Formula
for an RPG: take rag-tag group of outcasts featuring one impetuous young
swordsman with “fabulous” hair, a seasoned knight, a magician with a secret, and
throw in an elven archer for good measure. Put them in search of a mystical,
world-changing object and team them up against an evil power. Now shake it up
and pour it out. Hence the creation of Shining Force EXA, the latest Shining
Force game to hit the PlayStation 2.
A year and
a half after its predecessor, Shining Force Neo, Shining Force EXA feels a lot
like the game that came before it. Even though the storyline has changed up a
little bit, the much of the gameplay has been largely unchanged, which can be
bad or good depending on how much you enjoyed Shining Force Neo. However,
newbies might find the storyline and dialog to be a bit too mind-numbing, the
combat system too simplistic, and the overall dynamic a bit too dull and
repetitive.
EXA’s
storyline follows an eclectic group of warriors as they search for a holy sword
known as the Shining Force. Sporting some pretty obvious Arthurian legend
overtones, the elusive sword will grant its discoverer with the power to rule
the world. On their search for the sword, however, things start to get pretty
nasty and the team is thrown into the middle of a huge war between the two
factions battling for supremacy.
The
gameplay in Shining Force EXA is going to feel immediately familiar to RPG fans,
as it presents pretty light action/role-playing elements. The battles are pretty
simplistic, requiring you to perform rudimentary combos and a few special
attacks as you play the game. You can switch between the two main characters,
Toma and Cyrille, in the heat of battle. This allows you to take advantage of
each of their abilities, be it Toma’s sword fighting skills or Cyrille’s spell
casting abilities. The other two characters from the group are relegated to
computer-controlled roles.
One unique
addition to the game is the Geo-Fortress. Basically, the Geo-Fortress adds the
“thinking” portion of the game to contrast the battle system’s all-out action
elements. Once you get the Geo-Fortress (which is essentially a headquarters for
your team), you must protect it, as it becomes your central hub to keep your
team members and upgrade your weaponry. You’ll have to keep it safe by fighting
monsters that come to attack it. You can upgrade it with new items, like radars
and cannons for protection.
Shining
Force EXA’s graphical presentation is very bright and colorful, which goes along
with the game’s overall lighthearted feel. The character models have a vaguely
cel-shaded look to them, and the environments look pretty good. The game does
experience some slow down in the hairier battles, however.
The sound
is the area where Shining Force EXA gets pretty rough. While the music and sound
effects are decent (but not outstanding by any means), the voice acting is flat
out awful. The dialogue is mind-numbingly cheesy, and even took me out of the
story more often than not.
Shining
Force EXA is a pretty run-of-the-mill, light RPG. Your personal investment to
SEGA’s “Shining” franchise will ultimately determine your satisfaction level
with EXA. If you’re a huge fan and can’t wait for each and every installment,
then Shining Force EXA should give you more of the same. However, those with
only a passing regard for the series will find it a little too light.
|
Review Scoring Details for Shining Force EXA |
Gameplay: 7.0
The game plays
almost exactly like Shining Force Neo, so if you’ve played that game, then
you’ll know what to expect. The Geo-Fortress is an interesting touch and adds a
new element to the game. However, the battle system is pretty simplistic, and
doesn’t provide the depth that other RPGs offer.
Graphics: 7.5
The cel-shaded look
works well for the game’s lighthearted content and the effects look pretty good.
There are a few bouts with slow-down in action-heavy battles.
Sound: 5.0
Decent music and
sound effects are brought down by absolutely horrible dialogue and voice acting,
and could even take you out of the game.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 6.5
Shining Force EXA
is a nice (if light) RPG, but it just feels too similar to its predecessor to
feel like a wholly new game.
Overall: 7.0
Shining Force EXA
is can be fun at times, but the simplistic combat can wear you down after a
while, and the overall experience is lacking in depth.
