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Shining Force

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If you are looking for information on the Shining series in general, please see Shining Force series
Shining Force: Legacy of Great Intention
File:Shiningforce1.gif
Developer(s)Sonic Co. & Climax Co.
Publisher(s)
Platform(s)Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
Release
Genre(s)Tactical role-playing game
Mode(s)Single player

Shining Force: The Legacy of Great Intention, more commonly referred to as Shining Force, is a 1992 turn-based strategy role playing video game for the Sega Genesis console. While primarily a traditional fantasy-themed game, it contains some steampunk elements.

Dark Dragon, who was defeated years ago by the ancients has returned to earth. As the people have forgotten about him, they are unprepared for the invasion. Hordes of evil monsters were cast into the land. Max and his "Shining Force are going to become the last hope of good and fight fiercely against Dark Dragon and his followers

File:Shining force.png

Game Info

While the game is the first in the Shining Force series, it is technically the second game released in the greater Shining series, which began with Shining in the Darkness. The transition from Shining in the Darkness to Shining Force was a major change, with few elements between the two games being shared, save for the names of certain items and spells. The villain of the first game, Darksol, reappeared throughout many of the following games in the series. Another significant change was in gameplay. Shining in the Darkness was a dungeon crawler in first-person perspective, while Shining Force was a third-person strategy RPG game.

The game was first released in 1992 in Japan, and 1993 in North America and Europe. It's been re-released in 1999 for "Sega Archives form USA" (Japanese), in 2000 for Sega Smash Pack 2 and Sega's Greatest Hits 2, both for PC, in 2001 for "Sega Smash Pack for Dreamcast", and again in 2002 for "Sega Smash Pack Twin Pack" for the PC.

The game was remade in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance under the title Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon. The changes included three new characters, extended chapters, and the addition of ally and enemy "cards" allowing a certain character to use their respective special bonuses and abilities in battle.

Plot

As the game opens, the following is shown on screen:

In ages long forgotten... Light fought Darkness for control of the world.
Dark Dragon led the evil hordes of darkness.
The Ancients fought back with the Powers of Light.
Dark Dragon was defeated and cast into another dimension.
The Lord of Darkness vowed to return in 1,000 years.
Time passed, and Dark Dragon was forgotten by all.
Ten centuries of peace ruled the land of Rune.
Until the kingdom of Runefaust brought war to Rune.
Hordes of evil creatures ravaged the land.
Here and there, strongholds of Good still held out...
awaiting a Hero who could wield the Powers of Light!

Chapter 1: Runefaust Invasion

The game opens in the Kingdom of Guardiana, in the land of Rune. You play as a Swordsman whose name you choose (default is Max, that is what will be used through the rest of this article.) Max is a disciple of the famed knight Varios, who is called upon when a force from Runefaust is seen at the Gate of the Ancients. Varios chooses to send Max to investigate, so as not to scare the townsfolk with a large force. At this point you are joined by 5 other characters, and given 100 gold. Once you exit Guardiana, your adventure begins.

  • BATTLE 01: Battle at the Western Gate of the Ancients. Defeat the Rune Knight.

At this point, the Runefaust army has made it to the Gate of the Ancients to the east of Guardiana, apparently not realizing that there is a gate right by Runefaust. They are looking for the key to the Castle of the Ancients, which actually is the Chaos Breaker, and therefore is not there nor does it exist at all at that point. Once the Rune Knight is defeated, he tells the Shining Foce that Kane is now attacking Guardiana.

  • BATTLE 02: Battle from West Gate en route to Guardiana Kingdom. Defeat all enemies.

You now have to battle to get back to Guardiana, which is under attack. An earthquake, which took place at the beginning of the last battle, blocked the road you took to the gate, so you have to go around some mountains to get back home, battling along the way.

  • BATTLE 03: Battle from Guardiana Kingdom en route to Alterone Kingdom. Defeat all enemies.

After you see Varios and the king die, Varios' daughter Mae tells you that you should go to Alterone next. You are attacked by the Runefaust army, probably led there by Kane.

  • BATTLE 04: Battle at the City of Alterone. Defeat all enemies.

You have just been released from and underground prison cell by Khris, who then joins you. She opens up a secret passage in the cell, which leads you eventually to your headquarters. Once you return to ground level, you are ambushed by the Runefaust army. You can go two directions from the starting point, right or up, but either way, you have to defeat all enemies.

After completing the battle in Alterone, the king asks to see you. He asks you to forgive him. You have the option to say yes or no, but you need to say yes in order to progress. Once you do, he tells you to look in side a dragon's head within the castle, where you find a chain, which you must pull. It then opens a secret passage nearby, within which is a door. You go to the door, and the chapter ends.

Chapter 2: Spirit of the Holy Spring

At this point, you have reached the town of Rindo, one of few towns that hasn't been attacked yet, though they are putting on plays depicting Guardiana being attacked. You need to talk to the mayor before leaving.

  • BATTLE 05: Battle from Rindo Town en route to Manarina Academy. Defeat all enemies.

The citizens of Manarina have sent creatures to attack you: they think you are from Runefaust. Beware of the zombies, who have high attack and defense.

You have entered the Manarina Academy. On the stairs in the front hall is Anri, the princess of Guardiana. After hearing about the invasion and her father's death, she runs off. Nova tells Max to comfort her. You then find her on an upper level. Once you talk to her, she joins. You then go down to Otrant, who tells you to gain the Orb of Light and use it at the Pool of the Ancients.

  • BATTLE 06: Battle at the Cavern of Darkness. Defeat the Skeleton.
  • BATTLE 07: Battle at the Rindo Circus Tent. Defeat the Marionette.
  • BATTLE 08: Battle at the Shade Abbey Chapel of Light. Defeat all enemies.

Chapter 3: Secret Weapon of Runefaust

  • BATTLE 09: Battle at the Bustoke Quarry. Defeat the Master Mage.
  • BATTLE 10: Battle from Bustoke Town en route to the Limestone Bridge. Defeat all enemies.
  • BATTLE 11: Battle from the Limestone Bridge en route to Pao. Defeat the second Silver Knight.

Chapter 4: The Great Fortress of Balbazak

  • BATTLE 12: Battle at the Pao Prairie. Defeat General Elliott.
  • BATTLE 13: Battle at the Uranbatol Fortress. Defeat all enemies.
  • BATTLE 14: Battle at the Uranbatol Harbor. Defeat General Balbazak.

Chapter 5: Gateway to the Hidden Shrine

  • BATTLE 15: Battle at the Ship, part one. Defeat all enemies.
  • BATTLE 16: Battle at the Ring Reef's Shining Path to Metapha. Defeat the Master Mage.
  • BATTLE 17: Battle at the Ship, part deux. Defeat all enemies.

Chapter 6: Descendant of the Sacred Dragons

  • BATTLE 18: Battle from Rudo Town en route to Dragonia Village. Defeat the Durahan.
  • BATTLE 19: Battle at the Dragonia Village. Defeat Lord Kane.
  • BATTLE 20: Battle from Rudo Town en route to Demon Castle. Defeat all enemies.
  • BATTLE 21: Battle at the Demon Castle. Defeat Mishaela.

Chapter 7: The Ancient Civilization

  • BATTLE 21: Battle from Prompt Kingdom en route to the Tower of the Ancients. Defeat all enemies.
  • BATTLE 22: Battle at the Tower of the Ancients. Defeat the Demon Master.
  • BATTLE 23: Battle at Prompt's Shining Path to Metapha. Defeat Chaos.
  • BATTLE 25: Battle from Prompt Kingdom en route to Runefaust Kingdom / Protectora. Defeat all enemies.

Chapter 8: Rise of the Ancient Castle

  • BATTLE 26: Battle at the Runefaust Castle part one. Defeat all enemies.
  • BATTLE 27: Battle at the Runefaust Castle part deux. Defeat King Ramladu.
  • BATTLE 28: Battle at the Castle of the Ancients part one. Defeat Lightning Guardian Colossus (the central head with Bolt level 3)
  • BATTLE 29: Battle at the Castle of the Ancients part two. Defeat Lord Darksol.
  • BATTLE 30: Battle at the Castle of the Ancients part deux. Defeat the three heads of Dark Dragon.

Epilogue

When you defeat Dark Dragon, he doesn't die, until you stab him in the heart, which reseals him in another dimension. You cast your Egress spell, which normally transports everyone to safety, but this time saves everyone but you. The other characters watch as the castle of the ancients sinks back into the water, and Max is officially Missing In Action, presumed dead. After the credits, there is a small scene where Max is shown talking to a farmer in a far away land, who invites him to come live in their village. Max agrees, and the game ends.


Characters

The Shining Force

Here are the 30 recruitable members of the Shining Force, in order of being recruited in the game.

  • MAX (Swordsman / Hero). You play as him. He is the strongest character of the game and has a special attack(similar to MUSASHI) when one more blow is needed to kill Dark Dragon. Being given the mission to stop Runefaust, you are obliged to do your quest till the very end. Besides, you have up to 11 members in your combat team. If Max dies, you lose the battle, as well as half of your total gold. His only magic is EGRESS, which retreats you from a battle at will. Max wields any type of sword with fervent ease. Near the end, you'll gain the ultimate sword Chaos Breaker by uniting the Sword of Light and the Sword of Darkness in Metapha.
  • LUKE (Warrior / Gladiator). Luke is one of the young fighters of the Guardiana army, and will be one of your first comrades. As dwarves disdain the use of magic, they maximize their strength in brute force. Luke wields lightweight swords as well as heavy axes.
  • KEN (Knight / Paladin). Ken is one of the young fighters of the Guardiana army, and will be one of your first comrades. He wields light spears as well as heavy lances. He is also unable to use magic.
  • TAO (Mage / Wizardess). Tao is one of the young fighters of the Guardiana army, and will be one of your first comrades. With only a rod, she is weak in physical combat; but her prowess lies in her ability to cast devastating magic spells. Her element of specialty is fire, and can learn up to BLAZE Level 4 spell. She also learns the SLEEP, DISPEL, and BOOST spells.
  • HANS (Archer / Bow Master). Hans is one of the young fighters of the Guardiana army, and will be one of your first comrades. As an archer, he can't stand being in the front lines for so long, but proves himself very effective in the rear flanks. His bow depends on his current class, and only needs a supply of arrows to be able to attack. He also cannot use magic.
  • LOWE (Healer / Vicar). Lowe is Max's childhood best friend. He is one of the young fighters of the Guardiana army, and will be one of your first comrades. With only a staff, he won't be of much use in combat, but his specialty lies in healing you comrades' injuries, as well as enhancing their combat prowess. He can learn 4 Levels of HEAL, DETOX, as well as 2 Levels of both SLOW and QUICK spells.
  • GONG (Monk / Master Monk). Gong is one of the Ancient Warriors who fought Runefaust, and will aid you if you talk to him in the hut beside the Western Ancient Gate. He is the typical man of war and healing, being effective in both attributes. He can learn Level 4 HEAL, as well as the AURA spell. He prefers to fight bare-fisted.
  • MAE (Knight / Paladin). Mae is the daughter of Max's mentor Lord Varios. She resented Max until the day Kane killed her father. Since then, Mae acknowledged Max as a worthy student of her father. There is some debate over whether she actually loved Max or whether she came to accept him as a friend or perhaps brother-figure, since Varios was like a father to Max. She wields light spears as well as heavy lances. She is unable to use magic.
  • GORT (Warrior / Gladiator). Gort is an old dwarf who will join you if you talk to him in the pub, after the Runefaust Invasion. As dwarves disdain the use of magic, they maximize their strength in brute force. Gort wields lightweight swords as well as heavy axes.
  • KHRIS (Healer / Vicar). Khris is the princess' caretaker in Alterone. After Kane imprisoned Max, she released Max and joins the Shining Force. Surprisingly for a healer, she can hold her own decently in combat with a good staff, but her true specialty lies in healing your comrades' injuries, as well as enhancing their combat prowess. She can learn 4 Levels of HEAL, 2 Levels of AURA, as well as the SLOW and QUICK spells.
  • ANRI (Mage / Wizardess). Anri is the beloved daughter of King Guardiana and resided in Manarina as a student mage. When she learned that Kane killed her father, she joins the Shining Force. With only a rod, she is weak in physical combat; but her prowess lies in her ability to cast devastating magic spells. Her element of specialty is ice, and can learn up to FREEZE Level 4 spell. She also learns 2 Levels of BLAZE and BOLT, as well as the MUDDLE spells.
  • ARTHUR (Knight / Paladin). Arthur was a great knight who retired in Manarina as a mere laundryman. After Max gave him the fighting spirit, he joins the Shining Force. He wields light spears as well as heavy lances. Having stayed in Manarina allowed him to learn the Level 1 BLAZE, FREEZE, and BOLT spells, being the only centaur, not to mention lancer to be able to do so.
  • AMON (Birdman / Sky Warrior). Amon is the wife of Balbaroy who was trapped at the Shade Abbey's Chapel of Light. After dispatching the undead monsters and saving Balbaroy, Amon decides to tag along and lead the Force to Uranbatol. She wields almost any type of sword, and like the dwarves, she is unable to use magic.
  • BALBAROY (Birdman / Sky Warrior). Balbaroy is Amon's husband, who's trapped at the Shade Abbey's Chapel of Light. After being dispelled of his cursed state, Balbaroy joins the Shining Force to Uranbatol. He wields almost any type of sword, and like the dwarves, he is unable to use magic.
  • DIANE (Archer / Bow Master). Diane is the red-haired princess of Bustoke, who will join you if you agree to rescue the men from the Bustoke Quarry. As an archer, she can't stand being in the front lines for so long, proving herself effective in the rear flanks. Her bow depends on her current class, and only needs a supply of arrows to be able to attack. She also cannot use magic.
  • ZYLO (Were Wolf / Wolf Baron). Zylo is the warwolf of Bustoke who went berserk after the Runefaust Invasion in their town. Since then he was locked away from civilization. After Max recovers the quarry and the alchemist made the Lunar Dew, Zylo will have a full recovery and will join the Shining Force. His mobility is not hindered be forests, and is a potent melee fighter.
  • PELLE (Knight / Paladin). Pelle is a former Runefaust assassin, but after he saw Kane's evil deeds and was near death in the bridge to Pao, he resigned his post and joins the Shining Force after their victory against the Laser Eye. Pelle is the strongest paladin in the game. He wields light spears as well as heavy lances. He is unable to use magic.
  • JOGURT (Yogurt). Jogurt is a mere comically useless member, who joins you via a secret passage in the chapel of Pao. He can't use magic or weapons, and only has 1 point for most of his attributes. Enough said. If he manages to defeat enough enemies, he might drop a surprise.
  • KOKICHI (Wing Knight / Sky Lord). Kokichi is the loony inventor in Bustoke, who's making finishing touches on a winged backpack enabling him to fly. He won't join you unless Max had seen his flight demo in Bustoke. If you did, he'll join you after the wagons have left Pao. He wields light spears as well as heavy lances.
  • VANKAR (Knight / Paladin). Vankar is the famed bouncer of Pao but was fired because of sleeping in duty. He will join you after the Pao wagons have left. He wields light spears as well as heavy lances, and is unable to use magic.
  • DOMINGO (Magic Creature). Domingo won't join you unless Max had the Doingo Egg from the Manarina robot and hatched that egg in the Item Shop in the second Pao. Domingo is extremely useless in physical combat, compensating for this with his ability to fly, his solid defense, as well as casting devastating spells, like 4 Levels of FREEZE, as well as learn the MUDDLE, DESOUL, and BOOST spells. If his magic points run out, you can use him as a wall, because mostly all enemies only do 1 damage on him.
  • GUNTZ (Steam Knight / Steam Baron). Guntz is the the armored assistant of the Rindo inventor. When the steam suit is finally fault-free, he joins Max's team in the second Pao. He wields light spears as well as heavy lances. He is unable to use magic, but can endure heavy hits and counterattack with heavy damage. For all it's worth, he's a living tank.
  • EARNEST (Knight / Paladin). Earnest is the lone survivor of Balbazak's invasion of Uranbatol. He is consumed by vengeance for Balbazak after the massacre of his family. He will join you once Max reaches the inner fortress of Uranbatol. He wields light spears as well as heavy lances, and is unable to use magic. This is the most balanced centuar of all and the best.
  • LYLE (Assault Knight / Snipe Knight). Lyle is among the only adults who resided in Rudo. He will join you once you speak to him in his lone room in the tower. Being a typical long-ranged attacker, he can't stand being hit for very long, but his decent offense makes up for it. He is the strongest archer and worth to invest in. If you train him he will do an incredible amount of damage and have high hit points. His cannon needs a supply of arrows to be able to attack. He cannot use magic.
  • BLEU (Dragon / Great Dragon). Bleu is the last descendant of the Sacred Dragons. He joins Max after he has been revived of his fighting spirit when he saved Karin in Dragonia. He is a very versatile fighter. He cannot use magic, but he can fly, attack at great power and can resist heavy damage. Like every character you get, Blue starts off weak. If you want him to get strong you must have a lot of patience, but if you do not, he is completely useless and should not be on your team.
  • MUSASHI (Samurai). Musashi is the hidden character from Prompt, who joins you once you locate the stone slab on the wall after King Kusuko imprisoned Max. He is an incredibly strong fighter. He cannot use magic, but he can attack at great power and can resist heavy damage. He wields the Katana, one of the most powerful swords in the whole game.
  • ALEF (Mage / Wizardess). Alef is one of Prompt's soldiers to attack the Ancient Tower. Yet they could not still stop Darksol, so she and Torasu joins Max after the Ancient Tower battle. Alef is the only character who can learn Bolt 4, arguably the most powerful spell in the game. She can also learn 2 Levels of BLAZE and FREEZE, as well as the DESOUL spells.
  • TORASU (Healer / Vicar). Torasu is one of Prompt's soldiers to attack the Ancient Tower. Yet they could not still stop Darksol, so he and Alef joins Max after the Ancient Tower battle. Torasu is the most powerful healer in the game; his Aura 4 spell fully restores the hit points of the entire Shining Force, and his Shield spell nullifies conventional magic. He learns 4 Levels of AURA, 2 Levels of HEAL, as well as the DETOX and SHIELD spells.
  • ADAM (Robot / Cyborg). Adam is a Robot of Ancient technology, together with Chaos. When Chaos was reprogrammed by Darksol, he prevents Adam and Max from creating the Chaos Breaker. Upon Max's victory over Chaos, Adam joins him to help him create the Sword of Legends. Being a robot, he's naturally unable to use spells, though he can endure heavy hits and counterattack with heavy damage. Adam joins the force incredibly weak and is the most difficult character to build up.
  • HANZOU (Ninja). Hanzou is the hidden character from Runefaust, who joins you once you locate the shuriken hidden among the bushes of Runefaust city. He is not as powerful as Musashi, yet his command of Ninjitsu allows him to cast spells like SLEEP, DISPEL, DESOUL, and SHIELD. He also wields a Doom Blade, one of the most powerful swords in the whole game.

Shining Force GBA Remake characters

These following characters are only available on the game remake for Game Boy Advance - Shining Force: Ressurection of Dark Dragon.

  • NARSHA (Shaman / Guru). Narsha is the daughter of King Ramladu. When her father turns to evil, she rebels against him and flees from the castle. As a brave and strong-willed woman, she is willing to confront her own father, although she hopes to find a way of redeeming him. She is a shaman, like her father, thus is able to use powerful support magic including AURA, BOOST, ATTACK and STEP, as well as fighting with a mace. She is probably the most powerful healer of the game, although the high MP cost of her spells somewhat reduces her usefulness.
  • MAWLOCK (Card Master). Mawlock is a a wandering sage who collects cards to increase his knowledge and power. Despite his monstrous appearance, Mawlock is a nice person and willing to use his power to save the world. His unique Card ability makes him argueably the most powerful character of the game, despite his mediocre physical combat ability and the fact that he is limited to using only up to 4 cards each battle.
  • ZUIKA (Assassin / Terminator). Unlike the other new characters of the remake, Zuika is poorly developed in both background and personality. He has an insect-like appearance, and virtually comes from nowhere to aid Narsha on his quest. Although he doesn't seem spectacular in combat, he possesses the formidable ability of virtually doubling his power when he is reduced to less than 25% his maximum HP.

In addition, on the Shining Force GBA revival:

  • Hanzou (Ninja) can now be promoted to Super Ninja
  • Musashi (Samurai) can now be promoted to Sword Master.

Main Antagonists

  • DARKSOL. The main antagonist of the game, Darksol, is a mysterious figure who arrives at the kingdom of Runefaust, and is quickly entrusted by the King, Ramladu, and named commander of the kingdom armies. Soon it's discovered that he intents to ressurrect a terrible monster named Dark Dragon and use it to rule the world. His fists are immensely strong, and he can also use the Demon Breath attack (eyeball version), which doesn't cost any MP.
  • DARK DRAGON. The infamous monster known as Dark Dragon is responsible for the near destruction of an entire civilization in ancient times. It's able to use the Demon Breath (skull version), the most powerful area attack of the game. It possesses three heads, each one with different abilities. On the original version, the heads were respectively able to cast BLAZE, FREEZE and BOLT spells (all at level 4). On the GBA remake, the central head uses solely the Demon Breath and the other heads use the less powerful Icy Breath.
  • MARIONETTE. One of the animated dolls created by Mishaela to wipe out the Shining Force. Marionette can be considered the first "boss fight" of the game, as it's much more powerful than regular enemies, being able to use the FREEZE (level 4) spell at a relatively early point in the game.
  • ELLIOTT. Elliott is a member of the dragonewt race, the last of his kind, and one of the Generals of the Runefaust Army. Unlike the other generals, Elliot is a kind person and fights for Runefaust due to loyalty rather than desire of conquering the world. He is a honorable combatant, a keen strategist, and a deadly swordsman.
  • BALBAZAK. Another General of the Runefaust army. As a Dragon Master, he possesses enormous physical strenght and skill with an axe, plus he always takes his Blue Dragon companion to fight alongside him. His weaknesses are his bad temper and cowardice.
  • KANE. Another General of the Runefaust army, Kane is a honorable combatant like Elliot, but unlike him, he possesses no gentle heart. He is responsible for the death of Max's master, the knight Varios. He is always seen using a mask which brings terror on his enemies, and he wields the mighty Dark Sword in battle.
  • MISHAELA. The witch Mishaela is Darksol's most trusted servant. She is malicious and cunning, but she is also overconfident, arrogant, and sometimes ignores Darksol's orders and prefers to solve things "her own way". Despite this, she is completely loyal to Darksol and willing to sacrifice her life for him, as shown on Shining Force: Final Conflict. A powerful magic-user, she obliterates her enemies using her BOLT (level 2) spell.
  • CHAOS. Chaos is a humanoid-like robot created by the Ancients, thus sharing a common origin with Adam. Unfortunately, Chaos was re-programmed by Darksol to serve the villain's sinister purposes. His main ability, like Adam's, is his immense strength, defense, and durability.
  • RAMLADU. The King of Runefaust ruled his land with peace and justice for many years, until the arrival of Darksol. He mysteriously started to change after that, becoming colder with his daughter, Narsha, and seeking the invade and conquer other countries. Ramladu is a Shaman, thus is both a powerful healer, able to use the AURA spell (level 3 at the original SF, level 4 at SF GBA), and a formidable combatant with a mace.
  • COLOSSUS. Collossus is another creature created by the Ancients, with the purpose of protecting Dark Dragon's seal. Like most of what's left of the Ancient civilization, Colossus is now controlled by Darksol. Colossus is composed of three giant heads, each respectively able to use the BLAZE, FREEZE and BOLT spells (level 3 at the original SF, level 4 at SF GBA).

See also

Shining Force Series

Shining Force II: Ancient Sealing

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