Great game to play, but better strategy games are out there.
Review 215
Released: June 8, 2004
Publisher: Atlus Co.
Developer: Amusement Vision
Game Genre: Fantasy Turn-Based Strategy
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
ESRB Descriptors: Mild Violence
Opening Thoughts:
Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon is a remake of the original Shining Force game, which was on the Sega Genesis.
Story: 30%
Gameplay: 40%
Graphics: 20%
Durability: 10%
Story (8/10)
The story itself is rather generic. The main character (Max by default) washed ashore with no memory a year before the story begins. Max's home kingdom of Guardiana is attacked without warning by the neighboring kingdom of Runefaust.
One unique feature of the storyline is the ability to talk with the other playable characters between battles. All of the characters gather at Headquarters before and after battles, and as you level them up, you learn more and more about them by talking to them.
Gameplay (7/10)
Your standard turn-based strategy game. There really are no unique aspects to Shining Force. Your options are attacking, using spells, using items, and defending. Other than Mawlock, a character that has the special ability to use cards, nothing stands out.
Battle system:
Twelve characters can be selected for each battle. Each character has their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, knights move quickly but have low defense. Warriors move slowly but have higher defense. Flying characters can move into areas not available for ground characters.
Graphics (7/10)
The graphics of the game aren't great. However, when you attack an enemy, it's displayed by a short cinematic, which saves the game in a way, even though it leads to slow, drawn out battles.
Durability (7/10)
Overall Score (7.3/10)
Rounded Score (7.5/10)
Final Thoughts:
A great game to play, but better strategy games are out there.