Overall 9.4 Graphics 8.3 Sound 8.6 Addictive 9.3 Story 8.8 Depth 9.1 Difficulty 7.8
8.9
Shining Force: COnquer evil at all cost janus
After wreaking havoc in Thornwood, Dark Sol decided wreaking havoc in Guardiana by controlling the kingdom of Runefast. Using the distraction, he will try an summon Dark Dragon, a terrible foe sealed 1000 years ago…
Graphs: 8/10
The graphics are a very nice improvement from Shining in the Darkness, a (distant) prequel to the game. Towns and villages are huge and
there are lots of town folks to talk to. Although your characters walk clumsily (compared to Shining Force II), they are well-drawn and all have distinctive features – you can distinguish every centaur. There are many hidden characters, and even more classes of characters than SF II! Unfortunately, once a chapter is over there is no going back. So make sure you get everything in time.
The battlefields are nice and varied. Their drawings are all right for the time, but the details are much better on Super Nintendo games – mountains, rivers, deserts, etc., show finer images. They can be very challenging as some backgrounds (sand, rock) will considerably slow you down in your course (except if you are flying). This will make planning crucial in forests so enemies don’t catch up and gang on someone.
In addition, battles are very well drawn. Unlike the Final Fantasies, you can see many of your characters attack the enemy directly, especially after they are promoted (centaurs throw their lances/jump to the enemy, arrows reach the enemy, birdmen charge the enemy directly, many jump at them...) However, characters themselves, except for the Hero and flying allies, are rather static before they attack. On their side, many enemies are static too before they attack. However, bats are flying, horsemen move one leg and seashells are crawling. Also, their attack movie is more elaborate than almost any SNES RPG.
Finally, magic is very well drawn. The stronger the spell, the more it pushes Genesis graphics to the limit. Fire 4, for example, sends a raging storm of fireballs that looks more menacing than the same spell in SF II. Some enemies are unique spells (fire/ice breath, laser ray) that are deadly and well-drawn too.
Music: 9/10
Even after all these years, I still love the soundtrack. It is very varied; there are five (counting the one at sea) different battlefields music, each of them with an appropriate military music. Unfortunately, there is only one battle theme for everyone, which could have been improved.
It is also very fitting. The normal town theme is lively, whereas the sad one (after a town has been attacked (also known as Shade Abbey)) does sound sad; there is even a sad theme when a new ally joins in such a situation. Also, the castle music sounds regal enough and the intro music has an intriguing tone that sounds mystical (you also hear it when meeting a certain prophet).
Addictiveness: 8/10
As I said above, there are many hidden characters, and finding them all can be challenging. In fact, you might need a FAQ to find many of them as they can be hidden in place like a bush.
Also, as in most RPGs, you have to grind quite a bit if you want your characters to be strong enough. Fortunately in this game (unlike SF II), you CAN pick up treasures on the battlefield, so you can sometimes stock on Atlas Axes or Herbs and sell what you don’t need!
Story: 8/10
To add to the addiction, the story is very-well presented. It’s a classic tale of the fight between good and evil, but it includes many plot twists (and some Deus Ex Machina against you) and keeps you on the edge of your seat at many places.
In ages long forgotten... ... Light fought Darkness for control of the world. Dark Dragon led the evil hordes of Darkness. The Ancients fought back with the Powers of the Light. Dark Dragon was defeated and casted into another dimension. The Lord of Darkness vowed to return in 1,000 years. Time passed and Dark Dragon was forgotten by all. Ten centuries of peace ruled the land of Rune. Until the kingdom of Runefaust brought war and fear to Rune. Hordes of evil creatures ravaged every land. Here and there, strongholds of Good still held out... ... awaiting a Hero who could wield the Powers of Light!(From the introduction of the game).
Depth: 9/10
As I said the plot contains many twists. Evil characters will sometime join you/advise you before they have to fight you (loyalty, you know). The Legacy of the Ancients spans across eight long chapters, each one containing its twists and plots to slow your progress towards Runefast. Will you be able to stop the resurrection of Dark Dragon?
Difficulty: 6/10
Since it’s an RPG, level-grinding usually does the trick. Not in this game. Some bosses are very strong and vicious early on – one of them already has Freeze 3 before you can realistically get promoted. Plus ALL bosses have unlimited magic, so they can freeze/burn your ass off pretty easily. On many battlefields, especially in caves or near mountains, your progress will be slow, if not impossible due to rugged terrain. In other words, there will often be a chocking effect when passing mountains, making that ally vulnerable to enemies, especially if they are flying.
Fortunately, you don’t have to complete all fights. Should you reach the next village/dungeon/get the strategic treasure before the battle is over, you can get away from it. Plus, once you get the Quick ring, you get one more person able to make your team fly away from a battle (and that person
permanently gets +1 agility each time he/she uses it).
In short, I warmly recommend this game to any RPG lover out there. It has a lot to offer, a good plot that twists from time to time and many secrets to be found. You will see that you don’t need to have the newest game out there to have a good time.
Graphics 8 Sound 9 Addictive 8 Story 8 Depth 9 Difficulty 6
Review Rating: 5/5
Submitted: 01-08-15
Updated: 01-08-15
Review Replies: 0
9
Shining Force Game Review! bluethew0lf
Shining Force is in the top three of my favorite video games. I first played it in Sega Smashpack II on the family's PC when I was a kid and played it often since then. All of the Shining games are great, but this one is the best in my opinion. You play the role of the hero Max who leads the Shining Force to defeat the evil Dark Dragon. Along the way, you recruit friends and allies that join your party and battle with you in the fight against darkness.
This game is turn-based, and you control every character in your party during battle. You move by square spaces; how many squares each character can move depends on terrain and that person's Move stats. There is a variety of classes in the game like Mages, Archers, Warriors and even some secret and promotional classes that might surprise you. At certain levels, some characters including Max (the main character) can be promoted to better a class. Besides battle, you get to walk around, explore, and interact with people and things like in many other RPGs.
Graphics 8
The graphics in this game aren't spectacular, but I rate them as I do because they are clear, interesting, and don't look flat. Many classic RPGs characters don't look very much alive or detailed in battle and their graphics look rather dull, but in this game, you see them move in battle scenes and actually believe they are attacking. The characters almost seem to have actual souls, each of them are unique visually. Every item has it's on appearance, and you can see each unique weapon in battle when it is equipped.
Sound 8
In this game, you are leading your own army, the Shining Force, and the music goes really well with it. You really feel like you're are really participating in a war with the battle drums sounding in the music because it is very military like. The music also changes to fit other parts of the game. For example, when someone passes away the music gets very emotional and sad.
Addictiveness 9
I have played this game many times and still enjoy it from time to time. Other Shining games are addictive as well, but this one is really the most solid and playable one to me. Even though I know what is going to happen each time, I can play it again and again because the characters are so lovable and the humor makes me smile every time.
Story 9
Though the story of the game is quite simple, it still goes beyond just saving the world from evil. You meet and save many characters, and sometimes things aren't exactly what they seem. Many things in the game will surprise you and you will find yourself actually caring about your fighters, friends, and the civilians. You will learn a lot about characters and their background by talking to people in different towns and villages. Many RPGs give you too much story and you get bored throughout the game, Shining Force has just enough story and text to give you insight without drowning you in too much talk and not enough play.
Depth 8
There is plenty to explore in the game and so many people to talk to and get hints from. You can get cursed from equipping certain dark items, there are variety of spells that only certain characters can learn and use, some weapons and rings have magical powers that allow non-magic users to use magic, and much more. Some items are "secret" and hard to find if you don't take the time to find them, they can easily be missed. There are hidden characters as well, one of them a ninja. The first time you play Shining Force, it is not likely that you will find everything and everyone. Each place you visit in the game has it's own challenges, so it isn't too repetitive. It isn't a very long game, but it is one that you can spend hours playing if you aren't trying to skip through to the end (which you can do if you want because you don't have to defeat all enemies to win every battle).
Difficulty 7
Shining Force is like other RPGs in the way that if you don't take the time to level up, the game can be very difficult. Besides that, the game's difficulty isn't very hard unless you get stuck in figuring out how to move on to the next battle. Some foes are difficult to get rid of and some enemies like Dark Mages and Master Mages can easily wipe out your party's HP, but once you get them out of the way, most of the battles should not be too challenging.
Overall, I give this game a 9. I have based many RP's off this game when I was a teen and have spent many hours enjoying it. I love the characters, the colors, the story, and how it is simple yet very interesting, special, and great. If you are looking for a game that is not too complicated but still keeps you interested and entertained, this is a good one to try.
Graphics 8 Sound 8 Addictive 9 Story 9 Depth 8 Difficulty 7
Review Rating: 4.8/5
Submitted: 04-06-15
Review Replies: 5
10
At the very least a Classic. Clemontone
Shining Force Legacy of Great Intention is, in my opinion, the best Sega Genesis game. (personally my all time favorite) I'm sure others think different, but this is truly an amazing game.
In this review I will give you reasons why I think this is the best game in my opinion.
I've played this game over 20 times.
wonderful characters all with a personality, they're not like other games where there just soldiers, you don't know their names, or anything. This game, the characters are all special, it makes you want to find them all. Their designs are beyond creative, elves, centaurs, birdmen, werewolves, dragons, dwarfs, hamster...XD
Graphics are incredible for it's time, most people wouldn't like it cause of the graphics. Well the graphics are wonderful, most people won't see it, but allot of the older gamers will. I'm a bit of a pixel artist and I can say that the effort put into the graphics is incredible and very detailed. The battle scenes are like a widescreen movie. Personally I love the style and everything about the graphics, it all gives off a great atmosphere.
Battle System is amazing, I'm sure some people wouldn't like it but to me and allot of people this game's battle system is incredible There's not a whole lot I can say here but it's just depends on your opinion more.
Story is a classic in my opinion, Light VS. Darkness. Heroes of light vs. the dark dragon, normally this idea might not appeal to you at first you might get that impression, "oh this is just going to be another good vs. evil thing? But it's the way they do it, the way they did it makes it a classic. They mixed it up in allot of ways too. *spoilers!* Max and Kane soldiers from the past, kane turning evil and Max having to fight him, then the tragic death scene. Seeing the end was truly wonderful Stabbing the dragon with the blade not being able to move then he finally talkes. Right at the end to build it up so much. The ending scene way at the end is truly one of the best endings I've ever seen. All in all I guess again it depends more on your opinion, but in my opinion this is the best of the light VS. Darkness plots.
Music is incredible I love the soundtrack it builds up the atmosphere so much and makes it incredible. The sound effects in this game, if you have noticed, are extremely effective then most games we have now, you can just feel the power when they hit, and when you hear that sound showing it's going to be a critical you kinda brace yourself it's so cool.
I think I've covered everything, and I hope you can understand why I think this is the best game of the Sega Genesis. Also this might just be a personal opinion but the future remake is no where near as good as this one, if you're going to play this game play Legacy of Great Intention, not Rise of the Dark Dragon. I'm not saying it's bad but it's just not as good.
I hope you liked this review.
Graphics 10 Sound 10 Addictive 10 Story 10 Depth 10 Difficulty 8
Review Rating: 4.4/5
Submitted: 11-11-10
Updated: 05-24-11
Review Replies: 0
9
Shining Force Review Nighthawk0973
When I was a kid I used to play this Turn-Based Strategy. I don't remember what it was called. I just know I loved it. I still am a kid (13) but this game was a faint memory. I have long sense sold my Genesis/PS1 in order to buy other games/consoles.
When I did some research I realized this was that game. FINALLY, I can play it.
The graphics are great, but the sound effects are more of iffy. Especially since the battle cinematic music makes me want to take my headset off. Still this is classic game at it's best.
Taking a Turn-Based Strategy game and adding in RPG elements is a perfect fit, one that's been accomplished by many other games such as Final Fantasy Tactics. Still this game stands out to me because I remember so much. The compelling plot kept me hooked, the gameplay was very challenging, and is very challenging right from the start. You're expected to know what you're doing, or download a pdf manual. It's really quite simple and if you've played a game of the genre you'll catch on very quick.
My one big gripe about this game is that it suffers from the problem of 'hero dies you loose'. I get really annoyed by this. Since this is a strategy title, the game is about you're team winning, not one character.
If you like strategy games, or liked this game and wonder if it's worth it to play on vizzed, go play it. Chances are you'll enjoy every minute (unless you're loosing of course :D)
Graphics 10 Sound 8 Addictive 9 Story 9 Depth 10 Difficulty 9
Review Rating: 3.9/5
Submitted: 12-17-11
Review Replies: 3
9.5
One of the best rpg's of all time pigboy
I've been playing this game ever since I had it on The Sega Smash Pack as a little kid, and ever since then it has been one of my favorites. I'm not a huge fan of rpg's, but this is one of the few exceptions.
Music
The music in this game, while minimalist, is very memorable, and sets a perfect military atmosphere for the game. I especially like the sound that plays when you promote one of your characters. The music can grow a bit repetitive if you stay in one area for to long or spend to much time grinding, but it holds up never the less.
Graphics
The graphics in this game are nothing special, but are at least clear. I do like the character designs, and the battle animations are pretty cool, but as far as backgrounds go, its pretty bare. Of course, this is understandable given the game is so large, and there is only so much space on the cartridge.
Story
The main reason I don't play a lot of rpg's is because I hate waiting through so much story. Luckily, Shining Force has a well written and engrossing plot, without taking away focus from the gameplay.
Gameplay
The gameplay is the highlight of this game. The turn based combat is tight as a drum, and it is extremely satisfying to grind for experience an equip better and better weapons until you have the perfect army. The difficult curve is just right, remaining basically as challenging from the start of the game to the finish. The game is also just the right length, so that you fell you have completed your army by the time you get to the end boss. There are also many secretes hidden in the game, such as hidden items, and characters. Finding new characters is always exciting, and rewarding.
Overall
Overall, this is not only in my opinion the best Sega genisis game of all time, but one of the best games of all time.
Graphics 7 Sound 8 Addictive 10 Story 10 Depth 10 Difficulty 9
Review Rating: 3.3/5
Submitted: 02-17-14
Review Replies: 1
10
Better Times Navajo96
An amazing game that brings back so many memories of my childhood the graphics were amazing for what it looked like it would offer. The Sound of the fighting when ever the sprites weapons would hit the enemy it would always give me a shot of adrenaline, and the music really brings the whole thing together when it's a simple calm happy melody or the intense battle music between the large diversity of enemies all the way to the major heart stopping boss. The game itself is very addictive with the compelling story and the maps of the areas. The game is very big with its map the game is pretty difficult if your not use to Real Time Strategy games or if you have not played a Final Fantasy game plus there is a few side missions and like the Nintendo Entertainment System Link game there are some secret areas. But the thing I love the most is the main character because he reminds me of my late older, we would play this all the time and it was the last game he and I played together.
Graphics 9 Sound 9 Addictive 10 Story 8 Depth 9 Difficulty 8
Review Rating: 3/5
Submitted: 12-01-13
Review Replies: 0
10
My first RPG j-flo777
The Shining series has been deep and meaningful to many people. And many people have come together from across countries thanks to this game. Shining Force 3 brought such a magnificent gathering of fans in hope of seeing come to American shores. Shining Force, Shining Force 2 and Shining Force Gaiden has a fascinating connection between each other that games do not normally hold.
Shining Force begins it all. Though not the first (Shining in the Darkness gets in homage here), it is the first of the Greater Devil trilogy. To start one great story of light and dark, start here, then play Shining Force Gaiden (or CD to play all of them together), and then Shining Force 2 for a great ending!
Have fun!
Graphics 9 Sound 10 Addictive 9 Story 10 Depth 9 Difficulty 8
Review Rating: 2.3/5
Submitted: 10-28-14
Review Replies: 0
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