Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance 2005

Is it still worth playing?

Intelligent Systems' 2005 tactical role playing game for the GameCube, in which the mercenary Ike and his companions work to restore the exiled heir of Crimea to her throne after Daein invades. The continent of Tellius is shared uneasily by humans, called Beorc, and shapeshifting Laguz, and the journey exposes tension between them. Battles are turn based on grid maps, characters who fall are permanently removed, and if Ike falls you restart the stage. Laguz fill a gauge in battle and transform into a stronger animal form for a set number of turns, but cannot attack in humanoid form. Between battles you manage characters, forge and trade weapons, assign skills and build Support conversations that grant bonuses. Permanent losses and support bonuses between fighters who talk make each unit someone you plan to keep alive, and that tension is still there.