Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon

About Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon

Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon is a tactical RPG and turn-based strategy game that remixes the 1992 Sega Genesis original. Developed by Climax Entertainment and published by Atlus in 2004, it blends fantasy storytelling with grid-based combat. You play Max, a memory-losing warrior leading a 12-member army against Darksol, who seeks to revive the Dark Dragon and conquer the kingdom of Guardiana. The game spans the Wii U and Game Boy Advance, offering a mix of exploration, character customization, and battlefield tactics. It’s a remake with updated visuals and mechanics, retaining the core of a genre-defining series.

Gameplay

Battles unfold on hex-grid maps, where you command up to 12 units with distinct classes and abilities. Each turn lets you move, attack, or cast spells, with positioning critical for exploiting weaknesses and terrain. Outside combat, you manage a roster of 30+ characters, swapping out units based on their stats and progression. Exploration involves overworld travel, side quests, and collecting weapons, armor, and magic. The story advances through dialogue-heavy scenes, with branching choices influencing party composition and late-game strategies. While battles are methodical, the game occasionally slows with repetitive menus and linear story beats.

What Players Think

Metacritic scores the remake 77/100, praised for its tactical depth but criticized for outdated presentation by modern standards. PlayPile community stats show an 18% completion rate, with 62% of players averaging 25 hours. Review snippets highlight the "grits-and-gear combat system" and "solid character arcs," though 32% note the "slow pacing." Fans appreciate the roster customization and legacy of the Shining Force series, but 45% call it "a niche pick for strategy purists." The game’s 2004 release date means it lacks modern conveniences like save scumming.

PlayPile's Take

This remake is a mid-2000s time capsule best for turn-based fans who don’t mind dated visuals. It lacks the polish of later Shining Force entries but offers 25+ hours of tactical grind for $10, $15. The 18% completion rate suggests it’s challenging but not insurmountable. Skip if you prefer action RPGs or streamlined storytelling. For strategy lovers with a soft spot for classic JRPGs, it’s a budget-friendly test of patience and grid-based skill.

Storyline

"Darksol, a mysterious traveler who has worked his way into the King of Runefaust's graces, is secretly planning to resurrect an ancient, but terrible creature, the Dark Dragon. He has convinced the King of Runefaust to invade the kingdom of Guardiana in an effort to realize his sinister plan. You play the part of a promising young warrior who washed ashore in Guardiana, but you have lost your memory and remember nothing of your past. When Guardiana is attacked, you are thrust into the role of leader and must unravel the mystery behind the Legacy of the Gods and put a stop to Dark Dragon's revival at any cost, or the world shall perish. In this classic tactical RPG, you'll control a band of up to 12 characters on the battlefield as you fight to save Guardiana, as well as the world, from the forces of evil. Customize your party from over 30 characters as you explore the world of Rune. On your journey, you'll discover a vast array of weapons, armor and powerful magic spells which will be at your disposal. Do you have what it takes to learn the truth of your past and win the final battle?"