Classic Games

Shining Force

Tactical RPG warfare

Shining Force brought tactical RPG battles to the Mega Drive, combining Fire Emblem-style grid combat with explorable towns and a diverse army of recruitable characters.

sega-mega-drivegame-gear strategyrpgsega 1992

Overview

Build an army. Fight evil. Shining Force adapted tactical RPG gameplay for Sega’s console, offering grid-based battles with up to twelve party members against the forces of Darksol. Between battles, players explored towns, recruited characters, and managed equipment. Sega’s answer to Fire Emblem found its own devoted audience.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Sonic! Software Planning (Camelot).
  • Publisher: Sega.
  • Genre: Tactical RPG.
  • Party size: Up to 12 in battle.

Battle system

ElementImplementation
Grid movementTurn-based positioning
Attack rangeWeapon-dependent
TerrainMovement/defence effects
ExperienceIndividual character growth

Character recruitment

MethodLocation
Story joinsAutomatic recruitment
Hidden charactersSecret locations
Dialogue choicesConversation triggers
Total roster30+ characters

Character classes

ClassRole
WarriorMelee combat
KnightMounted, mobile
ArcherRanged attacks
MageOffensive magic
HealerSupport spells
BirdmanFlying unit

Class promotion

SystemEffect
Level 10+Promotion available
Upgraded classEnhanced stats, abilities
TimingStrategic choice

Exploration

Between battlesActivities
Town explorationNPCs, shops
EquipmentWeapon/armour upgrades
HeadquartersParty management
Story progressionNarrative advancement

Shining series

TitleYearPlatform
Shining in the Darkness1991Mega Drive
Shining Force1992Mega Drive
Shining Force II1993Mega Drive
Shining Force CD1994Mega CD

Fire Emblem comparison

AspectShining ForceFire Emblem
DeathRevivablePermanent (classic)
ExplorationTown wanderingMap-based
ToneLighterOften darker

See also