Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon

"Shining Force! A classic finally recognized!"

This game was one of the greatest games on Genesis, probably one of the most memorable, along with the Phantasy Star series.

This game was originally made on the Genesis around the late 80's early 90's. It was one of the first Strategy type RPGs around. I believe it set the genre standard. Other reviewers like to compare this game to that of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance and Fire Emblem. They don't understand that, that is comparing Gamecube to SNES, if you get my analogy.

Graphics- 9/10
The graphics got a great overhaul, everything looks crisp and well sized, except the sprites. The sprites are so big that they can no longer fit into certain crevices and corners and such. It isn't something that will really disturb you but it can get annoying. All of the character avatars were redone and 90% of them look better. The re-making parties did an amazing job adding in characters like Narsha and Mawlock they look like they fit into the game originally.

Sound- 10/10
I can't judge this music by today's standards because this is originally old and medieval music which was for the most part unchanged. The sound effects are all classic but still give that good hack/slash feeling.

Plot- 10/10
The original plot with a few twists. They added in a whole side-plot that eventually lets you merge stories with the party of Narsha, her father is trying to conquer the world with Darksol, someone who is bent on reviving the mythical Dark Dragon.
Narsha, Mawlock, and Zuika, are brand new characters newly introduced into this remake. The plot is basically about a young hero named Max who has no memory of his past. He teams up with a few of his comrades and head down to destroy the armies of Runefaust. This battle opens up a whole beginning of a new adventure in which Max must battle Runefausts forces and try to recall his past.

Gameplay- 10/10
Gameplay is turnbased- strategy RPG. Each character can move a certain number of spaces on the map. Then they can use Magic/Card, Attack, Items, or they can choose to defend and pass their turn on. Each character on the map has the opportunity to move once per turn. If you manage to clear victory conditions at the end of a battle. You will receive a Clear bonus, which can be anywhere between gold or a new item.

Re-playability- 10/10
Each time you replay this game it gets harder. The AI slowly improves enemies get more HP and deal a bit more damage. Another good thing to do with the replaying is try to collect the cards. The cards are a new feature that change the gameplay. With Endless combinations of teams made up of the 30 sum characters you can replay this game differently everytime.

Rent or Buy.

Just buy the game, Give it a try. It's really a good game. If you really don't like it, just take it back to wherever you bought it within 7 days.

I hope my review gave you a good insight on the game. Have fun playing everyone.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/24/04