Shining Force series [specifically 1990-2000 games], your experiences?
- Thread starter frankthedm
- Start date
renau1g
First Post
So I started playing video games when I was pretty young and NES just came out, but opted for the sega genesis over the Super NES when the time came to upgrade. I found this game and after starting it I was hooked immediately. I struggled at first to understand the system in combat (or even RPG's in general, this was my first one), but the system is pretty simple. Each unit possesses a movement speed, affected by terrain, and then you can attack, use an item, end your turn, or magic. The story isn't exactly the most innovative, the traditional ancient evil, one group will push back the darkness, the fabled "Shining Force" as you are a light in the darkness. There are some cool units, the centaurs are fun, I really liked the mages myself and the ninja. Now, one of my favorite things was that once your units reached level 10 they could be upgraded to a new class, so the knight becomes a paladin, but it was also a balancing act as the longer you waited to promote the unit the stronger they were (you could wait up to level 20).
Now, my personal favorite of the group is Shining Force II, I have played that one through from start to finish at least 3 or 4 times. The story is much more engaging than the first, the animations are stronger, and there's a ton of really interesting areas. I really like the one zone where you're shrank. I'll leave it at that, but I was actually going to be running a D&D game based on it (oddly I just thought of it two nights ago)
I enjoyed the tactical combat of the series, it was decently difficult (at least I remember it that way), and the story was pretty good. I may have to DL it onthe VC for the Wii
Now, my personal favorite of the group is Shining Force II, I have played that one through from start to finish at least 3 or 4 times. The story is much more engaging than the first, the animations are stronger, and there's a ton of really interesting areas. I really like the one zone where you're shrank. I'll leave it at that, but I was actually going to be running a D&D game based on it (oddly I just thought of it two nights ago)
I enjoyed the tactical combat of the series, it was decently difficult (at least I remember it that way), and the story was pretty good. I may have to DL it onthe VC for the Wii
Shining Force I and Shining Force II = awesome.
But keep in mind:
1) they are turn-based strategy (which is either a strong point for some people or a major weak point for others)
2) they were made "back in the day" so the graphics and interface are clearly dated
3) because of #2, it's also a very linear sort of game, with a couple extras hidden around (i.e. optional party members like talk to person X who is in the corner of the tavern after doing Y and you can add him to your party)
4) a little replay value if you're willing to use focus on different party members as your active group to see how they level up and try their stuff.
5) my personal view is slightly skewed given the games have high nostalgia value for me and my gaming history with certain friends when the games were released. So I don't know if someone without the history could view the games the same way as I do (my cousins for instance can't stand the games since they can't get past the dated graphics and interface to even want to try it)
I do like Shining Force II a little better, but the differences between the two are minor as far as I'm concerned.
Though I didn't plan it, I have a copy of both games on Wii (downloadable via virtual console) and Xbox 360 (part of a Sega Genesis collection that had other games like Phantasy Star IV on it), and still play them both and enjoy it. But my point is, the games are still floating out there if you have a PS3/Xbox360/Wii.
(i know there were some sequels with slightly different names, like shining in the darkness or something -- but i strongly disliked those.)
But keep in mind:
1) they are turn-based strategy (which is either a strong point for some people or a major weak point for others)
2) they were made "back in the day" so the graphics and interface are clearly dated
3) because of #2, it's also a very linear sort of game, with a couple extras hidden around (i.e. optional party members like talk to person X who is in the corner of the tavern after doing Y and you can add him to your party)
4) a little replay value if you're willing to use focus on different party members as your active group to see how they level up and try their stuff.
5) my personal view is slightly skewed given the games have high nostalgia value for me and my gaming history with certain friends when the games were released. So I don't know if someone without the history could view the games the same way as I do (my cousins for instance can't stand the games since they can't get past the dated graphics and interface to even want to try it)
I do like Shining Force II a little better, but the differences between the two are minor as far as I'm concerned.
Though I didn't plan it, I have a copy of both games on Wii (downloadable via virtual console) and Xbox 360 (part of a Sega Genesis collection that had other games like Phantasy Star IV on it), and still play them both and enjoy it. But my point is, the games are still floating out there if you have a PS3/Xbox360/Wii.
(i know there were some sequels with slightly different names, like shining in the darkness or something -- but i strongly disliked those.)
Pbartender
First Post
One of my favorites from back in the day.
LightPhoenix
First Post
I enjoyed Shining Force back in the day, and I think it's still a decent game. I'm not certain I'd hold it up as a paragon of the "Tactical RPG" genre though.
My absolute favorite tactics game would be Vandal Hearts (the original only, not the sequel). The class system is akin to Shining Force, but the story is a lot better (though not FFT levels of good). The biggest thing I like about it is that many missions aren't simply "kill everything." At least half of them don't even require you to kill all the enemies to win. The characters were a lot more likable than FFT or SF as well.
My absolute favorite tactics game would be Vandal Hearts (the original only, not the sequel). The class system is akin to Shining Force, but the story is a lot better (though not FFT levels of good). The biggest thing I like about it is that many missions aren't simply "kill everything." At least half of them don't even require you to kill all the enemies to win. The characters were a lot more likable than FFT or SF as well.
renau1g
First Post
BTW I'ev acquired a ROM of the game as my genesis is long since kaputz (ironically I still have the cartridge though) and have played about 10 hours of it. Man I love the game.
The graphics aren't up to today's standards, but it 15 years old or so. There's such lovable characters as Peter the Phoenix, Kiwi the Turtle (promoted to Monster), and Luke the birdman, ahh....good times.
The graphics aren't up to today's standards, but it 15 years old or so. There's such lovable characters as Peter the Phoenix, Kiwi the Turtle (promoted to Monster), and Luke the birdman, ahh....good times.
frankthedm
First Post
Shining in darkness, SF1, SF2 are on the Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, so i'll probably pick that disk up soon.
shining in the darkness makes me cry. while your opinion of it may differ, don't judge the series by that one title.
(on that same collection disc is phantasy star IV - it's similar game play style as shining force, with the fun of magic combos, so try that too when you get a chance).
renau1g
First Post
I didn't like Shining in the Darkness, but it's a far different game than Shining Force I & II.
I wish I had an XBOX or PS3 to play that collection on my large TV, unfortunately my VG budget is approx. $0 what with kids + daycare expenses coming in. $2k/month is a large punch to the stomach.
I wish I had an XBOX or PS3 to play that collection on my large TV, unfortunately my VG budget is approx. $0 what with kids + daycare expenses coming in. $2k/month is a large punch to the stomach.
Vigilance
Explorer
Shining Force and Shining Force II are awesome. Once you get past the first two, avoid the series like the plague.
I still play these games and they still rock. These days, I play them on my Wii, via the Virtual Comsole.
You've got a very large party that you can develop along multiple paths (each class has at least two promotion classes), allowing you to tailor your group to your preferred playstyle.
As others have said, these are strategy games, but they DO have a heavy fantasy RPG element as well, which I like.
They're strategy in the "manage your party keep everyone alive" not the "build a base and prep for the Zerg rush".
I still play these games and they still rock. These days, I play them on my Wii, via the Virtual Comsole.
You've got a very large party that you can develop along multiple paths (each class has at least two promotion classes), allowing you to tailor your group to your preferred playstyle.
As others have said, these are strategy games, but they DO have a heavy fantasy RPG element as well, which I like.
They're strategy in the "manage your party keep everyone alive" not the "build a base and prep for the Zerg rush".
Similar Threads
- Locked
