Shining Force EXA PS2 Bound
It's not a strategy RPG update of the classics, but it does have some strategy involved, so that's something... right?
Published: September 21, 2006
The Shining Force series has come a long way since the days of endlessly addictive strategy RPG gameplay and simplistic storylines. With developer Camelot busy developing their own games, SEGA took it upon themselves to keep things going, and the result was... well, let's just say it didn't quite match the quality of the releases during the Genesis or even the Saturn days. Shining Force Neo fizzled and Shining Tears was even worse.
But to hear SEGA speak of the third Shining-related entry to hit the PlayStation 2, Shining Force EXA is meant to succeed where the other games faltered. And we have to admit, at least in concept and visual presentation, the game is indeed looking rather nice.
"The Shining franchise has provided deep plotlines and exciting gameplay throughout its long running history," summarized SEGA of America's VP of Marketing, Scott A. Steinberg. "New innovations such as the Fortress System and enhanced party commands add a new layer of strategic gameplay to Shining Force EXA that delivers a compelling experience for today's gamers."
Though it's tucked under a fair amount of standard PR catchphrases, the Fortress System does indeed sound interesting. A bit of strategy wrapped around the game's action RPG innards, the game effectively lets you build your own home base (or, if you will, your Geo Fortress) and then send out parties to handle normal quests while picking from your stable of characters to act as a defensive party should the Fortress be attacked in mid-quest. It's an interesting dynamic, and should add a little more to the standard RPG leveling and save-the-world grind. Hey, even the storyline sounds kinda neat:
"The world of Shining Force EXA has long been steeped in devastating wars and oppression. Two bitter nations wage constant war upon each other by summoning armies of beasts and demons. Now, decades later, neither side has gained any perceivable advantage over the other, while the world and its people lay ravaged and devastated by the ceaseless fighting. Players take the role of two characters in Shining Force EXA; Toma, a warrior who holds the power to wield the Shining Force, is destined to unite the divided world in which he lives; and Cyrille, a powerful sorceress who fights to create a better future for her homeland. Together Toma and Cyrille embark on a quest to bring peace and order back to their war-ravaged world."
See? Kinda interesting, right? No? Well it might be, Mr. Negative. We'll hold out hope for the game until we can get some hands-on time with a preview build. Until then enjoy these tasty screens we managed to grab.
But to hear SEGA speak of the third Shining-related entry to hit the PlayStation 2, Shining Force EXA is meant to succeed where the other games faltered. And we have to admit, at least in concept and visual presentation, the game is indeed looking rather nice.
"The Shining franchise has provided deep plotlines and exciting gameplay throughout its long running history," summarized SEGA of America's VP of Marketing, Scott A. Steinberg. "New innovations such as the Fortress System and enhanced party commands add a new layer of strategic gameplay to Shining Force EXA that delivers a compelling experience for today's gamers."
Though it's tucked under a fair amount of standard PR catchphrases, the Fortress System does indeed sound interesting. A bit of strategy wrapped around the game's action RPG innards, the game effectively lets you build your own home base (or, if you will, your Geo Fortress) and then send out parties to handle normal quests while picking from your stable of characters to act as a defensive party should the Fortress be attacked in mid-quest. It's an interesting dynamic, and should add a little more to the standard RPG leveling and save-the-world grind. Hey, even the storyline sounds kinda neat:
"The world of Shining Force EXA has long been steeped in devastating wars and oppression. Two bitter nations wage constant war upon each other by summoning armies of beasts and demons. Now, decades later, neither side has gained any perceivable advantage over the other, while the world and its people lay ravaged and devastated by the ceaseless fighting. Players take the role of two characters in Shining Force EXA; Toma, a warrior who holds the power to wield the Shining Force, is destined to unite the divided world in which he lives; and Cyrille, a powerful sorceress who fights to create a better future for her homeland. Together Toma and Cyrille embark on a quest to bring peace and order back to their war-ravaged world."
See? Kinda interesting, right? No? Well it might be, Mr. Negative. We'll hold out hope for the game until we can get some hands-on time with a preview build. Until then enjoy these tasty screens we managed to grab.