Shining Force: As bright as ever

A lavish intro sets the tone. Shining Force is a tale of ancient evils and fresh wars, the accompanying illustrations bathed in fire, steel, and shadow. This is a sombre affair, the dangers within presented as a real threat to the land… …and a thrilling tale told by an enthusiastic young girl holding an ancient book. This deliberate contrast weaves its way beautifully through the game’s storytelling. Shining Force wants nothing more than for me to get swept up in the moment and send centaur women, elves, and whatever the heck Jogurt is charging towards giant bats and huge worms as heroic music flows through my speakers. Even the titles that split the adventure up into discrete chunks help sell the mood, always promising some exciting new experience. Yes, I do want to carry on playing and find out what Runefaust’s secret weapon is, tantalising chapter nameplate. Hidden shrines? Sacred dragons? Please, tell me more. But it’s not afraid to let named characters die and stay dead either,…