Shining Force - The Greatest 16-bit Tactical RPG?

[@Xygor]

What did you love about Shining Force? If you haven't played it, what looks interesting? Please consider supporting me at www.patreon.com/xygorgaming OR through KZbin membership by clicking the JOIN button above!

[@RpgmaniacNo1]

Zylo….. He was an insane beast

[@yoh3459]

in your video about chrono trigger complete story, you said masamune completely wrong multiple times ,its not masa-mewn ,say it with me masa-mu-nay ,sound out your words

[@elgatofelix8917]

In my opinion, Shining in the Darkness doesn't deserve to be compared with the Shining Force series. The music for Shining in the Darkness was so awful I couldn't even listen to it and the gameplay was horrendous. Shining Force (the original) had decent music and addictive gameplay, however it was improved on in virtually every aspect by it's successor. I do think some of the sprites and character portraits from the first Shining Force were cooler (like how the main protagonist looks like a man in the first compared with looking like a teenage boy in the 2nd) but overall the 2nd is a much more satisfying playthrough with a much more robust and lengthier story as well as the ability to do a little bit of open world exploration, something the first installment's linear gameplay and chapter based story just doesn't offer. Also, while the music for the first Shining Force is mostly decent (the town music gets old fast and sounds like something from the Disneyland teacup ride), the music of Shining Force 2 is simply the best music heard in any game period - retro or current.

[@RwnEsper]

My absolute favorite thing about Shining Force was all of the secrets. In addition to several characters, there are also quite a few hidden items. Unfortunately many of the item effects were dummied out. Also, exploring the various towns, talking to the NPCs, and seeing all of the sub events was usually well worth the time, if only for a laugh.

[@nickhall1115]

You missed the game boy advance version of shining force. It has some extra goodies. Probably the definitive version if you aren’t playing old school.

[@NightFlyStudio]

Shining Force II is my favorite SRPG of all time. We lost a good one when Camelot and Sega stopped making them.

[@jarredcombs7603]

Did you ever play SFIII? If not they have all three scenarios in English. SFIII Ep 2 + 3 were Japanese only. Must play games if you like shining force. They also have the Premium Disc(something you got when you bought all three scenarios in Japan and sent in proof of purchase.). It was a disc where you could use any of the characters, and have some extra hard battles. Must play.

[@NightFlyStudio]

@@jarredcombs7603 only played the first scenario of SFIII. It's really good. Visually it didn't age well but still an amazing game.

[@toronaldaris]

@Ljink96 Thankfully we got Golden Sun out of Camelot before the went belly up. The Icons and art style should remind you very much of Shining Force.

[@cendrizzi]

I thought they still make games. Just Mario sport games.

[@HyperGirl81]

You can still get the shining force games on steam and even shining in the darkness along with other older Sega classic games. You can buy them for cheap too like $1 each so no need to emulate them thankfully!

[@Biggi87]

I usually say that Shining Force (either the original or the sequel) are perfect games if you wanna try a tactical RPG for the first time. Not the deepest mechanics as far as the genre has to offer, but enough personality to make the journey interesting, and a very gentle dificulty curve, with no perma death mechanics.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for this insight!

[@MusizKanuck]

Shining Force 1 and 2, Shining in the Darkness and Phantasy Star 4 are classic RPG’s! They are the games that keep me going back to Sega. Thank you so much for covering SF1!

[@Xygor]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and appreciate your feedback.

[@Tigerkingz1981]

Shining force 1 is the very first tactical rpg I've ever played, back in the early 90s. Shining Force 1 is also one of the first games Ive ever beaten. I used to have a Gaming magazine, which disclosed where to find a few secrets and hidden characters in the game. I have alot of great memories of this game, as well as the rest of the tactical Shining series. I really miss it since the tactical part of the Shining series seemed to stop with Shining Force 3 outside of Japan.

[@driftingswordsmanzer]

Loved the sprite work and portraits in the game it really brought the characters to life.

[@joshtooze7698]

One of my favorite games from childhood. Visually appealing, memorable characters, great storyline and mechanics. The soundtrack is also underrated, it still gets stuck in my head sometimes.

[@Xygor]

It definitely was a memorable one!

[@davelee1935]

The combining of the sword of light and darkness to make the chaos breaker was f$%king awesome

[@jasonlincoln4348]

Shining Force 1 and 2 were my favorite genesis games for sure. Got me loving tactics games. Would love to see a remaster of these 2 one day even though it would probably never happen.

[@miamithijs3579]

Loved them both and dont forget Warsong. My brother got me into Warsong and then i discovered Shining force. Amazing soundtracks too.

[@BelowAverageGaming13]

Did you ever play Shining Force: Return of the Dark Dragon? It was a remake of SF1 for the GBA. There are things I loved and hated about it.

[@teejay818]

What it lacks in challenge and depth, this games makes up in charm and earnestness. I absolutely LOVE this series, and after only playing the Genesis games as a kid, I’ve more recently sought out emulators for playing the rest of the series.

[@mikek191]

I loved Shining Force, but Fire Emblem came out two years earlier for the Famicom and pioneered most of those mechanics that you credit Shining Force with…

[@AshZucchini8168]

Yes, thank you!

[@fearfulharmony94]

Yeah the promoted class system is very similar to how fire emblem did it.

[@SpoonyBard88]

Not a well-researched video...

[@opaljk4835]

Honestly, SF refined and simplified so much of what Fire Emblem brought to the table. I can not get into the famicom FE games. It just feels like a never ending slog. SF 1-3 really just perfectly iterate on one another and are some of the best games of the era, even if it was initially iterating on fire emblem to begin with

[@Allanrpsx]

was wondering about this, thanks for letting us know

[@TheHushedsilence]

I’ve said for years that Shining Force deserves credit for being a fantastic ancestor to later Tactical RPGs

[@cliftonsargent1572]

I’m really bummed out I never heard of this? The fighting style is 100% what I like. Thank you for covering this

[@churchofthelambofsat]

You missed out. Shining Force was my first SRPG and it was a great introduction to the genre with similarities to Golden Sun, the game the same company would make a decade later.

[@anonamatron]

There are two Genesis games, and one on Sega CD that's actually a nicer version of the first two Game Gear games. There's a third Game Gear game that was fan translated. Then on Saturn there's a three-part fan translated game. Only part one of Shining Force III came out in English. Get the fan translation of all three. Personally I play SF1 and CD the most but most people seem to be into SF2.

[@maxstone9999]

Serious classic and awesome turn based strategy RPG.

[@laziestslacker]

I played Shining Force 1 and 2 as a kid and loved them, used to own both of them. Such great games!

[@marcusfarmer4745]

I still distinctly remember the feeling I had when I beat the final boss as a kid. Magical game!

[@Mr.PlatanoMAN970]

for many yrs i have played alot of shining series for the exception of shining force 3 complete, hopefully someday sega will release a sega saturn mini with part 3 in it.

[@chaospoet]

One of my favorite games ever. I love the original 3 done in this art style: Shining Force, Shining Force 2 and Shining Force CD. This game blew my mind. The first strategy game I ever played was Military Madness on Turbografx back in 89. I was obsessed with that game. I still love that game to this day and still play it from time to time. Military Madness however is extremely bare bones compared to this. Seeing a Military Madness style game meets Final Fantasy with this presentation left a huge impression on me.

[@BorgWolf359]

I absolutely loved the hell out of this game! I played this over & over again! I wish they would do a remake of this!

[@jordanadams7856]

I LOVED this game growing up. It colored my entire perception of fantasy and RPGs even today I think. I would spend hours and hours playing it, trying different team combinations and of course the promotions are amazing. Great review!

[@TimBitten]

What makes Shining Force great is that the characters vary wildly in usage and effectiveness without being overly complicated! And I love its little secrets!!

[@apex403]

This game is an absolute gem. I LOVED playing it in jr high. The varied battlegrounds and the backgrounds really made it seem like you were on a truly epic adventure.

[@thunderhammerx2966]

All-time classic; Shining Force 1,2 and Shining in the Darkness are all included on Sonics Mega Collection for various platforms including Switch.

[@OlDirtyChinesRestaurant]

this game and shining force 2 got me through 2 years at ft greely in alaska as a kid. 94-96. if i wasnt playing with friends cuz of the 60 below weather i was in my basement playing this.

[@jayrod377]

I always had a hard time figuring out whether Shining Force and Shining in the Darkness took place in the same universe or not, because “Shining” and Dark Sol being the villain in both…

[@alephricardo100]

I read the Dark Sol from SITD is, his real name, Mephisto. And yes, they are conected, but you have to play other Shining Force games to understand it. Of course, the traditional Shining Force games, before than 2000s.

[@NickEnlowe]

What Shining Force 1 and 2 got right that so many sRPGs get wrong is that there's town/dungeon exploration, an explorable overworld map, and a plot to tie it all together that the player can take at their own pace. So many sRPGs are content with showing us cutscenes on the battlegrounds, or pasting together visual novel sequences and calling it a day... without allowing an ounce of exploration. It also helps that these titles are colorful, fun, and don't take themselves too seriously (which makes the contrasting dark moments seem all the darker).

[@thecatlike2125]

The opening music still gives me chills

[@thecatlike2125]

Honestly all of the music is amazing

[@hakes2]

I loved it, I think of it as an RPG anything else wants to be

[@Xygor]

Right on, glad you did!

[@billcox8870]

I have played the first three shining games beginning with shining in the darkness. I enjoy the wide variety of characters you encountered in shining force. I learned the hard way you never promote that dragon.

[@ProjectSebastiann]

Im 15, my mom got us a sega genesis a few years ago and it came with this game already on it! I've spent so many hours on this game, its so entertaining haha!

[@Xygor]

Excellent, glad it's held up so well even with younger people!

[@ProjectSebastiann]

@@Xygor Yeah! I got stuck on some of the bosses for quite awhile and sadly have moved since so I no longer have the sega used to play it, but omg I miss it probably the most out of all the games we got for the sega genesis!

[@knightky975]

Shining Force 1 and 2 are still games to this day that I will occasionally just play through every few years. I do wish 3 would have come out in NA

[@Xygor]

They're super solid!

[@MCastleberry1980]

I love this game, my only gripes are that leveling healers is an absolute slog, and I'm not huge on characters getting weaker when you initially promote them. Made the game REALLY hard when I didn't know that back in the day, and I promoted a bunch at once and all of a sudden enemies are kicking the crap out of my squad lol

[@eppskevin]

I didn’t realize part 1 looked so well. I got my start with 2, and wow seems like 1 set a really great foundation for the rest

[@THEGREATMAX]

2's graphics improve on the first game a little bit, but the biggest improvements are how much faster the gameplay is and a ton of player convenience fixes Also, secret class changes

[@ToTBoO]

I actually liked 1 more for several reasons - the music is much much more epic in almost every aspect. The circus battle music still gives chills. Also battle vs general elliot

[@grumpy_guss]

Shining Force was my favorite game on the Genesis!

[@WillKhami]

My brother would play Shining Force all day long and I would just sit there waiting so I could play other games. Sometimes I couldn't, which made me hate Shining Force and RPGs in general. But when I bought Chrono Trigger years later, it converted me! It hit all the right notes and it made me appreciate RPGs. I was even tempted to give Shining Force a shot and I did enjoy it. I'm glad I was able to enjoy Jrpgs in their golden years.

[@theopatino2379]

The worst part of SF1 is that the exp doesn't carry over, you have to really plan out your kills. The sequel in my eyes is a perfect sequel in every way, fixing certain issues of the original and turning up every good aspect

[@ion_force]

This game always brings me back every few years. Something about the art style and soundtrack just never gets old for me. The rom hacks are also insane if you can get them to work. Like Shining Force Alternate, which turns the entire game on its head. It's like a whole new game but with the core DNA of Shining Force 1. Definitely give it a look if you have not already. (You will need to patch an original version of Shining force with the Alternate mod using lunar IPS)

[@DownRange556]

I actually had this game back in the day. Played it for hours and loved it. I own a switch and just recently bought the Sega bundle pack of games that has these on them. I can’t wait to dive into it and relive my youth a bit. Great review!

[@Dilemina]

I played it as a kid as my older brother borrowed it from our neighbor. Had no idea what was happening, but loved the artwork and the story i gleaned from my brother's play through was much more involved than the last rpg i was familiar with at the time, Dragon Warrior. I then sought this game and SF II out in the late 90's and actually got them and played them to the end and loved it. I also was able to get SF III part 1 at toys r us when they were clearing out their saturn stuff in late 1998. Great finds.

[@TheGemini5]

I still play this every once in a while...and I LOVE the music!!

[@SyddlesFuzz]

This and Phantasy Star 4 were my first RPGs ever. My parents had the Sega Channel and I got to try them on there, before they bought me Shining Force 2 (instead of 1) and PS4. HUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE parts of my childhood.

[@SyddlesFuzz]

As a kid, I got up to the laser eye bridge, on Sega channel. Never got further until my teens, when I found emulation.

[@elgatofelix8917]

Both Shining Force 2 and Phantasy Star 4 are truly excellent games and both happen to be available for free download on Android. Phantasy Star 4 in particular has a superb story with unique characters and settings compared with other RPGs. While some Squaresoft Final Fantasy games come close (part 6/3 in particular) no other RPG I've played combines the sci-fi element with the fantasy element quite as well as Phantasy Star (including yes even Chrono Trigger)

[@SyddlesFuzz]

@@elgatofelix8917 I was so let down, that PS4 was the last true PS in the line. When I played the online ones, that came out later, I was highly disappointed. While somewhat fun, they didn't compare to PS4 on any level. I wish there was a true spiritual successor to SF and PS that wasn't clinging to modern standards (tutorials-as opposed to intro fights like the Gizmos in SF2. Infinite inventories (I greatly enjoy the tight inventory of the SF games).

[@justintucker331]

Same here with Sega Channel. The first rpg I ever beat was Phantasy Star IV. Damn, that was quite a while ago.

[@JamesChessman]

Nice vid, I used to imagine that it must be a nice game, looking at screenshots. Grid system reminds me of chess. I should really play this game finally haha

[@Xygor]

Please do!

[@Seigmoraig1]

You missed talking about the fantastic GBA port of this game. It adds 3 new characters with small story arcs (one of whom adds a totally new layer of game play), some new systems like New Game +, expanded inventory on each character, an item box and more. I played the hell out of this game and the GBA port is by far the best way to experience it

[@Xygor]

Fair enough, thanks for adding this info!

[@WesleyParksTTV]

I never played part 1 but I loved part 2 , I had this sega greatest hits disc for my PlayStation , this and phantasy star 2 are so good

[@elgatofelix8917]

Phantasy Star 4 is vastly superior to the 2nd Phantasy Star. If you played Shining Force 2 then you're not missing much by skipping the first one.

[@elgatofelix8917]

That said, if you ever get a chance to play Shining Force CD, go for it. While it lacks the aspect of town exploration, it has plenty of what makes Shining Force truly great, which is the strategy/battle aspect.

[@gwgux]

Considering that was on a console not known for games of this type, it still managed stand out and influence the games that followed. I didn't play it until much later as an adult, but I totally get why there was so much hype about it back in the day and it was well deserved IMO.

[@Xygor]

Well said, appreciate the memories!

[@Lional]

This game was so much fun on the Genesis. I even bought it again on Steam. Another rpg that I found on Genesis was Sword of Vermilion. I got hooked on that game, too.

[@galuademg6958]

I just started playing SF1 yesterday and... holy cow! I wasn't expecting to be this engaged. It's simplistic but stupidly addictive. Most battles start off slow, but once you develop your play it gets brutal. It's got that chess vibe I expect from good SRPG'S.

[@eriks2962]

Shining force is the game that got me to love tactical RPGs. I probably beat both installment of the game over 20 times. Excellent games! I Still play multiple a tactical RPGs per year to this day.

[@Xygor]

It was a trailblazer for sure!

[@GhibliNova]

Fire Emblem came out 2 years before this

[@JohnOethGuitar]

This is a favorite game of my older brother's. I vividly remember the music, especially the "attack" music.

[@weareyugioh4138]

When I was 13 year old, we own sega mega drive ultimate collection, I am the only kids that plays ton of em, shining force 1 is one of my favorite, pressing buttons thought increases the chance attack the enemy! Pretty funny memory.

[@depht]

Wonderful review! Lol I loved this game as a kid. I remember thinking Max needed to be kept in the back to avoid dying. Imagine my surprise to learn that he's actually OP and required to be promoted to actually beat the game. I lived and I learned

[@belazarius727]

The main character had one spell (at first) that allowed the party to teleport back to the camp so you could come back to the fight and "grind" xp. But how many of us ended so engrossed in the said fight that we forgot about this and ended killing the boss in the end ? They gave the hero in Shining Force 2 the lightning spell once he was promoted. No way to know about it before getting it and you not getting enough mp to use it. Quicksave before getting a level became a must :P In shining force 1 healers got xp for actual healing but in shining force 2 they could gain xp for healing a full life character (10 xp 1 level needs 100 xp getting a kill on an appropriate level ennemy = 50 xp) or even buffing. There was an aoe buff that could get you 5 xp by target affected (25xp for the level 1 and 50 xp for the level 2 spell). Abusing this could get you the most powerful characters in the game : monks with multiple health bars and who could kill bosses in one punch.

[@markiahendrix60]

I played that game more than any other on my Genesis when I was growing up! Then, later on when Wii offered it on their shop channel in a pay-to-play format. You really do get immersed in the story and characters. That goes triple for when your young. Even watching this video is bringing it all back. Great Video Xygor!

[@DonkThikkness]

My introduction to the series was Shining Force 3 on the Saturn. Sadly, scenarios 2 and 3 did not release outside of Japan. Loved the game and still hoping Sega with do something with the series.

[@Xygor]

I need to cover 2 and 3 soon! 3 was one of the best Saturn games ever. Yes, let's hope this gets revived!

[@geraq0]

This was a fun game, I got stuck at the three-headed dragon and could never beat it though. I guess I screwed it up with the early promotions. The first Fire Emblem came out in 1990 so I guess Shining Force got some inspiration from it about the grid-based maps and class system, not the other way around.

[@nastradumbass]

You can kill some mobs during the battle and egress back to last save until you level up enough to win

[@noukan42]

Goldbox games and other old CRPG already had grid combat. It is actually almost as old and videogames themselves. That said, it is very obvious that SF took inspiration from Fire Emblem if you played both, but i would argue that, at least early on, SF did it better. The early FE games are kinda of a mess with many objective problems that makes them hard to play nowaday, that only really got solved by the Jugdral games, and at that point the SRPG genre was in full throttle. SF 1 and 2 are definitely more playable for a modern audience(obviously not counting the remakes here).

[@jameshunter6289]

Played this and 2 back in the day, great games

[@billmartovich9009]

The scroll text noise is a voice approximation sound, so Zylo has a deep voice, but Tao has a high squeaky voice.

[@JonnyHavoc]

Still one of my favourite games sf1 and 2 of all time. Loved the hidden characters in various areas. That are easily missed like the ninja in a barrel. Classic

[@KeungLee]

Shining Force was the first RPG I ever completed, and the reason I bought a Genesis.

[@lvitntnmrcls]

One of my favorite games of all time! Thank you for this.

[@stephenwhitaker4516]

get out of my head, I just discovered these games like a week ago, after missing out on the genesis when I was a kid. Totally addicted to them at the moment. Playing Shining force 1 on the PS3 genesis disc and playing Shining force CD on my miyoo mini and totally loving them.

[@totemlordreviews7242]

I recently went through this one and was pleasantly surprised at, not only how good it was, but the fact that I didn't want to put it down! Definitely worth looking into!

[@xer0vi]

Shining Force is the game that got me into RPGs. I love it.

[@UWG3]

Great review and homage to this GOAT of a game although I've never heard of any complaints regarding the sound queues from scrolling text, it is an auditory means of letting you know conversation is taking place and something that's good I think.

[@Xygor]

True, it was in many games including Dragon Quest. I just feel like it may not hold up as well. Thanks for watching!

[@Gman671]

Loved this game, remember the first time when we rented it and stayed up with my friends to beat it in a weekend. I admit had one of those emulators and played it again just 2-3 years ago! I have two little boys and for them it looks ancient.

[@myrekium9785]

SF2 is the one that got me into gaming and I still play SF2 every so often mobile, pc or on the genesis it self.

[@mjd3879]

I did love the music, but I didnt get exposed to FInal Fantasy or SNES rpgs at a young age. The combat animations and battle music were top notch. The story was perfect for a newbie to RPGs, but overly simple for a veteran. I think the battle animation sprites, if done to a high level with modern 2d sprites, would be amazing for a remake.

[@UnknownFox]

As much as I enjoyed Shining Force 1 and 2, 3 is the one I keep finding myself coming back to on Sega Saturn.

[@hartia4584]

I got this in the Christmas of 94 and lover every second of it.

[@Xygor]

Isn't it a classic?

[@hartia4584]

@@Xygor absolutely!

[@RwnEsper]

The best way to play this now might be the Sega Genesis Collection. Just bought it on sale (on Switch) for like $12, and it also has Shining in the Darkness, Shining Force 2, Phantasy Stars 2-4, Landstalker, and a few other RPGs. Tons of action games also.

[@matthewkey689]

Shining Force does what Nintendon’t. But man I loved SF 1 and 2. One of my favorite battles of the series had to be the chessboard. Thank god for Peter and his promotion. Don’t know if I would have been able to beat that without him.

[@drowningin]

I realized I owned 1-2 on steam after watching this. Started playing 1 and got hooked, definitely going to keep playing. I can't believe how good it is. It has been more fun than FFT to play for me

[@RpgmaniacNo1]

Played both. Both are masterpieces in the role-playing game history

[@kjhansonkjhanson6643]

Have you played 3?

[@RpgmaniacNo1]

@@kjhansonkjhanson6643 yes of course …. for Sega Saturn . And Shinig Force CD

[@BPTNY]

Phantasy Star IV along with Shinning Force 1 & 2 are my Holy Trinity of the Genesis. PS4 is my GOAT but I can't ever seem to lock down whether I prefer SF1 or SF2 more. And I like to noisy text because it adds a phrasing vocal affect. The people behind SF 1 & 2 and even more so the people who thought of the comic paneling style of PS4 showed flashes of genius when it came to 16 bit shortcomings to create a real sense of immersion.

[@jaycenteno8385]

My fave series of all time, I love the Shining games. So much nostalgia! :')

[@eviljoshy3402]

I do remember those Nintendon't commercials. A friend of my older brother introduced us to shining force but we never finished it. Probably will go back to it. I hacked my mini SNES and put it on there :P A game that had a similar combat that I loved was on the Sega CD called Dark Wizard.

[@st.anselmsfire3547]

You had to be strategic about promotions too. If you promoted everyone at level 10 straight away, there was a chance you'd have a massively under-powered party by the end. If you waited until level 15 or 20, though, you'd be under-powered at first but have a team of war gods by the battle with Dark Dragon. And then you have Arthur, who is the centaur equivalent of a magikarp.

[@TheAlphaOmegaX3]

YES! I don't even like these type of games, but Shining Force absolutely made me make an exception.

[@dollarcostbackpacker1226]

Same converted me... Was only about Madden before...Then started ff series.

[@LordSephleon]

Shining Force 1 was my intro to tactical RPGs back when it released (Ultima: Exodus on NES technically was my intro to RPGs), and I had such a memorable first playthrough. The Battle of Alterone, Shade Abbey, and the Laser Eye were among many memorable battles as my Shining Force fought hard to win, even at the cost of some of my team. I was 10 or 11 when I first played through it, so I played it legitimately without any secrets that are now known and otherwise easily accessible online; I was generally always under-leveled, with only whatever preparations I could make through shops and found items. After that, I find myself playing through the game every few years through ports. Not as often as I do the first Final Fantasy, but often enough to still remember why I love it. While Shining Force CD on the Sega CD is my favorite of the series (though I suspect Shining Force 3 could easily overtake that if/when I can get around to playing the full trilogy), this is the game that opened a new world for me. And yes, I still have my original cartridge, box, and instruction manual, though I'm not sure if the battery backup still works. :)

[@davidomartorres3045]

I absolutely LOVE this game, I even replay it from time to time in the sega collection. It would also be great if you mentioned the Game Boy Advance port, a great addition to any collection and one of the best ports I’ved ever played

[@theuglykwan]

That's the one i've played for over a decade i think. I pick it up every few years and my memory is so bad it is like half a new game for me. lol

[@SrSacaninha]

I agree, this is one of the best games on the Genesis. Hope it works on the Steam Deck, this is great for a portable console. Comfy.

[@k.j.hulander2204]

Indeed great for a portable console. Just played it for the first time (previously only owned SF2 on the Mega Drive) on my Switch and it was a really great experience. The Mega Drive Collection for the Switch is worth it just for the Shining series titles, Landstalker and Phantasy Star 4; the rest is just a bonus.

[@pokeczarelf]

I played Shining Force 1 and 2 and they were amazing. Also, I really appreciate the remake GBA Shining Force, especially with the new content on adding the Runefaust Princess Narsha into the story alongside Zuika and Mawlock. I really wish I wanted to see the remake version for Shining Force 2 possibly for the NDS, I can imagine the content they would've added in. Probably Mawlock should at least return since the remake had its own collectible card system.

[@rafadono]

Shining force 1, 2 and CD are amazing games!

[@Jeremyb2023]

I had a SNES, however when I played Shining Force I knew it was something special. These games were probably the best on the genesis.

[@jasonmoreno3013]

Playing this now on NSO. So far enjoying it.

[@fateless907]

Love this series played shining force 1 and 2 with my brother so much as kids!

[@TheHighsea]

Shining force 1/2 are forever my favorite games.

[@charlesstephenson875]

I LOVE Shining Force! Such a great game.

[@Blazbaros]

The first time I played this was on the PC actually, back when Jack-In-The-Box kid's meal toy was a goddamn CD of all things. It definitely left an impression on me and its definitely one of my favourite games. If it wasn't mentioned already, there was a port of it for the GBA that makes it better in a lot of ways, like expanding the story that was sorely lacking, and adding a new game + mechanic involving cards which is pretty neat. Also adds some rad characters too.

[@sojuplz6964]

Sweet overview. Definitely still one on my backlog to play haha. If it alrdy hasn't been mentioned in a prior comment, it's also available on a switch catridge under "sega genesis classics" which includes shining force 2 and shining in the dark.

[@drunkensailor112]

By shining force 3. This series and entire genre became fully perfected

[@MrOreo76]

A resounding yes! As it counterpart on the PS1 - Vandal Hearts

[@justintucker331]

If you can, try and play the Resurrection Of The Dark Dragon version of this game. It adds a lot to the game and is definitely worth trying for all of it's additions.

[@saintshaka9538]

I Love the Shining force games I still play Shining force 1,2,3 and cd today

[@lizardjr.7826]

I've been sleeping on this game for too long. The combat looks beautiful,

[@planescaped]

It had a GBA remake too that was really well done and added a lot to the game, I'd say that's the best way to experience Shining Force 1. Shame Shining Force 2 never got a similar treatment, as it was my favorite. Though 3 also has a very special place in my heart.

[@Xygor]

I appreciate this input! I will be covering Shining Force 2 pretty soon.

[@Dorelaxen]

Excellent game. Just went back through the first 2 recently. Lots of time invested, but man, so good.

[@mkloppel]

I must have defeated this game 10x and spent hundreds on it at the rental store. Worth it.

[@Xygor]

Isn’t it great?

[@RiffRock51]

I was instantly sold on Shining Force in 1995 when I saw the up-close battle scenes and characters. I've probably played through the game 8 times over the years. But it's not without it's flaws. The same battle attack music throughout the game is exhausting to listen to hundreds or thousands of times during a playthrough, which is why I mute the game and listen to other music while playing. The menus are clunky, some characters are too under-leveled when you get them (Adam?), and enemies dodge too often, which is annoying. Shining Force 2 was a more refined game: slicker menus and controls, more variety of battle/attack music, characters being at a reasonable level when they join, etc.

[@mintydog06]

It's one of the greatest games ever! And SFII is even better. I LOVE the audible sound when text is scrolling, because different characters sometimes have different sounds. It's a nice bit of detail.