Shining Force

Story

Prologue

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 and fear to Rune.

Hordes of evil creatures ravaged every land.

Here and there, strongholds of good still held out...

...awaiting a Hero who could wield the Powers of Light!

Gameplay

Shining Force is a turn based Tactical RPG in which the player controls multiple units on a grid based battlefield. Units range from melee fighters to ranged combatants, magic users, and flying birdmen, each with different movement ranges. Battles take place at scripted points throughout the game, on both the world map and field map locations.

Unlike some other Tactical RPGs, Shining Force features extensive field map exploration through a variety of towns and other locations. Over the course of the game the player will meet a wide cast of characters, many of whom can be recruited to the players party. Most characters are required additions, but there are also additional characters who can be met at various points in the adventure. There is a limit to the number of units taking part in a battle, however there are many more to be found in the game. Units are held in a headquarters which is an available area in every town. Inside of the headquarters the player can engage in conversations with all his units, which change according to the games events, and the units that make up the current battle party can be selected. Equipment and Items can be purchased at shops in towns for each unit.

Once units that reach level 10, out of a maximum of 20, they can be promoted, which changes their appearance and abilities. Promoted characters reset to level 1, and can level to level 20 again. The player can promote any unit between level 10 and 20, with the benefit of waiting allowing the unit to become ultimately stronger.