Platform: PlayStation 2
Genre: Action / RPG
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega
ETA: Fall 2005

Classic Gaming: Shining in the Darkness (Genesis)

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Shining Force Neo

Sega has been taunting Shining Force fans for a long time now. After cruelly neglecting the latter parts of Shining Force 3 for the Saturn, they've been abusing the property by releasing subpar hack and slashers, such as the Shining Soul games for the GBA and the terribly mediocre Shining Tears for the PS2. So it seemed even worse when Sega announced that Shining Force Neo would be yet another action-RPG game, instead of the strategy game fans were vying for. Except, somehow, this one is actually turning out to be decent.

Starring Max, the hero of the original Genesis game, Shining Force Neo is the first of the action sub-series to use full 3D. While that may disappoint those who grew fond of Shining Tear's waddling SD sprites, the change is definitely for the better. The controls are far

better and action is much better tuned, as your sword is actually long enough to hit things now. In addition to your primary character, you'll have companions who will join in combat, which you will probably need - Sega is bragging that you'll face more than fifty enemies at the same time. It's definitely daunting, but you also have a variety of magic spells to stave off the horde of foes. Unfortunately, the secondary character will only be controlled by the computer - no more two player mode.

While Sega still needs to create a proper Shining Force sequel (or at least give us a compilation of

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the parts of Shining Force 3 we missed out on), it's good to see they're at least creating a game worthy of the moniker. Shining Force Neo hits America in the fall.

Kurt Kalata

(May 24, 2005)

Game Features:
- Gorgeous anime by Studio 4C, an animation team made up of former Studio
Ghibli (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away) staff.
- Full voice acting throughout the game.
- 11 unique characters join your party during the adventure.
- More than 80 enemies will simultaneously attack Max and his party.
- 70 different weapons can be strengthened up to 9 different levels
- Characters can be trained to use 40 different types of "Force Arts" in 32 levels.
- 50-100 hours are required to complete the game.