Shining Wisdom

"It was my first game for the Saturn and is still my favorite game on the system"

Shining Wisdom is an Action/RPG along the same lines as Zelda. Although the game has been criticized over the years, Shining Wisdom will still deliver a satisfying RPG adventure for those who can overlook its shortcomings.

Gameplay: Controlling Shining Wisdom may take some getting use to in the beginning. Players will have to constantly tap the B Button (or X,Y,Z) to build up their character's speed. Once your character has enough speed built up, he can then use various mystical items, magical orbs and of course, move faster. The problem is that once the max speed has been achieved, you will still have to keep the B Button pressed while using the A or C Buttons. It's kind of tricky, but over time you'll get used to it. Other than that, it controls like any other Action/RPG.

Story: Believe me, if you are looking for a great RPG storyline that you can really sink your teeth into... this is not your game. The storyline is the basic RPG staple, ''Princess is in trouble. Hero saves Princess. Game over.'' There's more to it then that, but not much more. In all honesty though, these types of storylines never really bother me all that much, but I'm sure that this could ruin the game for some. And of course Working Designs ''Americanized'' the story for the American audience, however the basic storyline has remained unchanged from the Japanese version.

Audio/Video: Personally I love the music to Shining Wisdom, however it is nothing spectacular or brilliant. Just nice tunes to accompany your game playing. As for the graphics, I absolutely love sprite based RPGs. I can't get enough of 'em. However the graphics do not push the Saturn in anyway, shape or form, to its limits. In fact, some people have even compared the graphics (unfavorably) to SNES Action/RPGs. But I think the graphics are just fine.

Replayability: Actually once you have finished Shining Wisdom, I do not really see why you would want to play it again. To be honest, there really isn't enough to compel you to play it all the way through again. I personally have played it all the way through 3 times (of course I also don't have much of a life either).

Shining Wisdom for the SEGA Saturn is your average Action/RPG. Are there better examles of an Action/RPG on the Saturn? Heck ya! As long as I'm being honest, I might as well tell you that The Legend of Oasis blows Shining Wisdom out of the water. But for those looking for an enjoyable, solid game, Shining Wisdom does not disappoint.

gar3: 10/10 Non-biased: 6/10 Average: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/27/00, Updated 05/27/00