While doing so, if you have a DS, also pick up Shadow Dragon, as well as the Fire Emblem and Sacred Stones GBA games, provided you’re not using the DSi (no GBA slot means no GBA games). These games cover a different story line altogether, but are equally fantastic.

Next Up: Why watch medical dramas on TV when you can perform your own operations on hyperactive manga characters?

Top Five Hardcore Wii Franchises:

Series Introduction
#5: Fire Emblem
#4: Trauma Center
#3: Metroid
#2: The Legend of Zelda
#1: Resident Evil