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Shining Force

81%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
graphics, music
100% User Score Based on 32 reviews

Platforms

PCiPhoneWindowsGame Boy AdvanceLinuxMac OSMobile PlatformSega Mega DriveWiiiPadPhone
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About

Shining Force is a tactical role-playing game where players lead a group of warriors in turn-based battles against evil forces. The game features strategic combat, character development, and exploration in a medieval fantasy world with anime-style graphics. Players must make decisions that affect the story's outcome, making each playthrough unique.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
Shining Force screenshot
+1

100%
Audience ScoreBased on 32 reviews
story10 positive mentions
stability4 negative mentions
  • The game is a classic blend of tactical combat and town exploration, providing a unique and engaging experience that keeps players interested.
  • It includes a legally obtainable ROM and supports Steam Workshop, allowing for retro mods and enhancing the emulation experience.
  • The simplicity of the gameplay and mechanics makes it accessible and enjoyable, appealing to both new players and fans of the genre.
  • The emulation has technical issues, including crashes and poor sound quality, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • The game features a linear progression with limited backtracking, which can feel restrictive and disrupt the flow of exploration.
  • Some characters join the party underleveled, and the inventory management system is cumbersome, making it difficult to manage items effectively.
  • story
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is praised for its engaging simplicity, contrasting with the overly complex narratives of newer games, making it accessible and enjoyable for players. It features a blend of classic elements like magic, ninjas, and cyborgs, delivering a seamless integration of story with gameplay that keeps players invested. While some details have been cut, the overall narrative remains compelling and fun, appealing to a wide audience with its classic RPG charm.

    • “Not only is this a great change of pace from the combat sections, but it also provides a seamless delivery of story elements.”
    • “These games have such a perfect mix of battle, exploration, and story that my interest is constantly renewed.”
    • “The story was just amazing.”
    • “Yep, the plot is all the usual light vs darkness for all ages.”
    • “And they even completely removed Max's backstory.”
    • “There's a pretty decent story to it, but the graphics are classic.”
  • gameplay
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by a balance of challenging combat and light mechanics, making it both engaging and relaxing. Players appreciate the absence of complex systems, contributing to a straightforward yet enjoyable RPG experience on the Genesis. Overall, it is praised for its good story and great gameplay.

    • “Combat can be challenging, but the mechanics are light enough that it still feels relaxing to play.”
    • “One of the good RPGs on Genesis, with a good story and great gameplay.”
    • “No complex mechanics or rock-paper-scissors.”
    • “No complex mechanics or rock-paper-scissors.”
  • graphics
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are praised as some of the best from the Sega Genesis era, showcasing strong battle animations and a classic aesthetic that has aged well. However, there are criticisms regarding the simplicity of the overhead graphics, which detracts from the overall visual experience.

    • “The music, graphics, and battle animations are great too - some of the best the Sega Genesis era had to offer, and I find they've aged rather well.”
    • “There's a pretty decent story to it and the graphics are classic.”
    • “I just wish the graphics in the overhead parts of the game weren't so shamefully basic.”
    • “There's a pretty decent story to it, but the graphics are classic.”
  • music
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally praised as one of the standout features from the Sega Genesis and Sega CD eras, with many reviewers noting its lasting quality and emotional impact. While some opinions vary, with a few describing the music as merely "alright," the overall sentiment highlights its significance in enhancing the gaming experience.

    • “The music, graphics, and battle animations are great too - some of the best the Sega Genesis era had to offer, and I find they've aged rather well.”
    • “This was one of my first dramatic RPGs on the Sega CD, loved the music; couldn't beat it until I cheated with an emulator years later though.”
    • “The music is alright.”
    • “The music is alright.”
  • stability
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users report that while the Bedroom Hub functions smoothly, the Simple Launcher is plagued by various glitches, indicating a lack of stability in that particular aspect of the game.

    • “However, the simple launcher has its fair share of glitches as well.”
    • “The bedroom hub works fine, but the simple launcher is buggy.”
  • replayability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers strong replayability through its classic SRPG elements, including class upgrades, hidden objects on the battlefield, and RPG-style town exploration, along with the collection of hidden characters. These features encourage players to revisit the game for new experiences and discoveries.

    • “This classic SRPG is a lot of fun and stays true to old-school patterns with class upgrades, hidden objects on the battlefield, RPG-style town exploration, and hidden characters to collect, all of which significantly enhance replayability.”
    • “The game offers a rich experience with its class upgrades and hidden elements, making each playthrough feel fresh and encouraging multiple runs.”
    • “With its engaging mechanics and numerous secrets to uncover, this game invites players to dive back in for new adventures and discoveries.”
  • grinding
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players emphasize that grinding is essential for achieving maximum stats and timely promotions, particularly aiming for level 20 to unlock optimal character potential. Without dedicated grinding, reaching these goals by the game's conclusion becomes challenging.

    • “To achieve maximum stats by the end of the game, grinding is essential if you want to promote at level 20.”
    • “If you aim to promote before reaching level 20 for max stats, consistent grinding is necessary.”
    • “To achieve maximum stats by the end of the game, you need to grind extensively; otherwise, you won't be able to promote at level 20.”
    • “If you're not willing to grind, reaching the maximum stats necessary for promotion at level 20 is nearly impossible.”

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