{"id":609241,"date":"2026-02-23T00:30:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T00:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/609241\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T00:30:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T00:30:39","slug":"every-shining-game-ranked-time-extension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/609241\/","title":{"rendered":"Every Shining Game, Ranked | Time Extension"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>Shining<\/strong> series may well be best known for its line of tactics RPGs, most notably the <strong>Shining Force<\/strong> sub-series, but the 35-year-old franchise actually started out as a first-person perspective dungeon crawler and went on to span many different sub-genres, making it one of the most diverse RPG series to dive into.<\/p>\n<p>The series is also defined by two distinct eras. The first, running from 1991 to 1998, was under the watchful eye of the game\u2019s creators, Shugo and Hiroyuki Takahashi, who cut their teeth on the early <strong>Dragon Quest<\/strong> games before setting up their own team within Sega under the name Sonic Software Planning before splintering off into the independent outfit Camelot Software Planning. This classic run of Shining games has a consistent quality and worldview running throughout \u2013 despite a few changes in genre \u2013 and is generally beloved by fans of the series.<\/p>\n<p>The second era of Shining runs from 2002 to present day after Camelot parted ways with Sega, leaving the latter to manage a new generation of RPGs with a host of different developers and key collaborators. This era is more of a mixed bag. There are some decent games in there, but also some bland disappointments. While some attempt was made throughout this era to draw together a new unified art style and canon, it has proved to be quite inconsistent in practice and not all that popular outside Japan, but there are still a couple of gems to be found if you know where to look.<\/p>\n<p>With that in mind, let\u2019s take a look at the series and rank the mainline entries to see which are most worthy of your time. Before we do, a quick note on the omissions. What you won\u2019t find covered here is any of the old Japanese mobile phone games, as these are now lost to time and almost impossible to have an opinion on, let alone play. The same goes for the <strong>Shining Force Cross<\/strong> series, which only appeared in Japanese arcades and has not truly been emulated yet. Instead, our focus is on the main games that were widely released on console, handhelds or PC.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-resonance-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Resonance (PS3)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps3\/shining_resonance\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-resonance-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"174\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Resonance (PS3)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Media.Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>11th Dec 2014 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The very definition of generic, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps3\/shining_resonance\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Resonance<\/a> is an anime action RPG with way too much dialogue, uninteresting locations and tired gameplay. There are far better examples of the genre and many better Shining games.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly, it was also the last new Shining game Sega produced \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/nintendo-switch\/shining_resonance_refrain\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">a few iterations and remasters followed, with little meaningful improvement<\/a> \u2013 and the series seems to have been stuck in a rut ever since.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-neo-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force Neo (PS2)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/shining_force_neo\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-neo-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"214\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force Neo (PS2)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Neverland<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>20th Oct 2005 (USA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This was the first new Shining \u201cForce\u201d game after Camelot parted ways with Sega, and the start of a bold new direction of action-based games where \u201cForce\u201d previously denoted \u201ctactics\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Sega\u2019s producers at the time put on plenty of PR spin, suggesting that this was the experience they might have made on Mega Drive had it been powerful enough. There are some attempts to draw connections to the classics \u2013 centaur knights appear, for example, while some of the characters share names with those of the original <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/megadrive\/shining_force\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The action is sold enough and the visuals are pretty nice for a late-era PS2 game, but there\u2019s no getting around the fact <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/shining_force_neo\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force Neo<\/a> lacks the Shining magic.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-exa-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force EXA (PS2)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/shining_force_exa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-exa-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"210\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force EXA (PS2)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Neverland<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>20th Mar 2007 (USA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The sequel to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/shining_force_neo\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force Neo<\/a> expands on the action-RPG formula with the addition of the Geo Fortress, a customizable robot-castle that can be expanded as the game progresses.<\/p>\n<p>As your party is out and about adventuring, the Geo Fortress is vulnerable to attack and must be defended by the other characters you\u2019ve left behind. Which adds a much-missed element of strategy to the series.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly, however, the actual combat system remains perfunctory at best, tedious at worst. This is another game that doesn&#8217;t at all earn its Shining Force name.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/blade-arcus-rebellion-from-shining-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Blade Arcus Rebellion from Shining (Switch)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/nintendo-switch\/blade_arcus_rebellion_from_shining\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/blade-arcus-rebellion-from-shining-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"243\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Blade Arcus Rebellion from Shining (Switch)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Studio Saizensen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>14th Mar 2019 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Shining series is well known for spanning multiple sub-genre of RPG, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/nintendo-switch\/blade_arcus_rebellion_from_shining\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Blade Arcus Rebellion from Shining<\/a> is unusual in that it branches out into the world of competitive crossover fighting games.<\/p>\n<p>If Capcom had made a fighting game in the late Nineties, featuring amazing sprite work and characters from across the classic Mega Drive and Saturn games, then it might have been something special. But, instead, this later effort is a generic anime-style fighter from a largely anonymous developer, bringing together less notable characters from modern series entries <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_blade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Blade<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_hearts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Hearts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike either of those titles, this one actually was released in English and is still available on Steam, but the gameplay, while perfectly fine, is nothing special. You\u2019re unlikely to see this one at Evo any time soon, and it\u2019s not really what Shining fans are looking for either.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-hearts-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Hearts (PSP)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_hearts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-hearts-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"258\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Hearts (PSP)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Studio Saizensen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>16th Dec 2010 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This traditional-style JRPG is a bit of a curiosity in the series thanks to a lighter, cozier tone.<\/p>\n<p>The focus is as much on relationship-building as it is battles, while players can pass the time pleasantly by baking or fishing. If you like gentler RPGs with lots of distractions outside of battles then there\u2019s a lot to like about Shining Hearts, including a rather good soundtrack by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/snes\/secret_of_mana\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Secret of Mana<\/a> composer Hiroki Kikuta.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, this PSP game was a Japan-exclusive and has never received a fan translation, making its text-heavy systems a bit of a mystery to most.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-wind-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Wind (PS2)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/shining_wind\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-wind-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"214\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Wind (PS2)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Nextech<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>17th May 2007 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sega pushed this release so hard in Japan that it became a cross-media sensation, including a 13-episode anime series and a theme song recorded and released by Japanese pop star Nana Mizuki.<\/p>\n<p>The game itself was a sequel to 2004\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/shining_tears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Tears<\/a> and boasted equally bold 2D art and decent enough action battles but was, unfortunately, a Japan exclusive with no fan translation available.<\/p>\n<p>It looks nice enough and isn\u2019t bad to play, but there are more essential action RPGs in the series than this.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-soul-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Soul (GBA)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gba\/shining_soul\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-soul-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"95\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Soul (GBA)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Grasshopper Manufacture<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>TBA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This was the first Shining game Sega produced after parting ways with Camelot, and it was a valiant but flawed attempt to carry the torch without them.<\/p>\n<p>It had good pedigree; developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and directed by Akira Ueda, who had previously worked on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/snes\/super_mario_rpg_legend_of_the_seven_stars\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Super Mario RPG<\/a> and <strong>Moon: Remix RPG Adventure<\/strong>. It also boasted excellent character designs by original Shining Force artist Yoshitaka Tamaki, brought to life with charming GBA pixel art.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps1\/diablo\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Diablo<\/a>-like dungeon crawling action was pretty good if not great, but the story, which drew together bosses from across the series, meddled with the canon a little too much and made too many errors for hardcore fans to forgive.<\/p>\n<p>After the mixed reception to Shining Soul, Sega would begin to distance itself more and more from the classic games and take the Shining series down a new path.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-tears-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Tears (PS2)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/shining_tears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-tears-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"214\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Tears (PS2)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Nextech<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>22nd Mar 2005 (USA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The first game produced under Sega\u2019s new direction for the series, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/shining_tears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Tears<\/a> was one of a few new titles overseen by Tony Taka, a popular Japanese artist previously known for his buxom \u201ceroge\u201d designs. The new characters in Tony Taka\u2019s Shining world leaned heavily on titillation and seemed manufactured to shift large quantities of vinyl models of shapely, young female characters to nerdy otaku.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, this is the point that many Western fans checked out of the series, though in some cases they missed out on some half-decent games. Shining Tears is one such diamond in the rough; an action RPG that focuses on high-resolution 2D pixel art that simply would not have been possible on previous hardware generations.<\/p>\n<p>With the power of PlayStation 2, the screen could fill with multiple sprites and was an impressive sight to behold. It didn\u2019t really feel like a proper Shining game, but this was a fun and attractive action-RPG for the time.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-wisdom-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Wisdom (Saturn)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/saturn\/shining_wisdom\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-wisdom-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"233\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Wisdom (Saturn)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Sonic! Software Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>27th Jun 1996 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>11th Jul 1996 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Long before the post-Camelot era of Shining games, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/saturn\/shining_wisdom\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Wisdom<\/a> was generally regarded as the worst game in the series. Which is a bit of a shame as, on the surface, it had a lot going for it.<\/p>\n<p>This action-adventure game almost completely does away with RPG mechanics and is much closer to a <strong>Zelda<\/strong> game instead, including an overworld filled with enemies, castles to explore and several dungeons to conquer. It also shares some similarities with Falcom\u2019s <strong>Ys<\/strong> series thanks to its red-haired, sword-wielding hero and a bump combat mechanic.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly, the gameplay just doesn\u2019t hang together that well. The bump combat, which requires players to rev up the hero and charge into enemies like a bull, is a bit too fiddly to be satisfying. While the visuals, which give the distinct impression that this might have started life on Mega Drive, feel quite bland compared to Camelot\u2019s later Saturn games.<\/p>\n<p>It does feature cameos from a couple of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/megadrive\/shining_force_ii_ancient_sealing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force II<\/a> characters but, that aside, this one doesn\u2019t really feel a part of the same series and lacks much of the charm and worldview of its stablemates.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-soul-ii-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Soul II (GBA)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gba\/shining_soul_ii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-soul-ii-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"147\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Soul II (GBA)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>THQ<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Nextech<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>20th Apr 2004 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>26th Mar 2004 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Grasshopper Manufacture returned for this sequel and improved on it in every way, particularly in art direction and level design. It generally offers more of the same dungeon-crawling action, but the experience is more satisfying, not least because it has a wider selection of interesting characters to choose from and tons of secrets to find.<\/p>\n<p>Like the first <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gba\/shining_soul\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Soul<\/a>, it also features co-op multiplayer via GBA link cable and unlike the first game, it resists the temptation to mess with canon, telling a completely new story. Though it does find time to include a couple of pleasing cameos along the way.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-feather-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force Feather (DS)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ds\/shining_force_feather\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-feather-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"135\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force Feather (DS)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Flight-Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>19th Feb 2009 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Although most of the post-Camelot Shining Force games ditched the tactical gameplay and replaced it with generic action and titillating character designs, Sega decided to go in a different direction with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ds\/shining_force_feather\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force Feather<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Development was handed to Flight Plan, who drew on their experience with cult tactics RPGs like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ds\/summon_night\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Summon Night<\/a> and <strong>Black\/Matrix<\/strong> to create an entirely new kind of tactical Shining Force. Rather than a square grid, it used full freedom of movement within a circular range, while the beloved animated attack scenes of the classic games were spiced up with timed commands to inject more strategy into the spectacle.<\/p>\n<p>Shining Force Feather deserves credit for staying true to its tactical roots while also attempting to innovate on them, and the result is one of the better games in the series\u2019 modern era.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-gaiden-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force Gaiden (GG)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gamegear\/shining_force_gaiden\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-gaiden-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"172\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force Gaiden (GG)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Sonic! Software Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>25th Dec 1992 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This Game Gear exclusive entry attempted to capture the depth and charm of the Mega Drive Shining Force games on a tiny 8-bit screen and did so admirably well.<\/p>\n<p>The satisfying tactical gameplay is present and correct, including miniature versions of the game\u2019s signature animated attack scenes. Sadly, the Game Gear instalments do not include the town exploration sections that define the Mega Drive game against other tactical RPGs, but this is a fine little strategy game all the same.<\/p>\n<p>It was never released outside of Japan \u2013 at least not on Game Gear \u2013 but the classic Shining Force games are very import-friendly and this is no exception.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-the-sword-of-hajya-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya (GG)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gamegear\/shining_force_the_sword_of_hajya\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-the-sword-of-hajya-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"208\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya (GG)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Sonic! Software Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>1994 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>13th Jun 2013 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The second Game Gear Shining Force thankfully was released in English, which is slightly confusing as it\u2019s a direct sequel that continues the story of the first one.<\/p>\n<p>Plot, characters and level design aside, the gameplay is virtually identical to the first Game Gear instalment, which is to say it\u2019s another fantastic portable RPG. However, the Game Gear versions are not quite the best way to play these two games, which is why they appear slightly lower on this list.<\/p>\n<p>Further up, you\u2019ll find the definitive version of these two, which also happens to be one of the greatest Shining games ever made\u2026<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-blade-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Blade (PSP)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_blade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-blade-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"258\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Blade (PSP)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Media.Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>15th Mar 2012 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s somewhat confusing that this one doesn\u2019t proudly sport the full \u201cShining Force\u201d name as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_blade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Blade<\/a> is a full on tactical RPG, and it\u2019s pretty good too.<\/p>\n<p>Developed by Media Vision, who had previously worked on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/valkyria_chronicles_iii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Valkyria Chronicles 3<\/a> for Sega, Shining Blade feels like it is built on the same engine as the latter, taking many of the innovations of the Valkyria Chronicles series and applying them to Shining Force.<\/p>\n<p>In many ways, this is as close to a true <strong>Shining Force 4<\/strong> as we\u2019ve ever had. The full 3D gameplay, including greater freedom of movement and long-range aiming mechanics, feels like a great evolution of the series. While the relationship system, which allows certain characters to combine their movement and attacks on the battlefield, pairs well with some genuinely pleasing character designs.<\/p>\n<p>Shining Blade is well worth playing if you\u2019re a fan who\u2019s exhausted all the classic Shining Force games and longs for more tactical action. There\u2019s even a fan translation available, though it is compromised by later chapters being machine-translated. If that puts you off, don\u2019t worry, the game design is intuitive enough that you can still play through the battles and have a great time in Japanese.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-ark-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Ark (PSP)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_ark\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-ark-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"262\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Ark (PSP)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Media.Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>28th Feb 2013 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The confusingly titled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_ark\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Ark<\/a> has nothing to do with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/saturn\/shining_the_holy_ark\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining The Holy Ark<\/a> but is actually the sequel to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_blade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Blade<\/a>, using the same engine to deliver a full 3D <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps3\/valkyria_chronicles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Valkyria Chronicles<\/a>-inspired take on Shining Force.<\/p>\n<p>The formula is generally tweaked all around, making for a smoother and deeper experience, although some changes \u2013 like a move to strict turn order rather than the ability to select units at will \u2013 may not be to everyone\u2019s taste.<\/p>\n<p>Most of the improvements are outside of the battles, however. Shining Ark takes some inspiration from fellow PSP entry <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/psp\/shining_hearts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Hearts<\/a>, fleshing out the game with deeper relationship systems and cozy lifestyle mechanics like the baking system, making this sequel feel like a fuller, richer RPG all round.<\/p>\n<p>Like Shining Blade there is a fan translation available, though this one is entirely machine-translated. Fingers crossed these both get better quality localisations someday as they\u2019re easily the most underrated games in the series.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-in-the-darkness-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining in the Darkness (MD)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/megadrive\/shining_in_the_darkness\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-in-the-darkness-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"213\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining in the Darkness (MD)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Climax Entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>Oct 1991 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>11th Nov 1991 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The very first game in the Shining series might not be the best on Mega Drive \u2013 It\u2019s a first-person perspective dungeon crawler rather than the tactical battles the series is best known for \u2013 but there are still glimpses of what would make the series great down the line, like a bar full of well-drawn, weird and wonderful adventurers, including dwarves and wolfmen, and a cleverly intuitive visual menu system that\u2019s way more fun to navigate than standard text.<\/p>\n<p>The game design draws heavily on the traditions of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/switch-eshop\/dragon_quest\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dragon Quest<\/a>, which the original development team had also worked on, and it made for a fun dungeon crawler. Although it would have been nice to have an auto-map, something that would come a few years later in the excellent Saturn sequel\u2026<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-gaiden-final-conflict-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict (GG)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gamegear\/shining_force_gaiden_final_conflict\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-gaiden-final-conflict-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"171\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict (GG)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>30th Jun 1995 (JPN)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The third and final Game Gear Shining Force offered more of the same \u2013 a series of small but fun tactical battles with town exploration sadly absent \u2013 but it\u2019s the story that makes this one so well liked by series fans.<\/p>\n<p>Rather than continue the narrative of the previous Gaiden games, it is set between the two Mega Drive Shining Force titles and bridges the gap between them, using characters from both to tell a tale that connects two previously unrelated stories.<\/p>\n<p>Though it was released exclusively in Japan, a fan translation is available, making <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gamegear\/shining_force_gaiden_final_conflict\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Final Conflict<\/a> a beloved release for devoted fans of the series.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-cd-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force CD (SCD)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/scd\/shining_force_cd\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-cd-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"129\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force CD (SCD)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Sonic! Software Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>1995 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>Apr 1995 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/scd\/shining_force_cd\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force CD<\/a> is the reason the first two Game Gear games are further down on this list.<\/p>\n<p>In 1994, Sega chose to remake the two games for Mega CD, reworking the visuals in 16-bit and adding a gorgeous CD audio soundtrack, making it the definitive way to play these two games. Best of all, Sega made use of the expansive CD storage to add two additional game-length chapters, complete with brand new battles.<\/p>\n<p>Players could even use a memory cartridge to transfer their stats from one chapter to the next. All of which makes Shining Force CD not just one of the most generous games in the series but also one of the most essential Mega CD exclusives full stop.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force (MD)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/megadrive\/shining_force\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"212\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force (MD)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Climax Entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>May 1993 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>Jul 1993 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Shining series really knocked it out of the park with the second game in the franchise. This was at a time when tactical RPGs were still very new \u2013 and practically unheard of in the west, where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/switch-eshop\/fire_emblem_shadow_dragon_and_the_blade_of_light\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Fire Emblem<\/a> had not yet made it here \u2013 and so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/megadrive\/shining_force\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force<\/a> impressed with a totally new way to play an RPG.<\/p>\n<p>The battles were deep and rewarding, with a sense of drama and scope that couldn\u2019t be found in traditional turn-based RPG battles. The full-screen attack animations were stunning to behold on the Mega Drive, and the wide roster of playable characters, including distinct and memorable race designs, made it easy to become attached to your force.<\/p>\n<p>The depth and detail of the battles, as well as the charm and beauty of the world, were such that Shining Force has aged brilliantly and is still just as enjoyable to play today.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-resurrection-of-the-dark-dragon-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force: Resurrection Of The Dark Dragon (GBA)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gba\/shining_force_resurrection_of_the_dark_dragon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-resurrection-of-the-dark-dragon-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"149\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force: Resurrection Of The Dark Dragon (GBA)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>THQ<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Amusement Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>8th Jun 2004 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>3rd Aug 2007 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If there\u2019s one thing the Shining series does well, apart from great RPGs of course, it\u2019s remakes. This one was released on GBA back when Sega was trying to re-establish the series post-Camelot and was produced by Amusement Vision, the same internal studio behind <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gamecube\/super_monkey_ball\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Super Monkey Ball<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gamecube\/f-zero_gx\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">F-Zero GX<\/a>, who would later create the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps2\/yakuza\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Yakuza<\/a> series.<\/p>\n<p>Everything that made the original Mega Drive game so good was retained, but Amusement Vision also added a brand new story and battles told across a handful of chapters that run in parallel to the main plot and feature three entirely new characters, including Mawlock, a truly unique unit whose spells and abilities could be customised using collectable cards found hidden all around the game.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also a completely new art style, more colourful and stylised for the Nintendo audience. These new visuals may prove divisive to some; they\u2019re a little on the garish side, presumably so they stand out on dim GBA screens. So if you can\u2019t quite stomach the saccharin style, then you may want to swap around this entry with the original Shining Force in our ranking.<\/p>\n<p>It would be completely valid to prefer the original Mega Drive game, but for this writer\u2019s money, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/gba\/shining_force_resurrection_of_the_dark_dragon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Resurrection Of The Dark Dragon<\/a> is the definitive way to play a classic.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-the-holy-ark-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining The Holy Ark (Saturn)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/saturn\/shining_the_holy_ark\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-the-holy-ark-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"231\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining The Holy Ark (Saturn)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Developer: <strong>Sonic! Software Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>Jul 1997 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>19th Jun 1997 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In 1997, Sega returned to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/megadrive\/shining_in_the_darkness\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining in the Darkness<\/a> template with a follow-up that improved on the formula in every way.<\/p>\n<p>First of all, there\u2019s an auto-map. Yay! But that\u2019s not all. The pre-rendered sprites are absolutely gorgeous; the music, by Motoi \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/ps3\/dark_souls\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dark Souls<\/a>\u201d Sakuraba, is exceptional; and the puzzle-heavy design of the dungeons removes all monotony from the genre entirely and makes exploration a joy. All of the elements come together brilliantly to make every step on the adventure an engrossing and enjoyable one.<\/p>\n<p>As for the story\u2026 continuity is inconsistent at best across the Shining series \u2013 many entries are unconnected from the last \u2013 but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/saturn\/shining_the_holy_ark\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining The Holy Ark<\/a> is notable as its events take place ten years before those of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/saturn\/shining_force_iii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force III<\/a> and help set up that game\u2019s major villain.<\/p>\n<p>Think of this game as a prologue in one of the 32-bit era\u2019s finest RPG sagas, and you\u2019re bound to become a fan.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-ii-ancient-sealing-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force II: Ancient Sealing (MD)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/megadrive\/shining_force_ii_ancient_sealing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-ii-ancient-sealing-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"210\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force II: Ancient Sealing (MD)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Climax Entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>19th Oct 1994 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>2nd Jul 1994 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for the plutonic ideal of Shining Force, then this is the one. It builds on the original game in all the ways a good sequel should. It\u2019s bigger, much bigger, more colourful, better looking, and rich with memorable, engaging battles.<\/p>\n<p>At the time, the Takahashi brothers feared this may be their last game, so they gave their all for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/megadrive\/shining_force_ii_ancient_sealing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force II<\/a>, expanding not just on the battles but also the RPG nature of the game, with a deeper, more ambitious story and an expansive overworld map that could be freely explored at will.<\/p>\n<p>Best of all, Shining Force II has some of the best characters in the series. A fantastic hero in the form of Bowie, a likeable lad with a cape that flaps in the wind during battle; a worthy adversary called Odd-Eye who draws the heroes into a dramatic story with personal stakes and, of course, a wealth of bizarre characters to flesh out your ranks, including a rat who happens to be a great thief and a powerful phoenix called Peter.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for somewhere to start with the Shining series, then this highly polished and supremely playable standalone entry is the best place to begin.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-iii-artwork.900x250.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force III (Saturn)\"\/><a class=\"cover scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/saturn\/shining_force_iii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shining-force-iii-cover.cover_small.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"235\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shining Force III (Saturn)\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <strong>SEGA<\/strong> \/ Developer: <strong>Camelot Software<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Release Date: <strong>31st Jul 1998 (USA)<\/strong> \/ <strong>Jun 1998 (UK\/EU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As fate would have it, this was the final game that the series creators at Camelot would work on, and boy did they go out with a bang.<\/p>\n<p>Not only did <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/saturn\/shining_force_iii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force III<\/a> capture everything that was great about the tactical series in glorious Sega Saturn 3D, it also increased the ambition, telling its story over three discs, released separately over a period of nine months. Each disc featured an entirely different cast of playable characters, an entire game\u2019s worth of battles and a parallel narrative that ingeniously told the story of a civil war from multiple perspectives.<\/p>\n<p>Much like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/games\/scd\/shining_force_cd\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shining Force CD<\/a>, players could also transfer their save data from one disc to the next, carrying with them not just all their characters\u2019 stats but also their choices, which would result in story beats and even character unlocks not possible without the save data.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly, only the first chapter was ever released in the US and Europe, leaving Western players baffled by the game\u2019s cliffhanger ending, but thankfully, enterprising fans stepped in and eventually produced a fan translation for the whole saga.<\/p>\n<p>When played as a whole, it\u2019s clear to see that Shining Force III is Camelot\u2019s masterpiece and one of the finest RPGs of the 32-bit era.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a favourite game in the Shining series, please do let us know what it is and why in the comments below. We\u2019d love to hear from fans of this excellent and somewhat underrated series\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Shining series may well be best known for its line of tactics RPGs, most notably the Shining&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":609242,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[7],"tags":[30627,8972,261691,158,30884,67,132,68],"class_list":["post-609241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-best-games","tag-guides","tag-shining-force","tag-technology","tag-time-extension","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116117127597325845","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/609241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=609241"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/609241\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/609242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=609241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=609241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=609241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}