-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
Shining Force Neo: Does anyone out there care?
- Thread starter DaBuddaDa
- Start date
i might care if the second word of the title was anything but force. "shining force" means srpg, there's already a naming convention for shining games that aren't srpgs, and those sega bastards might've followed it.
...still, it looks like fun, and i might pick it up in that tru deal next week.
...still, it looks like fun, and i might pick it up in that tru deal next week.
drohne said:
Totally agree. I almost choked when I saw the first video of "Shining Force" Neo. They should have called Shining Tears (an atrocity I bought on day one) Shining Soul Neo, and saved Shining Tears (an otherwise really cool name, IMHO) for this one, me thinks.
Dr. Kitty Muffins
Member
After reading up on it, it seems to be a very stlized action RPG with great hired outside talent behind the presentation. Not what I was expecting, but defintely worthy of a buy if the good reviews keep up. I'll place standard rpg's and strat-rpg's above it on my "to buy" list as I like those two kinds of RPG's slightly better.
Bebpo said:
You're right but in the case where you actually really like the original developer, it's better to look at what they've been doing. (Although in this case, Camelot is totally irrelevant now, content to release junk like Golden Sun series.)
It's funny how many people in this thread are looking for Sega to release a Shining game that's a SRPG. Maybe Sega can't do one without Camelot? I'd trust Overworks with a new Shining game given their strategy experience with Sakura Taisen. But the rest of their teams haven't had an inkling of experience in that area - Smilebit's RTS effort excluded.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
So what happened to Camelot? Do they still work with Sega? You would think that Sega would try (at some point) to get an SRPG of Shining Force out. I've also heard Diablo being paralleled with this game (Shining Force Neo).
TheJollyCorner
Member
I just want Shining Force 1 and 2 released on a new SEGA AGES disc or something. I played some of the Sega CD version, but not enough to form a strong opinion on it. How was Shining Force 3, btw?
Do people forget that Amusement Vision did a bang up job with the Shining Force remake on GBA? Do people even remember that there was a Shining Force remake on GBA? I don't know what's holding them back from doing Shining Force II on GBA/DS, and Shining Force III on DS/PSP. At this point, honestly, I'd probably take portable versions of those over a new sequel of questionable quality.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
TheJollyCorner said:
I played a little bit of it on an emulator (it was a bitch to get and a bitch to get going) but I liked the move to 3D. I would go as far as to get a Sega Saturn and this game just to experience it in its native environment. Although, I think my father has Sega Saturn packaged up somewhere.....maybe someone is selling SF3 on EBay.
SF1 GBA was a fantastic way to revisit an old game with new graphics, music, characters, and scenarios.
But it took a game that was already quite defficient in the gameplay department and broke it further.
I'd be wary of AV heading up a new SF SRPG, as gameplay is of the highest consideration in this genre.
But it took a game that was already quite defficient in the gameplay department and broke it further.
I'd be wary of AV heading up a new SF SRPG, as gameplay is of the highest consideration in this genre.
I never cared much for the Genesis SF games, but I dug on the GBA remake. Really easy, but satisfying mindless strategy gaming on the go. (If you can even call it strategy, more like ass-kicking with grids) Complements Fire Emblem nicely.
I don't at all get the "Shining Force" name branding hate. Partly because I just don't hold much nostalgic appreciation for the franchise, partly because 'Neo' designates this as a separate identity. Shining Force 4...maybe then I would be understanding.
I don't at all get the "Shining Force" name branding hate. Partly because I just don't hold much nostalgic appreciation for the franchise, partly because 'Neo' designates this as a separate identity. Shining Force 4...maybe then I would be understanding.
i think my irritation at the whole "force" thing has to do with the fact that i was expecting a strategy game even after we'd seen the first screens of neo. the unpleasant first impression made by footage of a dungeon crawler has lasted. that and the first two shining force games were my introduction to the genre, and i remember them fondly even if they haven't aged well.
Soul4ger said:
It took a game that was too easy but still engaging and made it SO easy that it became mostly boring and routine, towards the end. Particularly once the new maps and scenarios were behind you.
I managed to beat it, but the last chapter required that I force myself to do so, whereas I remember enjoying the original MUCH more, and had played through it in its entirety 3 times as I grew up.
At least some of that, admittedly, is by how badly the gameplay has aged, particularly in light of the US releases of the latest Fire Emblem titles.
The GBA game is a great remake with fun, new content, but the gameplay was (as always) Shining Force's weakest link. And this time, it was weaker.
IMHO, of course.
Brandon F said:
It's just that there are MANY Shining series spin-offs and they've always, until SFN, avoided using the Shining Force title.
Shining in the Darkness (technically the first in the series)
Shining Wisdom
Shining in the Holy Ark
Shining Soul I
Shining Soul II
Shining Tears
Etc.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
drohne said:
I personally think that the first Shining Force hasn't aged that well BUT I can still hitup Shining Force II from time to time and level up my characters. I actually take a 40 minute ride to work (on a train) and am thinking about getting SFII for my PSP (*cough) and play it over again.
Rummy Bunnz
Member
I was all hot for this until I read that. I'm guessing you can't skip all the yakking, huh. I could care less about why the werewolf dude needs to collect all the magical crystals. I just wanna kill things and collect loot.DaBuddaDa said:
Most of the Shining games are unrelated despite they all take place in the same universe ...Since Shining thje holy ark that is the prequel of Shining Force III . I loved the way Camelot did that , its a pity they don´t continue the story after scenario 3 .
I remember sometime ago pics of shining force 4 for dreamcast , a little after DC dead and they were very alpha pics , but Gracia was in them . So sad they halted the development.
I remember sometime ago pics of shining force 4 for dreamcast , a little after DC dead and they were very alpha pics , but Gracia was in them . So sad they halted the development.
radios shipping overview
Member
I just watched the gameplay video 1up have up, and MAN, this game looks way better in motion than in screens. It's very smooth (is it 60fps?), and clearly a descendant of DC Lodoss War (excellent news in my book). This might be a candidate for my third slot in the TRU sale...
Oh, and the voice acting sounds lolarious. I'll be reaching for that X button, I think.
Oh, and the voice acting sounds lolarious. I'll be reaching for that X button, I think.
Uncle Dukey
Member
It sounds nice, but no multiplayer in a dungeon crawler makes me sad 
...
...shining force cover story part IV is up, an interview with camelot!
http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3144831
http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3144831
Musashi Wins!
FLAWLESS VICTOLY!
Anyone seen this yet? Looks fantastic. I'm very tempted. Any word on length of game out there? Import players?
edit: publishers blurb at EB says 35 hours....who knows what that means, but at least it's probably not 5-6 and done. Was kind of hoping this was $40 though. Maybe I will do the Toys 'er Us sale.
edit: publishers blurb at EB says 35 hours....who knows what that means, but at least it's probably not 5-6 and done. Was kind of hoping this was $40 though. Maybe I will do the Toys 'er Us sale.
Drinky Crow
Banned
Musashi, it's about 25-30 hours long. Not as long as Lodoss Wars, but it looks better and many of the dungeons are better designed. If you liked Lodoss Wars, this game is a must-buy.
Mejilan said:
I'd grab this in a second if it were legit multiplayer (unlike... oh... say... that *other* recent "Shining" ps2 game that claimed to be multiplayer (shudder)).
No sale with no multiplayer. Is it really *that* hard to add this? I can't be the only one for whom being able to yell at the incompetence of the player beside me is a primary draw for these games...
Rummy Bunnz
Member
Well, ok then. Thanks! That + the video was enough to totally sell me. TRU better have this on Sunday!Milkman said:
Mefisutoferesu
Member
Quick question... will the US version have an option for Jp VA?
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
Damn, i'm deciding between this game and SotC. This game also has a weird release date. I wanted to pick it up today...but I guess that ain't happening.
Tortfeasor
Member
Quick impressions 2 hours in:
Story - Lots of story, but overall not too interesting. Lots of dialog that thankfully can be skipped. The localization is pretty horrible imho, especially the signs around the village. The voices are passable except when emoting.
Gameplay - Fun! It really relies on one button, but somehow it is still fun. There are times when there are 30+ monsters on screen attacking you and it is fun to kill 'em all. There are a bunch of weapon choices all with pros and cons. At this point there not too much complexity, but as I finally exited the first village all of a sudden battles actually started effecting my HP. This has made the game much more fun since I cannot just go in each battle bashing the attack button and has to decide which mobs to go after first and which weapon is best. I just unlocked the ability to customize force powers, and have not played with it much but it looks like it will add some welcome depth.
Misc - When you load a game, it loads a journal that lets you know what has happened recently. This is a welcome feature and I wish more RPGs had it. Animation and graphics are very nice and so are the sound effects. The world is really large and it is sometimes hard to figure out where to go next. The camera is not adjustable and sometimes it is hard to notice that something is right next to you since it may be obscured by a bush. Also, it seems like there are a ton of hidden areas. I bought a few keys and opened up some previously unaccessable areas and found so pretty cool stuff. I really tend to love games with lots of exploration that pays off with hidden stuff and so far this one fits the bill.
Overall -- So far so good... 2hrs went by very quickly. I am having fun with it and it feels like a shining game. I have not played any shining games since the last real one on the Saturn, and somehow this game just feels right... even thought it is all action.
Story - Lots of story, but overall not too interesting. Lots of dialog that thankfully can be skipped. The localization is pretty horrible imho, especially the signs around the village. The voices are passable except when emoting.
The speed racer "racer X" moment can be seen coming from about 13 seconds into the game
Gameplay - Fun! It really relies on one button, but somehow it is still fun. There are times when there are 30+ monsters on screen attacking you and it is fun to kill 'em all. There are a bunch of weapon choices all with pros and cons. At this point there not too much complexity, but as I finally exited the first village all of a sudden battles actually started effecting my HP. This has made the game much more fun since I cannot just go in each battle bashing the attack button and has to decide which mobs to go after first and which weapon is best. I just unlocked the ability to customize force powers, and have not played with it much but it looks like it will add some welcome depth.
Misc - When you load a game, it loads a journal that lets you know what has happened recently. This is a welcome feature and I wish more RPGs had it. Animation and graphics are very nice and so are the sound effects. The world is really large and it is sometimes hard to figure out where to go next. The camera is not adjustable and sometimes it is hard to notice that something is right next to you since it may be obscured by a bush. Also, it seems like there are a ton of hidden areas. I bought a few keys and opened up some previously unaccessable areas and found so pretty cool stuff. I really tend to love games with lots of exploration that pays off with hidden stuff and so far this one fits the bill.
Overall -- So far so good... 2hrs went by very quickly. I am having fun with it and it feels like a shining game. I have not played any shining games since the last real one on the Saturn, and somehow this game just feels right... even thought it is all action.
Community Forum
Member
I've gone to find some herbs. I hope you realize how important herbs are.
Drinky Crow
Banned
Wait -- you play ARPGs for the plot? Neo is a kickass action game with a lot of Diablo-esque qualities. Seriously, if you loved the Dreamcast Lodoss War title, you NEED this game.
Community Forum
Member
Drinky Crow said:
I agree. It is too bad the first hour and a half are so incredibly boring... after that point it ROCKS!
Drinky Crow
Banned
well, you can compress that first hour-and-a-half to about five minutes by skipping all the cutscenes/dialogue. 
Drinky Crow said:
What? Who? Me? Ah, I'll answer regardless. I never did fall for Diablo, and Lodoss War was alright, but nothing that kept me playing beyond the first couple of levels. I enjoyed stuff like SoM and Alundra.
I am, btw, a huge fan of PSO, single player too, which should prove that I can play seemingly plotless ARPGs with the best of them.
Similar threads
- Poll