Buy It
Customer Rating: 
If you have played any games in this series, especially if you have played the prequel (Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance), this game is for you. Remember Roy's game? This one's just as hard, and much longer. As with every game in the series, this one's not quite like the others. It introduces new elements (third-tier promotion, armors/cavalry/mages split based on the weapons they use, many different leaders/lords, etc). I am admittedly disappointed that they removed support conversations, but I am willing to forgive that.
If you have not played a game in the series yet, this game will be a challenge. Even on Easy mode. That's not to say you shouldn't get it, but don't expect it to be easy. Alternatively, you could get one of the Fire Emblems for GameboyAdvance, or the aforementioned GameCube Fire Emblem.
This game makes you think harder about the logistics of turn-based battle than any game I have ever played, with the possible exception of Fire Emblem 6. If you want a game that will make you think, this is your game. (also see Portal)
As with all games in the series, this one is beautifully crafted, with characters that you will come to love, or hate, and a plot that keeps you guessing, but is also plausible. This game provides an example for others to aspire to, in trying to establish the video game industry as a legitimate, respectable form of entertainment, and an art form.
difficulty is rewarding
Customer Rating: 
Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn offers terrific gameplay especially if you have already played Fire Emblem Path of Radiance (the story continues 3 years afterwards).
The prior game was a tad bit easier so I was pleased to hear that this game offered "punishing" and/or "unforgiving" difficulty. Those reviewers probably only played the first few levels of the first chapter (which were admittingly tough) and then quit because as your characters level up and the battle victory terms change, the game eases up a little bit.
Each chapter follows a concurrent storyline of different characters. Although this allows the player to control multiple characters, it does make the story slightly disjointed and I am annoyed that I cant build up a character more thoroughly because I only control him/her for a chapter or two.
Anyway its a great game that would have received a 5 if it had a little more polish. Nintendo/Intelligent Systems should have fixed the occasional frame rate drop, added IR/pointer controls, and more cutscenes with better voice actors. Nothing monumental . . . just polish.
