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Shining Force II

63%Game Brain Score
music
story, graphics
98% User Score Based on 47 reviews

Platforms

Mac OSMac OSPCPCWindowsWindowsLinuxLinuxSega Mega DriveSega Mega DriveWiiWii
Buy Nowfrom €0.99
Buy NowGet on Steam€0.99

About

In Shining Force II, players lead a group of warriors in a tactical RPG setting, battling against the forces of evil to save the Kingdom of Granseal. The game features turn-based strategy combat, character development, and exploration of a rich, fantasy world. With a variety of characters, skills, and equipment, players must use strategy and tactics to outwit and defeat their foes.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Shining Force II screenshot
Shining Force II screenshot
Shining Force II screenshot
Shining Force II screenshot
Shining Force II screenshot
Shining Force II screenshot

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 16 reviews
music3 positive mentions
graphics3 negative mentions
  • The game includes a legally obtainable ROM, which is fantastic for fans of emulation.
  • Steam Workshop support allows for retro mods, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The mix of tactical RPG and traditional JRPG elements keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
  • The emulation quality has some issues, particularly with sound and occasional crashes.
  • The game lacks permadeath, which some players feel diminishes the challenge.
  • Certain gameplay mechanics, like the AI behavior and battle tactics, can feel repetitive over time.
  • story
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is reminiscent of classic JRPGs, featuring traditional elements such as exploration, hidden characters, and weapon crafting, while maintaining a unique tactical approach with rare encounters. Players find the plot engaging and distinct from previous installments, offering a refreshing narrative experience that stands out amidst modern clichés and graphics-focused titles. Overall, the blend of story, exploration, and battle mechanics keeps players invested.

    • “Although it's a SRPG, this game unfolds more like a traditional JRPG, with everything we can expect in a JRPG story completed in the game, from boats to ships to airships, hidden characters, hidden items, and final strongest weapon crafting. All the classic elements of a JRPG are here.”
    • “The Shining Force games have such a perfect mix of battle, exploration, and story that my interest is constantly renewed.”
    • “The story is actually more interesting to follow this time; it's pretty good for a 16-bit game.”
    • “In today's world, it's all overly cliché storylines and all about the graphics.”
    • “The plot of the game is a separate event from SF1, featuring different characters and regions.”
    • “Although it's a SRPG, this game unfolds more like a normal JRPG, with all the classic elements expected in a JRPG story, from boats to airships, hidden characters, hidden items, and final strongest weapon crafting.”
  • graphics
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are praised for their quality, showcasing some of the best from the Sega Genesis era, with a nostalgic 8-bit feel in the overworld. While there are technical improvements, the art style retains its original western-Japanese fantasy charm, now leaning more towards anime influences. Overall, the visuals have aged well and stand out amidst a landscape often dominated by cliché storylines and flashy graphics.

    • “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.”
    • “They technically improved graphics, albeit the overworld graphics still have that 8-bit feel.”
    • “They technically improved the graphics, albeit the overworld graphics still have that 8-bit feel.”
    • “It still has the sweet Western-Japanese fantasy tale art style of the original; however, it now leans more toward anime.”
    • “In today's world, it's all overly cliché storylines and all about the graphics.”
  • gameplay
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by a balance of challenging combat and relaxing mechanics, offering 15-30 hours of playtime similar to Shining Force 1. Players appreciate the solid mechanics, art, and music, contributing to an enjoyable experience.

    • “Combat can be challenging, but the mechanics are light enough that it still feels relaxing to play.”
    • “The core gameplay isn't too different.”
    • “It has 15-30 hours of gameplay, just like Shining Force 1.”
    • “Solid mechanics, art, and music.”
  • music
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and variety, featuring multiple tracks that enhance the gameplay experience. Reviewers note that it stands out as one of the best from the Sega Genesis era and has aged well, contributing to the overall solid mechanics and art.

    • “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.”
    • “Also, multiple music tracks depending on who does the action, great!”
    • “The music is really good this time, less repetitive.”
  • stability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users report that while the Bedroom hub functions well, the Simple Launcher is plagued by glitches and bugs, affecting overall stability.

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

Buy Shining Force II

30h Median play time
30h Average play time
30-30h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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