Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon

"Why Shining Force is underated"

Introduction: I'm writing this review to show everyone how this game is underated by some AND IT SHOULDN'T BE...

Story: I thought this was pretty goo the first time round on the MegaDrive (especially the ending which I won't reveal) and now its been improved even more and the main character talks now instead of being silent like in many other games (very annoying) Last time it was about the gate of the ancients has being opened and an evil army called Runefaust is trying to unveil Dark Dragon, Max is chosen to stop them from doing so by leading a force (the Shining Force) through battles and towns to finally defeat there leader Darksol. Now the story is pretty much the same apart from you get to know more about the hero (Max). he was washed ashore a year ago with a mystical sword and found by a boy who becomes friends with you and helps in battle, if you've played the old version and think your getting the same old story and action, well you're VERY wrong. 3 new characters have been introduced into the game with new battles and side quests to play through and so have the use of cards (see gameplay).

Graphics: Some NPC's deeply need some help but mainly the graphics have being deeply improved and while in battle they all have unique body shapes unlike the old one, if you don't paticually like the graphics just remember this is converted from console to handheld

Gameplay: this is where the game stands out, it's like advance wars but better, tun-based moving around a map attacking enemies until their HP reaches 0. cards have been put into play in this game which you use for help during battles. Now you must be thinking: how the hell can a piece of card help you win a battle... well in many ways, after recieveing cards off team members after becoming friends with them and learning about their past, they will give you a card, some let you take 2 turns in one, boost attack or magic, or move anywhere on the map (Mountains ect.) and many more, there is only one character that can use these cards and that's the new character Morlock

Sound: now this is the only down point to the game, the music while visiting towns and villages is very tedious and annoying. the music during attack scenes should've been changed cos' it sounds terrable

Lifespan: okay it can be quite repetitiveand boring in places but with a great story backing it up, you willprobably play it over again and again trying different team formations

Buy it ?: YES this is a definate buy if you rent it you'll want it so much you won't want to take it back

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/15/04