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Reviews (2)
Sep 19, 2010
The friggin best in this largely underrated series!
1 of 1 found this helpful I have long been a fan of the original Shining Forces. They're one of the TRUE forefathers of interactive Turn-Based Strategy, and their pick up and play simplicity and cutesy anime appeal is only later revealed to be the more challenging and engrossing fantasy war sim that they are. They don't have all the complex gimmicks that most Nippon-Ichi games sport, but they also don't need them. What is offered are memorable characters who actually have a unique personality and purpose (unlike FF Tactics' cookie cutter copies), and thus a much larger probability that the player will actually FEEL for any of them should they die on the field (revivals at a local church are offered for a fee though). These heroes-to-be are often young and inexperienced, but courageous and unbreakable in their greater fight against injustice -- this is the SHINING FORCE: a band of misfit legends that hold a special place in Sega boys/girls' hearts.
I remember playing the third installment briefly on my brother's Sega Saturn, but the text was all in Japanese. At the time I was really impressed by the 3D panning and spinning during a fight scene, and the abundance of colorful sights and audio. The problem was, I couldn't understand the rest of what I saw, and could only guess at what the hell was going on. I recently purchased a Sega Saturn and English Shining Force III. I couldn't be happier.
SF III is by all accounts the most accomplished work in the series' history,
featuring a mature and genuinely fascinating political-espionage war drama that can butt heads any day with the bigger budget, cut-scene driven wash that you find now. I'm very thankful then that the western localization is so good. Only a few villager responses seem suspect, and the various tense relationships between the multiple factions involved are represented very faithfully. The story actually encompasses three games, but only the first made it stateside.
What starts out as a routine visit for the defected Republic into Imperial lands to discuss border treaties after a recent world war, turns into much more when the imperial king is seemingly kidnapped by the very leader of said republic. When it turns out that a third faction might have initiated the ruse, things start to get really complex. In this tense world state of uncertainty and hostility, alliances are only as sure as the sword on your back, and the shield at your side. For who/what exactly are you fighting for?
Series' gameplay staples like character swapping when your party is too big, and
promotion to higher, more effective ranks returns, but some great new additions like "friendship" and side objectives are very welcome. No longer does "grouping your party strategically" only mean to avoid a dark mage's multi-hit spell. Characters who consistently survive together on the field will develop a symbiosis: boosting each others stats, depending on their respective specialties. A soldier will bolster a priestess' attack, while he gains her magic defense, so long as they stand near each other in combat. But should a friend die in battle, you'll lose their trust and have to earn it again. It's a novel concept that adds even more strategy and drama to a fight.
Also new is the ability to split up the party to scout out separate maps and ruins. I like to send my hunter in to find treasure while the battle rages on outside.
If you're a fan of Shining Force, this is a MUST-PLAY; If you're not, there's no
better one to start with. - A+
May 02, 2024
A venerable treasure trove of Taito’s unique legacy
Though I’m very wary about the long term wellbeing of the rotating screen, there is a lot of retro goodness on this little system. The lit custom card marquee and shutdown chime are nice touches, as is the toggle between 8 and 4-way control (a lot of the older titles feel better with 4 directions)
The screen is very bright and the audio loud (these can be lowered in settings), and the visual design and presentation of the unit itself, as well as the UI, brings the whole thing together. It was perfectly priced around $130, in my opinion.
There is also an SD card slot (I’m guessing, for updates)