Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Now on Switch 2

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is now available to play on the Switch 2. This release requires a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. The game originally launched in 2005 for the GameCube.

It was the first entry in the series to feature 3D turn-based combat. The title is famous for introducing the character Ike, who later appeared in Super Smash Bros. The game takes place in the world of Tellius, focusing on the conflict between the beorc and laguz races.

The classic strategy role-playing game Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance has arrived on the Switch 2. Access is restricted to users with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. This marks the first time the 2005 title is playable on modern hardware.

Originally released for the GameCube, this entry represented a major shift for the franchise. It moved the series from handhelds like the Game Boy Advance and SNES to a home console. This transition allowed for a significant graphical upgrade, introducing 3D environments for battles.

The game was previously teased during the Switch 2 Direct presentation held in April. It is one of several GameCube titles being added to the service. Other highly anticipated titles shown during that presentation include Super Mario Sunshine, Pokémon Colosseum, and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.

The narrative centers on a conflict between two distinct races: the human beorc and the half-human laguz. These groups share a history defined by strife and mistrust. The official description states: "Two races, the human beorc and the half-human laguz, share a history of strife, mistrust, and uneasy compromise."

Sinister forces eventually emerge to shatter the fragile peace between the races. This forces the beorc and laguz against one another. The story follows the journey of a young mercenary named Ike.

Ike leads a colorful band of soldiers-for-hire. They stand as the only barrier between the world of Tellius and total chaos. The description summarizes their role: "Only the young mercenary Ike and his colorful band of soldiers-for-hire stand between Tellius and chaos."

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is highly regarded for its gameplay innovations. It retains core systems like the weapons triangle but upgrades the overall experience. Improvements were made to the skills system and the general flow of battles.

These innovations have had a lasting impact on the series. Subsequent Fire Emblem titles have incorporated many of the changes introduced in Path of Radiance. Specific features include:

• Battle Preparations and Base screens: These add important story details and character interactions.
• Combat functions: Expanded shove and rescue mechanics allow for more strategic depth.
• Bonus rewards system: This keeps battles flowing by setting turn limits and providing specific sub-goals.

The legacy of the game is also tied to its protagonist. Ike achieved significant fame through his inclusion in the Super Smash Bros. series. This exposure introduced the character to a wider audience beyond traditional RPG fans.

Critical acclaim for the title remains strong. In 2023, IGN listed Path of Radiance in the ninth position of their "10 Best Tactics RPGs of All Time" ranking. The publication noted that the game is "criminally underplayed" but remains as rewarding today as it was in 2005.