Shining in the Darkness

From Sega Retro

n/a

  • NTSC-U/PAL
  • NTSC-J

ShiningInTheDarkness title.png

SitD MD JP TitleScreen.png

Shining in the Darkness
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console, Steam
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: RPG[1][2]

















Number of players: 1
Official in-game languages:
  • 日本語
  • English
  • Português
  • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Mega Drive
    JP
    ¥8,7008,700 G-5506
    Sega Mega Drive
    US
    $79.9579.95[4] 1310
    Videogame Rating Council: GA
    Sega Mega Drive
    EU
    1310
    Sega Mega Drive
    UK
    £49.9949.99[6] 1310
    Sega Mega Drive
    BR
    041260
    Tectoy: Todas as Idades
    Sega Mega Drive
    AS
    Wii Virtual Console
    JP
    700pts700[11]
    CERO: A
    Wii Virtual Console
    US
    800pts800[7]
    ESRB: Everyone
    Wii Virtual Console
    EU
    800pts800[8]
    PEGI: 7+
    Wii Virtual Console
    AU
    800pts800[12]
    OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)
    Steam
    US
    $2.992.99[14] 71161
    ESRB: Everyone
    Steam
    EU
    €2.492.49[14] 71161
    PEGI: 7+
    Steam
    DE
    €2.492.49[14] 71161
    USK: 6
    Steam
    UK
    £1.991.99[14] 71161
    PEGI: 7+
    Steam
    AU
    $3.493.49[14] 71161
    OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)
    Steam Linux
    US
    $0.990.99[16] 71161
    ESRB: Everyone
    Steam Linux
    EU
    €0.990.99[16] 71161
    PEGI: 7+
    Steam Linux
    DE
    €0.990.99[16] 71161
    USK: 6
    Steam Linux
    UK
    £0.790.79[16] 71161
    PEGI: 7+
    Steam Linux
    AU
    $1.351.35[16] 71161
    OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)
    Steam OS X
    US
    $0.990.99[16] 71161
    ESRB: Everyone
    Steam OS X
    EU
    €0.990.99[16] 71161
    PEGI: 7+
    Steam OS X
    DE
    €0.990.99[16] 71161
    USK: 6
    Steam OS X
    UK
    £0.790.79[16] 71161
    PEGI: 7+
    Steam OS X
    AU
    $1.351.35[16] 71161
    OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)

    Shining in the Darkness, called Shining and the Darkness (シャイニング&ザ・ダクネス) in Japan, is a 1991 game by Sega and Climax Entertainment for the Sega Mega Drive. It is the first game in Sega's Shining series. Unlike most of the other games in the franchise, it is a 3D dungeon crawler RPG.

    Story

    Shining in the Darkness, Map.png

    Map

    You are the son of Mortred, a warrior who was last seen near a dungeon known as the Labyrinth in the Kingdom of Thornwood with Princess Jessa. King Drake summons you to go find her, but just as that is about to happen, the evil Dark Sol appears and offers a ransom: Mortred and the Princess for the kingdom.

    It is now up to you to rescue the two, defeat Dark Sol, and save the kingdom.

    Gameplay

    Shining in the Darkness, Dungeon.png

    Shining in the Darkness, Battle.png

    Dungeon and battle

    Shining in the Darkness, Status Menu.png

    Shining in the Darkness, Character Status.png

    Status screens

    The game is a first-person dungeon crawler. It takes place in three areas: the Castle, the Town, and the Labyrinth. The Castle contains the King and his Court, and it is where plot progression usually takes place. The Town contains shops where the player can buy weapons, armor, and items, save the game, heal or revive in the church, and talk to townsfolk. In the Castle and Town, use Left and Right to navigate and A or C to interact. The Labyrinth is the game's dungeon and where all the battles take place.

    The Labyrinth is a 3D maze. Up moves forward, Left and Right turn, and Down moves backward. The game introduces a cross-shaped menu system that would become a staple of the Shining series. The menus are opened with A or C and present the player with icons for searching the area, managing items, or checking the status of members of the party. An icon is highlighted by pressing its respective direction on the D-Pad and selected with A or C. Menus are dismissed with B. Enemy encounters happen randomly throughout the Labyrinth. Battles are turn-based and conducted through a similar menu system. Characters gain experience and gold from defeating enemies. After earning enough experience, they gain levels that increase their statistics. Statistics include:

    • IQ: The character's intelligence, which affects the character's resistance to enemy magic and the damage of his or her spells.
    • Speed: Determines how often the character gets a turn in combat.
    • Luck: The probability that the character will strike a critical hit. Also the character's immunity to ailments such as poison.
    • Attack: The character's attack strength, which is augmented by weapons.
    • Defense: The character's defensive strength, which is augmented by armor pieces.

    If the main character dies in battle, the player is taken back to the church in the town with half the gold. If another character dies, he or she can be revived at the church in town.

    The player is initially alone but gains two additional party members early in the game. Additionally, the dungeon contains three characters in need of rescue. Rescuing any or all of the three is optional, and the story changes depending on whether or not the player locates and returns each of these characters to safety.

    The Labyrinth has five levels. After completing the four Trials of the Ancients (Strength, Wisdom, Courage, and Truth) in the first level, the player gains access to the remaining levels of the Labyrinth, called the Labyrinth Proper.

    Characters

    Shining in the Darkness, Characters.png
    Main Character
    The main character is named by the player. Unlike the protagonists of the Shining Force games, he has no default name if the player chooses not enter a name, though he is called "Hiro" in the game data before his name is replaced by the player's name. He is a knight and cannot use magic. He has the highest strength and hit points but the lowest intelligence, speed, and defense. He has the ability to try to run from an encounter.
    Shining in the Darkness, Characters.png
    Milo Brax
    Milo is a healer who learns defensive and support spells. He has the highest luck.
    Magic spells
    Spell Level Acquired
    1 2 3 4
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Heal
    Initially learned Level 7 Level 21 Level 29
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Vision
    Level 3
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Detox
    Level 5 Level 15
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Blast
    Level 9 Level 17 Level 23 Level 32
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Quick
    Level 12 Level 18
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Burst
    Level 14 Level 20 Level 27 Level 34
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Screen
    Level 16 Level 25
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Revive
    Level 20 Level 37
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Desoul
    Level 23 Level 33
    Shining in the Darkness, Characters.png
    Pyra Myst
    Pyra is a mage who learns powerful offensive spells. She has low attack power but high speed and defense. She can be equipped with whips, which hit multiple targets in one turn, or staves, which are higher power but can only attack one enemy at a time.
    Magic spells
    Spell Level Acquired
    1 2 3 4
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    View
    Initially learned
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Slow
    Initially learned Level 14
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Blaze
    Level 2 Level 8 Level 18 Level 31
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Sleep
    Level 4 Level 17
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Freeze
    Level 6 Level 13 Level 24 Level 35
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Heal
    Level 8 Level 22
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Egress
    Level 12
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Bolt
    Level 15 Level 27 Level 36 Level 44
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Muddle
    Level 17 Level 42
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Peace
    Level 19
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Boost
    Level 22 Level 34

    Items

    Shining in the Darkness, Town, Alkemist.png

    Alkemist

    Items are sold in shops, found in chests, or sometimes dropped by defeated foes.

    Category Item Cost (in gold) Description
    Auxiliary
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Angel Feather
    24 Escapes the maze.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Wisdom Seed
    8 Reveals a map of the current level of the dungeon.
    Healing
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Herb
    12 Restores 20-30 hit points.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Healer Fruit
    100 Restores 70-80 hit points.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Depoison
    15 Cures poison.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Smelling Salts
    30 Cures paralysis.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Herb Water
    2,200 Revives fallen allies.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Miracle Herb
    8,000 Revives a fallen ally with full health and magic points.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Holy Water
    8,600 Used to remove cursed items.
    Rings
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Heal Ring
    9,000 Casts Heal Level 3.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Barrier Ring
    7,800 Casts Quick Level 3.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Magic Ring
    12,000 Restores 20-30 magic points.
    Crafting
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Mithril Ore
    4,000 Crafts Mithril equipment.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Dark Block
    4,500 Crafts cursed equipment.
    Keys
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Cell Key
    1,000 Opens cell doors.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Dwarf's Key
    300 Opens the door to the Cave of Strength.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    False Idol
    Opens the cell door in the Cave of Truth.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Rune Key
    500 Opens the stone door to the Cave of Wisdom.
    Other
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Forbidden Box
    6,000 Produces a random effect in battle.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Magic Mirror
    3,500 Reflects magic spells for a round.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Map 1
    500 Shows trap floors in the Cave of Wisdom.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Map 2
    505 Shows trap floors in the Cave of Wisdom.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Medallion
    1,800 Used as a checkpoint on gold fountains.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Mystic Rope
    400 Used to climb up holes in the ceiling to the next level.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Orb of Truth
    1,500 Reveals grim walls or the false altar in the Cave of Truth.
    Shining in the Darkness, Items.png
    Vial of Tears
    1,000 Awakens the Water Spirit.

    Equipment

    Shining in the Darkness, Town, Weapons.png

    Weapons

    Weapons

    Flails attack multiple times per turn; whips attack all enemies in a group.

    Category Weapon Cost (in gold) Attack Equippable by Notes
    Knives and Swords
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Bronze Knife
    100 +5 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Main Gauche
    900 +8 Hiro, Milo Equipped on the shield hand, adds 10 Armor.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Short Sword
    200 +10 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Bronze Saber
    300 +15 Hiro, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Madu
    2,500 +15 Hiro, Milo Equipped on the shield hand, adds 20 Armor.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Sword
    750 +20 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Steel Saber
    1,250 +25 Hiro, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Long Sword
    2,530 +30 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Broad Sword
    9,000 +50 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Fire Sword
    12,500 +60 Hiro Casts Blaze Level 3.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Storm Sword
    25,000 +110 Hiro Casts Bolt Level 2.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Dark Scimitar
    28,000 +120 Hiro Crafted from Dark Block. Cursed, chance of paralyzing wielder.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Mithril Sword
    42,000 +125 Hiro Crafted from Mithril.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Light Blade
    65,000 +150 Hiro
    Clubs and Axes
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Wooden Club
    120 +6 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Short Axe
    330 +15 Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Morning Star
    350 +18 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Battle Axe
    1,380 +23 Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Double Axe
    3,200 +30 Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Battle Hammer
    8,800 +38 Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Great Axe
    11,800 +45 Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Mithril Axe
    38,000 +120 Milo Crafted from Mithril.
    Flails
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Flail
    800 +12 Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Super Flail
    17,500 +25 Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Great Flail
    7,500 +28 Milo
    Staves
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Enduro Staff
    1,000 +15 Pyra Cursed, causes backlash against wielder.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Fire Staff
    2,000 +15 Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Demon Staff
    6,774 +20 Pyra Casts Muddle Level 3.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Woodstaff
    760 +20 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Ice Staff
    3,500 +25 Pyra Casts Freeze Level 3.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Mithril Rod
    45,000 +100 Milo, Pyra Crafted from Mithril.
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Doom Staff
    15,000 +105 Milo, Pyra Crafted from Dark Block. Cursed, damages wielder for half of its damage. Casts Blaze Level 4.
    Whips
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Bull Whip
    2,000 +15 Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Thorn Whip
    5,500 +25 Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Steel Whip
    13,500 +35 Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Hex Whip
    20,000 +60 Pyra Crafted from Dark Block. Cursed, chance of being entangled in the whip.
    Spears and Lances
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Short Spear
    2,800 +25 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Bronze Lance
    5,000 +35 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Long Spear
    9,500 +35 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Iron Lance
    12,000 +75 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Weapons.png
    Steel Lance
    20,000 +100 Hiro

    Armor

    Shining in the Darkness, Town, Armorer.png

    Armorer
    Category Armor Cost (in gold) Defense Equippable by Notes
    Helmets
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Cloth Hood
    120 +4 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Leather Helmet
    300 +8 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Woven Hood
    450 +8 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Fur Hood
    1,030 +12 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Bronze Helmet
    1,200 +14 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Royal Tiara
    1,000 +16 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Magic Hood
    5,800 +18 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Iron Helmet
    3,400 +20 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Elven Hood
    14,000 +22 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Steel Helmet
    5,980 +25 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Mithril Hood
    11,800 +26 Milo, Pyra Crafted from Mithril.
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Mithril Helmet
    9,800 +32 Hiro, Milo Crafted from Mithril.
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Dark Hood
    18,000 +35 Milo, Pyra Crafted from Dark Block. Cursed, lowers magic resistance.
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Light Helmet
    19,200 +40 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Helmets.png
    Dark Helmet
    26,400 +50 Hiro Crafted from Dark Block. Cursed, blinds wearer.
    Armor
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Worn Robe
    40 +2 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Cotton Robe
    80 +4 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Woven Robe
    200 +8 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Straw Robe
    250 +8 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Hemp Robe
    700 +14 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Fur Robe
    450 +16 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Leather Armor
    700 +20 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Leather Robe
    1,800 +20 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Chain Mail
    1,200 +26 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Breast Plate
    1,850 +32 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Bronze Armor
    3,200 +40 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Magic Robe
    16,000 +40 Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Light Robe
    24,000 +44 Milo, Pyra Crafted from Mithril.
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Iron Armor
    5,600 +48 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Magic Mail
    30,000 +50 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Sun Armor
    5,000 +52 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Steel Armor
    10,000 +58 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Frost Armor
    7,500 +64 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Mithril Armor
    18,000 +68 Hiro, Milo Crafted from Mithril.
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Dark Robe
    22,000 +70 Milo, Pyra Crafted from Dark Block. Cursed, attacks party members and heals foes.
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Light Armor
    36,000 +80 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Armor.png
    Dark Armor
    18,000 +100 Hiro Crafted from Dark Block. Cursed, chance of paralyzing wearer.
    Shields
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Gauntlet
    120 +6 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Leather Shield
    300 +12 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Bronze Shield
    700 +18 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Wood Shield
    3,500 +20 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Iron Shield
    2,300 +26 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Steel Shield
    6,400 +32 Hiro, Milo
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Magic Shield
    16,500 +35 Hiro, Milo, Pyra
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Mithril Shield
    10,000 +40 Hiro, Milo, Pyra Crafted from Mithril.
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Light Shield
    20,000 +50 Hiro
    Shining in the Darkness, Shields.png
    Dark Shield
    27,000 +60 Hiro, Milo, Pyra Crafted from Dark Block. Cursed, reduces attack power.

    Magic

    Some spells can only be used in battle, some spells can only be used out of battle, and some can be used both in and out of battle.

    Category Name Level Mana cost Description
    Auxiliary
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Egress
    1 9 Escapes the battle and returns to town.
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    View
    1 1 Shows a map of the area.
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Vision
    1 1 Shows information about an item.
    Healing
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Detox
    1 3 Cures poison.
    2 5 Cures poison and paralysis.
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Heal
    1 3 Restores 20-30 HP.
    2 5 Restores 70-80 HP.
    3 10 Restores all HP for an individual unit.
    4 50 Restores all HP for all party members.
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Revive
    1 15 Revives a fallen party member with partial HP.
    2 35 Revives a fallen party member with full HP.
    Offensive
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Blast
    1 2 Deals wind magic damage.
    2 4
    3 8
    4 14
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Blaze
    1 2 Deals fire magic damage.
    2 4
    3 8
    4 14
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Bolt
    1 5 Deals lightning magic damage.
    2 8
    3 20
    4 40
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Burst
    1 5 Deals fire magic damage.
    2 8
    3 12
    4 20
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Freeze
    1 3 Deals ice magic damage.
    2 5
    3 10
    4 17
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Desoul
    1 8 Small chance of one-hit kill.
    2 15
    Support
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Boost
    1 9 Boosts attack.
    2 20
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Muddle
    1 3 Confuses target.
    2 7
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Peace
    1 7 Prevents weaker monsters from attacking.
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Quick
    1 3 Boosts speed.
    2 5
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Screen
    1 4 Silences target (prevents casting magic).
    2 6
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Sleep
    1 4 Puts target to sleep.
    2 6
    Shining in the Darkness, Spells.png
    Slow
    1 2 Lowers enemy's defense and speed.
    2 5

    History

    Development

    Development of Shining in the Darkness began after Hiroyuki Takahashi and Kan Naito left Enix to found their own game development studio Climax Entertainment in April of 1990. While at Enix, Takahashi had seen programmer Yasuhiro Taguchi showcase a game with 3D dungeons and had seen the art of Yoshitaka Tamaki and asked them both to join him in developing his RPG.[17][18]

    Shining in the Darkness was announced on September 20, 1990 at a press conference held in All Nippon Air's Intercontinental Tokyo Hotel in Akasaka with the working title Shining and Darkness (シャイニング&ダクネス). Takahashi and Naito discussed their concept for an RPG with 3D dungeons that contained stairways and decorated walls to differentiate it from other RPGs with 3D dungeons that necessitated creating a map due to their having plain walls.[19] They wanted to create an immersive RPG that would give players an emotional reaction akin to visiting a theme park or haunted house.[20]


    Because we were on such a tight budget, apart from the programming and graphics, I did nearly all of the work on Shining in the Darkness. I suppose the basic concept behind Darkness was "realism." I thought it would be exciting if the player could actually travel to a fantasy world and walk around, exploring old houses, dungeons and other places. It was in essence a continuation of the sense of excitement you'd get from moving through the dungeons in older games such as Wizardry. By "reality," I'm not talking about true realism – I mean the feeling that you really are progressing through actual houses and dungeons, and the same thing applied to the battles.

    Hiroyuki Takahashi[17]


    Legacy

    The game received a spiritual successor, Shining the Holy Ark, for the Sega Saturn in 1996.

    Versions

    Localised names

    Also known as
    Language Localised Name English Translation
    English Shining in the Darkness Shining in the Darkness
    English (US) Shining in the Darkness Shining in the Darkness
    Japanese シャイニング&ザ・ダクネス Shining and the Darkness

    Production credits

    Source:
    In-game credits
    Shining in the Darkness MD credits.pdf
    [21]


    Source:
    Sega TV Game Genga Gallery[22]

    Digital manuals

    Magazine articles

    Main article: Shining in the Darkness/Magazine articles.

    Promotional material

    Logo-pdf.svg
    Mega Drive print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #120: "November 1991" (1991-10-15)
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Ad with quotes from Hiroyuki Takahashi and Kan Naitoh in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-03: "March 1991" (1991-02-08)
    also published in:
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-04: "April 1991" (1991-03-08)
    also published in:
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Advertisement on bottom half of page in Mega Drive Fan (JP) #16: "May 1991" (1991-04-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg

    Artwork

    Physical scans

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
    70
    [25]
    Ação Games (BR) NTSC-U (BR)
    80
    [26]
    Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
    80
    [27]
    Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
    83
    [28]
    Consoles + (FR)
    68
    [29]
    Console XS (UK) PAL
    93
    [30]
    Cool Gamer (RU)
    50
    [31]
    Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 8 (RU)
    80
    [32]
    Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
    69
    [33]
    Games-X (UK) NTSC-J
    91
    [34]
    Games-X (UK)
    80
    [35]
    Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
    90
    [36]
    Joypad (FR)
    93
    [37]
    Joystick (FR)
    91
    [38]
    Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK)
    75
    [39]
    Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
    86
    [40]
    Mega (UK) PAL
    89
    [41]
    Mega Force (FR) PAL
    95
    [42]
    MegaTech (UK)
    72
    [43]
    Mean Machines (UK) PAL
    69
    [44]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK)
    72
    [45]
    Player One (FR)
    89
    [46]
    Play Time (DE)
    75
    [47]
    Power Play (DE)
    85
    [48]
    Sega Power (UK) NTSC-J
    100
    [49]
    Sega Power (UK) PAL
    92
    [50]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    93
    [51]
    Sega Pro (UK)
    90
    [52]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    88
    [53]
    Sega Force (UK) PAL
    90
    [54]
    Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
    79
    [55]
    Super Gaming (US)
    50
    [56]
    Tilt (FR)
    85
    [57]
    Tricks Gold (RU)
    85
    [58]
    VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US)
    80
    [59]
    Video Games (DE)
    85
    [60]
    Sega Mega Drive
    82
    Based on
    36 reviews

    Shining in the Darkness

    Mega Drive, JP
    SitD MD JP Box.jpg
    Cover
    SaTD MD JP CartTop.jpg
    SitD MD JP Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Shiningdarkness md jp manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega Drive, US
    SitD MD US Box.jpg
    Cover
    SitD md us cart.jpg
    Cart
    Shining In The Darkness MD US Manual.pdf
    Manual
    SitD MD US pcb.jpg
    PCB
    Mega Drive, EU
    SitD MD EU Box.jpg
    Cover
    SitD MD EU Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Shining in the Darkness MD EU Manual.jpg
    Manual
    SitD MD EU pcb.jpg
    PCB
    Mega Drive, BR
    SitD MD BR Box.jpg
    Cover
    SitD MD BR Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Mega Drive, AS

    Technical information

    Main article: Shining in the Darkness/Technical information.

    External links

    References

    1. File:SitD MD JP Box.jpg
    2. 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
    3. https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/CPV6hrGp_d4/m/9EpVhNiDfEcJ
    4. File:CGW US 091.pdf, page 22
    5. Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1991-11-11), page 27
    6. Computer & Video Games, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-10-15), page 83
    7. 7.0 7.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/yCO37nvA4Ck5A7m_G3GEmGBstzt3YuTZ (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-23 02:24)
    8. 8.0 8.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/shining_in_the_darkness (Wayback Machine: 2017-10-31 18:34)
    9. https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Wii-/Shining-in-the-Darkness--278909.html (archive.today)
    10. https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/03.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-06 00:26)
    11. http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_shiningdarkness/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-06-10 16:58)
    12. http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=41&prod_id=19767&pageID=4 (Wayback Machine: 2012-04-03 02:34)
    13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 https://steamdb.info/app/71161/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-11-13 00:00)
    14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 http://steamdb.info/app/71161/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 20:00)
    15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 https://steamdb.info/app/71161/history/?changeid=5755274
    16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 16.8 16.9 http://steamdb.info/app/71161/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-11-13 00:00)
    17. 17.0 17.1 File:Games The 25 Greatest SEGA Games.pdf, page 26
    18. https://sega.jp/fb/creators/vol_17/1.html (Wayback Machine: 2014-08-04 04:24)
    19. File:BeepMD_JP_1990-11.pdf, page 25
    20. File:BeepMD_JP_1990-12.pdf, page 44
    21. File:Shining in the Darkness MD credits.pdf
    22. Sega TV Game Genga Gallery, Graphic Sha, page 35
    23. Mega Drive Fan, "March 1991" (JP; 1991-02-08), page 2
    24. Mega Drive Fan, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-08), page 2
    25. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 206
    26. Ação Games, "Novembro 1997" (BR; 1997-xx-xx), page 8
    27. Aktueller Software Markt, "Dezember 1991" (DE; 1991-11-15), page 138
    28. Beep! MegaDrive, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-08), page 29
    29. Consoles +, "Novembre 1991" (FR; 1991-11-07), page 92
    30. Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 134
    31. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 186
    32. Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 8, "" (RU; 2001-10-04), page 295
    33. Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 88
    34. Games-X, "11th-17th July 1991" (UK; 1991-07-11), page 38
    35. Games-X, "24th-30th October 1991" (UK; 1991-10-24), page 36
    36. Hippon Super, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-04), page 40
    37. Joypad, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-11-19), page 73
    38. Joystick, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 121
    39. Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 63
    40. Mega Drive Fan, "June 1991" (JP; 1991-05-08), page 91
    41. Mega, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-17), page 71
    42. Mega Force, "Novembre 1991" (FR; 1991-11-19), page 92
    43. MegaTech, "Xmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-06), page 80
    44. Mean Machines, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-10-29), page 112
    45. Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 140
    46. Player One, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-xx-xx), page 58
    47. Play Time, "2/92" (DE; 1992-01-08), page 93
    48. Power Play, "12/91" (DE; 1991-11-13), page 170
    49. Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 54
    50. Sega Power, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-06), page 38
    51. Sega Pro, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-xx-xx), page 58
    52. Sega Pro, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 28
    53. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 67
    54. Sega Force, "January 1992" (UK; 1991-12-12), page 52
    55. Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
    56. Super Gaming, "Fall 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 6
    57. Tilt, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 50
    58. Tricks Gold, "Sega dlya strategov" (RU; 2003-01-09), page 162
    59. VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "November 1991" (US; 1991-1x-xx), page 38
    60. Video Games, "3/91" (DE; 1991-09-06), page 82


    Shining in the Darkness

    ShiningInTheDarkness title.png

    Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Magazine articles | Reception | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs


    Books: Shining and the Darkness Koushiki Guide Book (1991) | Shining and the Darkness Kouryaku Hon (1991)
    Music: Sound Story of Shining and the Darkness (1991)

    No results



    Shining series of games
    Sega Mega Drive
    Shining in the Darkness (1991) | Shining Force (1992) | Shining Force II (1993)
    Sega Game Gear
    Shining Force Gaiden: Ensei Jashin no Kuni e (1992) | Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya (1993) | Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict (1995)
    Sega Mega-CD
    Shining Force CD (1994)
    Sega Saturn
    Shining Wisdom (1995) | Shining the Holy Ark (1996) | Shining Force III (Scenario 2, 3, Premium Disc) (1997-1998)
    Game Boy Advance
    Shining Soul (2002) | Shining Soul II (2003) | Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon (2004)
    Sony PlayStation 2
    Shining Tears (2004) | Shining Force Neo (2005) | Shining Force EXA (2007) | Shining Wind (2007)
    Mobile phone
    Shining Road to the Force (2005) | Shining Force Chronicle I (2005) | Shining Force Chronicle II (2005) | Shining Force Chronicle III (2006) | Shining Road II (2006) | Shining Wind X (2008) | SFCE Tokei (2012)
    Windows PC
    Shining Tears Material Collection (2006) | Shining Wind Fan Fest (2009)
    Nintendo DS
    Shining Force Feather (2009)
    Arcade
    Shining Force Cross (2009) | Shining Force Cross Raid (2010) | Shining Force Cross Elysion (2012) | Shining Force Cross Exlesia (2013) | Shining Force Cross Exlesia Zenith (2014) | Blade Arcus from Shining (2014)
    Sony PlayStation Portable
    Shining Hearts (2010) | Shining Blade (2012) | Shining Ark (2013)
    Sony PlayStation 3
    Shining Resonance (2014) | Blade Arcus from Shining EX (2015)
    Sony PlayStation 4
    Blade Arcus from Shining EX (2015) | Shining Resonance Refrain (2018)
    iOS
    Google Android OS
    Shining Force Classics (2018) | Shining Force: Hero of Light and Darkness (2022)
    World
    Strategy games: Gameplay | Items | Accessories | Weapons | Magic
    Shining related media
    Albums
    Sound Story of Shining and the Darkness (1991) | Shining Force Special Sound CD (1992) | Symphonic Suite Shining Force II (1993) | Symphonic Suite the Another Story of Shining Force (1994) | Shining Wisdom (1995) | Shining the Holy Ark Original Soundtrack (1996) | Shining Force III Original Soundtrack (1998) | Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon Original Sound Tracks (2004) | Shining Tears (2004) | Shining Force Neo Music Collection (2005) | Shining Theme Music Shiro SAGISU Collection (2005) | Shining Tears Music Collection (2005) | Shining Force EXA Music Collection (2007) | Shining Wind Music Collection (2007) | Shining Tears X Wind Original Soundtrack (2007) | Shining Force Feather Soundtrack (2009) | Shining Hearts Kaizoku Hihou Fan Disc (2010) | Shining Force Cross Raid Original Sound Track (2011) | Shining Hearts Original Soundtrack (2011) | Shining Blade Haru no Shin Seikatsu Ouen Fan Disc (2012) | Shining Blade Character Song Album (2012) | Shining Ark Tenshi no Fandisc (2013) | Shining Force Cross Original Sound Track (2014) | Shining Resonance Music Collection (2015)
    Audiobooks
    Shining Tears Drama CD Vol. 1 Dark Side: Memories and departure (2006) | Shining Tears Drama CD Vol. 2 Light Side: Yuushatei Hanjouki (2006) | Shining Wind Drama CD Vol. 1 (2007) | Shining Wind Drama CD Vol. 2 (2008) | Shining Force EXA Drama CD (2008) | Shining Wind Drama CD Vol. 3 (2008) | Shining Wind Drama CD Vol. 4 (2009) | Drama CD Shining Force Feather (2009) | Drama CD Shining Hearts (2011)
    Books
    Guide book: Shining and the Darkness Koushiki Guide Book (1991) | Shining Force Kanzen Kouryaku Guide (1992) | Shining Force Battle Guide (1993) | Shining Force II: Inishie no Fuuin Game Guide Book (1993) | Shining Force CD Koushiki Guide Book (1994) | Shining Wisdom Koushiki Guide Book (1995) | Shining the Holy Ark Koushiki Guide Book (1996) | Shining Force III Scenario 1: Outo no Kyoshin Official Guide (1997) | Shining Force III Scenario 1: Outo no Kyoshin Perfect Navi (1998) | Shining Force III Scenario 2: Nerawareta Miko Official Guide (1998) | Shining Force III Scenario 2: Nerawareta Miko Perfect Navi (1998) | Shining Force III Scenario 3: Hyouheki no Jashinguu Perfect Navi (1998) | Shining Force III Koushiki Settei Shiryoushuu (1999) | Shining Soul Kanzen Kouryaku Guide (2002) | Shining Force: Kuroki Ryuu no Fukkatsu Final Complete Guide (2004) | Shining Tears Final Complete Guide (2004) | Shining Tears Saikyou Kishidan Ikusei Guide (2004) | Shining Tears Official Strategy Guide (2005) | Shining Force Neo Force Master Ikusei Guide (2005) | Shining Force Neo Final Complete Guide (2005) | Shining Force Neo Official Strategy Guide (2005) | Shining Force EXA: The Master Guide‎ (2007) | Shining Force EXA Official Strategy Guide (2007) | Shining Force EXA Final Complete Guide (2007) | Shining Wind Saisoku Guide Book (2007) | Shining Wind Final Complete Guide (2007) | Shining Tears X Wind Original Soundtrack (2007) | Shining Force Feather: The Master Guide‎ (2009) | Shining Force Feather Complete Guide (2009) | Shining Hearts Saisoku Guide Book (2010) | Shining Hearts Complete Guide (2011) | Shining Force Cross Raid Guide Book 1st (2011) | Shining Force Cross Raid Guide Book 2nd (2011) | Shining Blade First Blader's Guide (2012) | Shining Blade Complete Guide (2012) | Shining Force Cross Settei Shiryoushuu (2012) | Shining Ark Complete Guide (2013) | Shining Blade & Ark Visual Settei Shiryoushuu (2013)
    Art book: Works for Shining the Holy Ark (1996) | Shining Force III Koushiki Settei Shiryoushuu (1999) | Shining Force EXA Visual Settei Shiryoushuu (2007) | Shining Force Feather Visual Settei Shiryoushuu (2009) | Shining Hearts Visual Settei Shiryoushuu (2011)
    Unsorted: Shining and the Darkness Kouryakuhon (xxxx) | Shining Force: Kamigami no Isan Hisshou Kouryaku-hou (xxxx) | Shining Force Kouryaku no Tebiki (xxxx) | Shining Force II Inishie no Fuuin Hisshou Kouryaku-hou (xxxx) | Shining Force II Inishie no Fuuin Kouryaku no Tebiki (xxxx) | Shining Force Gaiden Final Conflict Hisshou Kouryaku-hou (xxxx) | Shining Force Gaiden & Gaiden II Hisshou Kouryaku-hou (xxxx) | Tony's Artworks from Shining Worlds (xxxx)
    Film
    Shining Tears X Wind (2007) | Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan (2010)
    Toys
    Weiß Schwarz Shining Force EXA TCG (2009)