The Shining Force series has long been one of my favorite RPG series, even besting the 'powerhouse' series' such as Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy. While the game did see iterations on both the Game Gear and Saturn (which is still the root of many deep seeded issues between Sega and myself), it is a series that really hasn't seen much life beyond the Sega Genesis. In my mind, this is a real shame, since it always presented players with both an enjoyable RPG experience as well as a deep strategy RPG engine that has influenced many of the top strategy RPG titles, including Final Fantasy Tactics. However, things are looking a little brighter, or should I say shinier, with the upcoming release of Shining Soul for the GameBoy Advance.
Eons ago, the Dark Dragon reduced civilization to ashes. Over the course of the next hundred years, that civilization was forgotten and replaced with a new one. And, as the saying goes - those who don't remember history are doomed to repeat it, and the Dark Dragon once again arose to destroy the world. However, a small group of individuals kept the memory of Dark Dragon alive and knew of a means for defeating him. This group, known as the Shining Fleet, tried to extend aid to the world, who were unfamiliar with the ways of war. Using the weapons and knowledge of their ancestors, they set out to destroy the Dark Dragon. For years the struggle between the dragon and descendants raged on, until both found themselves in the country of Runefaust. The stage is now set for the final battle between the Shining Fleet and the Dark Dragon...
While eschewing from the traditional strategic formula of previous games, Shining Soul looks to give GBA players a first rate RPG experience. Immersing players into a world of magic and mystery, Shining Soul will allow up to four players (via the Link Cable) to take the mantle as one of four character classes and play a part in the Dark Dragon war. Players can choose to play as a swordsman and wield the legendary blade, or cast powerful magic as a Wizard, use speed and accuracy as an archer, or display super-human strength as a the Dragonute. Players will further be able to customize their character by choosing from various color schemes, armors and weapons. During the four-player mode, players will also be able to combine attacks and trade items.
While it's not the true Shining Force sequel I've been waiting for, Shining Soul still looks like it will deliver a top notch RPG experience.
