Shining Force: Hikari to Yami no Eiyū, also known as Shining Force III, is a tactical role-playing game developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Sega. Originally released in Japan in 1997 for the Sega Saturn, the game later received a limited release in North America and Europe in 1998. Despite its limited availability, Shining Force III is widely regarded as a classic of the genre.
The Story
The game takes place in a world split into two opposing factions – the Republic of Aspinia and the Holy Kingdom of Destonia. The player takes on the role of Synbios, a young officer in the Aspinian army, as he and his comrades fight to protect their homeland from the invading forces of Destonia. Along the way, Synbios discovers a deeper conspiracy at work and must team up with unlikely allies to save the world from a sinister plot.
The Gameplay
Shining Force III follows the traditional formula of tactical RPGs – players move their units across a grid-based map, positioning them strategically to attack enemies or avoid enemy attacks. Combat takes place in turn-based battles, where players select actions for each unit in their party. The game also features a class system, where characters can level up and specialize in different skills and abilities.
One notable feature of Shining Force III is the “scenario system” – the game is split into three separate scenarios that follow different characters and storylines. Each scenario can be played independently, but playing them in order unlocks additional story elements and endings. This unique system was ahead of its time and added replay value to the game.
The Graphics and Sound
Shining Force III was one of the most visually impressive games on the Sega Saturn, with detailed sprites and environments that pushed the console to its limits. The game’s art direction, character designs, and animations are top-notch and still hold up today.
The soundtrack, composed by Motoi Sakuraba, is also noteworthy. The music ranges from epic orchestral pieces to catchy battle themes, and perfectly complements the game’s epic storyline.
The Legacy
Despite its limited release, Shining Force III has a dedicated fanbase that still holds the game in high regard. The game’s unique structure, engaging story, and solid gameplay have stood the test of time and influenced many other tactical RPGs that followed.
In 2007, a fan translation patch was released that allowed English-speaking gamers to experience the entire trilogy, as the second and third scenarios were never officially localized. Sega has also released remastered versions of the game on newer consoles, giving a new generation of players the chance to discover this classic gem.
Conclusion
Shining Force: Hikari to Yami no Eiyū is a true classic of the tactical RPG genre, and is definitely worth playing for fans of the genre or the Shining series. With its engaging story, solid gameplay, and unique scenario system, it is sure to provide hours of entertainment. Its legacy has continued to this day, and it is still regarded as one of the best games on the Sega Saturn.