Shining Force: The Legacy of Great Intention

	System:	Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
	Gameplay:	Strategy RPG, overhead tactical
	Developer:	Sonic Co. & Climax Co.

Release and Version Information

Shining Force Japanese Version Language: Japanese System: Sega Mega Drive Publisher: Sega Japan Release Date: 20 March 1992 Release Price: 8,700 yen Availability: Common Current Value: US$10-$15.00 Highest Value: US$20.00	Shining Force USA Version Language: English System: Sega Genesis Publisher: Sega USA Release Date: 1993 Release Price: Unknown Availability: Uncommon Current Value: US$20-$50.00 Highest Value: US$60.00
Shining Force European Version Language: English System: Sega Mega Drive Publisher: Sega Europe Release Date: July 1993 Release Price: UK£49.99 Availability: Very Rare Current Value: US$40-$75.00 Highest Value: US$75.00	Shining Force Asian Version Language: English System: Sega Mega Drive Publisher: Sega Japan Release Date: Unknown Release Price: Unknown Availability: Uncommon Current Value: US$10-$15.00 Highest Value: US$25.00
Shining Force Brazilian Version sorry, no box art Language: English System: Sega Mega Drive Publisher: TecToy Release Date: Unknown Release Price: Unknown Availability: Hard to find Current Value: Unknown Highest Value: Unknown	Sega Smash Pack 2 for PC USA Version Language: English System: PC CD-ROM Publisher: Activision Release Date: 2000 Release Price: US$49.99 Availability: Common Current Value: US$10-$20.00 Highest Value: US$50.00
Sega Smash Pack for Dreamcast USA Version Language: English System: Sega Dreamcast Publisher: Sega USA Release Date: 2 May 2001 Release Price: US$42.99 Availability: Common Current Value: US$10-$20.00 Highest Value: US$45.00	Sega's Greatest Hits Vol 2 for PC UK Version Language: English System: PC CD-ROM Publisher: Unknown Release Date: 2000 Release Price: PC Bundle Software Availability: Hard to find Current Value: US$5-$10.00 Highest Value: US$10.00
Sega Smash Pack Twin Pack USA Version Language: English System: PC CD-ROM Publisher: Activision Release Date: 2002 Release Price: US$14.99 Availability: Common Current Value: US$10-20.00 Highest Value: US$20.00	Sega Greatest Hits Vol 2 UK (Hasbro) Version Language: English System: PC CD-ROM Publisher: Hasbro Release Date: 2000 Release Price: PC Bundle Software Availability: Hard to find Current Value: US$5-$10.00 Highest Value: US$10.00
Sega Archives from USA Vol 3 Japanese Version Language: English System: PC CD-ROM Publisher: Unknown Release Date: 1999 Release Price: 3,300 yen Availability: Uncommon Current Value: US$20-40.00 Highest Value: US$40.00	Sonic Action 4 Pack USA Version Language: English System: PC CD-ROM Publisher: Activision Release Date: Unknown Release Price: Unknown Availability: Common Current Value: US$15.00 Highest Value: US$15.00

Game Introduction

Following the success of Shining in the Darkness in 1991, Shining Force: The Legacy of Great Intention was released and eagerly purchased by fans of the former. The games have their similarities, but on the whole the style of Shining Force's gameplay is very different than it's predecessor. This was one of the first (although not the first) console games to utilise it's now classic tactical overhead turn-based battle system. Many purists do not consider Shining Force to be an RPG, due to it's strategic nature, I consider it a Strategy or Tactical RPG.

In Shining Force you don't just control one, two or even three characters - your army includes 12 members, out of a possible 30 to recruit during the game. While the story is far from unique (the evil guy - in this case, Dark Dragon - is coming back to take over the world, and it's your job to stop him), the graphics are sweet and the sound is catchy. Various comedy moments in the game make this an absolute classic that's not to be missed.

Shining Force is now available on the Sega Smash Pack for Dreamcast, and Smash Pack 2 for PC. Though the original game is hard to find and expensive these days, you should have no problems getting it for the Dreamcast or PC in the USA!