Shining Force

If you are looking for information on the Shining series in general, please see Shining Force series

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 Mega Drive/Genesis console. While primarily a traditional fantasy-themed game, it contains some steampunk elements.

Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon, is a 2004 remake of the game for the Game Boy Advance console. It includes a significant amount of changes (see below).

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

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. 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 Shining series flips between many gameplay styles: returning to first person dugeon crawler for Shining the Holy Ark; adopting Legend of Zelda mechanics for Shining Wisdom; and the Shining Soul games being inspired by Diablo, for instance.

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 expanded plot, new playable characters, increasing difficulty level (starting considerably low, but increases whenever you finish the game and begins a new play), and some tweaks in the gameplay (including the ability of using "cards" in battle).

Gameplay

Shining Force is considered to be relatively simple compared to other tactical RPGs. Battles take place in square grids, and each unit occupies 1 square. Units can belong to one of 2 sides: allies (controlled by the player) or enemies (controlled by the computer AI).

The gameplay is turn-based; each unit can both move and perform one action (attack, use a spell, use an item) on its turn. Some commands such as equipping or dropping items don't count as actions. The order of the turns is determined by the unit's agility score. Units can use offensive actions (such as attacking or using a BLAZE spell) only on units belonging to the other side, and they can use support actions (such as using a HEAL spell or a medical herb item) only on units belonging to the same side.

Like most video game RPGs, units can become stronger by fighting enemies and performing some actions. Those give the units experience points (EXP.), which allow them to gain levels. Like some other strategy RPGs such as Tactics Ogre or Final Fantasy Tactics, in Shining Force, enemy and ally units alike can gain experience points.

On Shining Force, each ally unit is represented by a character with its own background and personality, much like the Fire Emblem series. There are no "generic" units, except on the enemy side. Like what happens on most RPGs with a large cast of characters, however, many of these characters are left in mystery and give little or no contribution to the plot.

Each ally unit also have a class, which defines a set of abilities for that unit. Once a unit reaches level 10, it can advance to another class, called "promotion". A unit can be promoted at any level between 10 or 20; the longer you wait to promote a unit, the stronger it will be after being promoted.

Battle goals for the player (ally side) are fairly simple: either kill all enemies, or kill the enemies' leader. The enemy side wins when they manage to kill your leader, Max, or when you choose to escape the battle. Even if you escape or have your leader killed, however, you can recover your allies and fight the same enemy again. Since you always carry the EXP. and money gained, regardless of the battle outcome, the game is considerably easier than most strategy RPGs. There is no Game Over, and most of time, your army gets stronger even if your side is defeated.

Most games from the Shining Force series (with the exception of the Game Gear and Sega CD games) also possess an exploration mode, besides the regular battle mode. This gameplay mode is more similar to a traditional RPG game. In this mode, you play as the Shining Force leader (Max), and you can walk around, interact with people or the scenario, and set the members and equipment of your army.

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. Once the Rune Knight is defeated, he tells the Shining Force 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 an underground prison cell by Khris, who then joins you. She opens up a secret passage in the cell, which eventually leads you 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. Choose yes to progress. Once you do, he tells you to look inside 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 and apparently see Runefaust as the good guys. 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. Enter the cavern to start the battle.

BATTLE 06: Battle at the Cavern of Darkness. Defeat the Skeleton. After that, to obtain the Orb of Light, go the Pool of the Ancients and use it. Speak with Otrant again and a gate will open. Look for Anri and Arthur, they will join your party.

BATTLE 07: Battle at the Rindo Circus Tent. Defeat the Marionette in order to free the mayor's grandson. Speak with the mayor after the battle to get permission to use his boat.
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 two. 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 two. 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 three. 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, turns to the screen which pans over slightly and shows Adam with him, 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. This section contains background information for these characters, but it should be noted that most of this information is presented only on the GBA Remake (Shining Force: Resurrection of Dark Dragon). MAX (Swordsman / Hero). The leader of the Shining Force. He represents a "main character stereotype" which would become recurring on Shining Force games: he is a male human who can equip all swords, and he doesn't say anything, despite being the "leader". When he was a child, he was found with amnesia by the knight Varios. Varios then raised and trained him to become a soldier of Guardiana. Max can use the EGRESS spell, which allows him to retreat from a battle along with your entire party. He is a fighter with balanced stats during most part of the game; at the end, however, he starts to gain astonishing level ups and he becomes one of the most powerful units. Also by the end of the game, he is able to wield some of the most powerful weapons, including the Sword of Light and the Chaos Breaker, which include not only considerable strength but impressive spells associated with them as well. On the GBA remake, the character suffered major changes. He can speak, and actually seems to be leading the party, always giving strategy instructions to his comrades before a battle. He was also given a more complex background, but his personality is still poorly developed, at least for modern RPG standards. Instead of BOLT, he is able to cast SUPERNOVA, which is the strongest single-target spell of the game.

LUKE (Warrior / Gladiator). Luke is a dwarf, and one of the young fighters of the Guardiana army, and will be one of your first comrades. He has a lot of respect for the older dwarf Gort. Dwarves are warriors with powerful attack and one of the highest defense in the game. However they are somewhat slow, and many times fail at keeping up with the pace of faster members of the team. They can use all axes and some swords.

KEN (Knight / Paladin). Ken is a centaur, and another of the young fighters of the Guardiana army. He is son of Thomas, who was, according to him, a great warrior and commander from Guardiana. Centaurs are balanced fighters, who can wield both lances and spears. Lances deal more damage, but spears have 2-square range. The greatest advantage of centaurs is their large mobility, which unfortunately diminishes when they are on mountains. In the Megadrive/Genesis version, he is extremely useful because of his incredible HP, and still quite good later on, even though his other stats are only useless; however, his stat growths have been significantly changed in the GBA version, making him a weaker character.

TAO (Mage / Wizardess). Tao is one of the young fighters of the Guardiana army, and will be one of your first comrades. She is an elf, and served the castle as a maid before becoming a mage. Their parents were also mages, and were killed by a monster called Cerberus. Mages are weak in physical combat, but they can use devasting offensive spells. They can equip rods. Tao's 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 a hobby, he likes to draw cards to tell other people's future. As an archer, he can't attack from adjacent squares, but he can attack from 2 or 3 squares depending on the bow he is equipping.

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. His hobbies are eating (a lot), and bothering ladies with his (bad) lines. As a healer, he isn't a particularly effective physical combatant, but his specialty lies in healing your comrades' injuries, as well as enhancing their combat prowess. Healers can equip staves. He can learn 4 Levels of HEAL and 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 seems to carry everything you may think about on his backpack. As a monk, he is the typical man of war and healing, being moderately effective in both attributes. He attacks with his bare fists. 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. On the GBA Remake, it's strongly implied that she really loved Max.

GORT (Warrior / Gladiator). Gort is an old dwarf who will join you if you talk to him in the pub, after the Runefaust Invasion. He seems to be far more experienced than Luke, having fought on many important battles.

KHRIS (Healer / Vicar). Khris is the princess' caretaker in Alterone. After Kane imprisoned Max, she released Max and joins the Shining Force. She lived most of her life in a monastery. Her 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 seems to travel a lot and has a great deal of "trivia" knowledge. 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 werewolf 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. Zylo prefers fighting than thinking, and usually don't have much to say when you speak to him. He is a powerful fighter, able to hold his own without using any weapons. He also possess excellent mobility. In the Genesis/Megadrive version of the game, he's one of the best characters.

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. In the GBA version, he is called Yogurt, like his species. Curiosity: You can encounter him multiple times before he joins your party.

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 Domingo Egg from the Manarina robot and hatched that egg in the Item Shop in the second Pao. Domingo is extremely useless in physical combat (in the Genesis/Megadrive version, his attack does become decent), 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 most enemies only do 1 damage on him.

GUNTZ (Steam Knight / Steam Baron). Guntz is 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. His attack is higher than other centaurs, although his other stats aren't nearly as good.

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 in the game. 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. In the Genesis/Megadrive version, he can be leveled to be the best character in the game, but he got toned down in the GBA remake.

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, though he can also be equipped with Hanzou's Doom Blade.

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. However, she joins late enough in the game that she's not as good as she could be if she had joined earlier.

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. However, he joins late enough in the game that he's not as good as he could be if he had joined earlier.

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; however, he'll end up as one of the best fighters in the game if you take the time to build him 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 a formidable and agile fighter, and 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. However, he joins the Force three battles before the end and therefore is not nearly as good as the party members that most players have by this time.

Shining Force GBA Remake characters

These following characters are only available on the game remake for Game Boy Advance - Shining Force: Resurrection 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 arguably 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 resurrect 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 3 on the original SF, level 4 on SF GBA) spell at a relatively early point in the game.
ELLIOTT. Elliott is a member of the dragoman 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 strength 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. 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 evil and seeking to 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).

Other Characters

NOVA. Once a great warrior of Guardiana, Nova turned to be King Guardiana's advisor and a great military strategist. He also acts as an advisor to Max; you can talk to him to get tips for the next battle, and you can change your battle formation/equipment through him.
VARIOS. The centaur Varios is Max's mentor, Mae's father, and one of the most honorable and loyal knights of Guardiana. When the Runefaust army invaded Guardiana, he confronted the Runefaust General Kane, but was killed by the might of Kane's Dark Sword.

External links

Shining Force Central Excellent info on this, as well as all the other Shining games including links to walkthroughs, reviews, etc.
History of: The Shining Series Sega-16's complete retrospective on the series.
Guide for Shining Force
Home of Classic RPGs Information not only about Shining Force

Shining Force | Shining Force | シャイニング・フォース | Shining Force

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