The Tellius Saga is a brace of excellent games, but Path of Radiance's compact yet fulfilling length, solid and unique maps as well as fun, memorable characters make it stand out even compared to its almost-as-good sequel. It is not a game that overreaches into overbearing mechanics or overly trope-reliant writing, such as its successors have a hand for, sticking to what is simple and what works--and what it sticks to, it utterly excels at. Design and sound are also among the best the series has to offer, from the thunderous critical hit setting loose a shower of blue sparks and endorphins to Kita Senri's timeless work on designing the world and characters of Tellius.

Though the animations and general pace of the game can be slow at times, Path of Radiance hits every note just right to make for something that, while not groundbreaking, remains in my opinion the pinnacle of the series' history together with its sequel, Radiant Dawn.