Shining Force II

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Shining Force II
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console, Steam
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: RPG[1], Simulation[2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP
¥8,8008,800 G-5521
Sega Mega Drive
US
1315
Videogame Rating Council: GA
Sega Mega Drive
EU
1315-50
Sega Mega Drive
PT
MDJ1315
Sega Mega Drive
UK
£49.9949.99[5][4] 1315-50
Sega Mega Drive
AU
$105.95105.95[6] FSHI00SMC
OFLC: G
Sega Mega Drive
BR
046510
Tectoy: Todas as Idades
Sega Mega Drive
KR
GM93044JG
Wii Virtual Console
JP
700pts700[11]
CERO: A
Wii Virtual Console
US
800pts800[7]
ESRB: Everyone
Wii Virtual Console
EU
800pts800[8]
Wii Virtual Console
AU
800pts800[12]
OFLC: General (G)
Steam
US
$2.992.99[14] 71160
ESRB: Everyone
Steam
EU
€2.492.49[14] 71160
PEGI: 7+
Steam
DE
€2.492.49[14] 71160
USK: 6
Steam
UK
£1.991.99[14] 71160
PEGI: 7+
Steam
AU
$3.493.49[14] 71160
OFLC: General (G)
Steam Linux
US
$0.990.99[16] 71160
ESRB: Everyone
Steam Linux
EU
€0.990.99[16] 71160
PEGI: 7+
Steam Linux
DE
€0.990.99[16] 71160
USK: 6
Steam Linux
UK
£0.790.79[16] 71160
PEGI: 7+
Steam Linux
AU
$1.351.35[16] 71160
OFLC: General (G)
Steam OS X
US
$0.990.99[16] 71160
ESRB: Everyone
Steam OS X
EU
€0.990.99[16] 71160
PEGI: 7+
Steam OS X
DE
€0.990.99[16] 71160
USK: 6
Steam OS X
UK
£0.790.79[16] 71160
PEGI: 7+
Steam OS X
AU
$1.351.35[16] 71160
OFLC: General (G)
Nintendo Switch Online
JP
Nintendo Switch Online
US
Nintendo Switch Online
EU
Nintendo Switch Online
UK
Nintendo Switch Online
AU

Shining Force II, known as Shining Force II: Inishie no Fuuin (シャイニング・フォースII 古えの封印) in Japan, a sequel to Shining Force. It was released in Japan for the Sega Mega Drive in 1993, before seeing overseas releases in the following year.

Despite a multilingual cover and manual in PAL regions, Shining Force II is only thought to have been translated from its original Japanese incarnation into English. The English script, like many RPGs of the era has many inaccuracies and continuity issues with other Shining games, being said to drastically alter plots from Shining in the Darkness and Shining Force in the process.

Story

In a shrine south of Granseal Castle, a thief named Slade unwittingly breaks the power of a magic seal by stealing the jewels of Light and Darkness; this unseals the demon king Zeon trapped therein. The following day, King Granseal falls sick when he is attacked by an unknown creature. Sir Astral, the court's adviser, along with his apprentices, Bowie the squire, Sarah the healer and Chester the knight, investigate these events at the castle. They find that the door to the Tower of Ancients has been unlocked and stands open.

Greeting their arrival in the tower are devils named "Gizmos" springing forth to attack, though their ultimate intentions are unknown. Upon their defeat, the Gizmo that appears to be the leader flees. It is discovered thereafter to have possessed King Granseal. Sir Astral and the nascent Shining Force visit the king, finding him possessed. Sir Astral exorcises the demon, which promptly flees. The Minister, in place of King Granseal who is looking over a fainted Astral, then orders the slaying of the Gizmo by a platoon of Granseal's soldiers. The Gizmo subsequently possesses the king of the neighboring kingdom of Galam. Bowie and his friends are captured by the Galam military: while in their dungeon, they meet the thief, Slade. When the party breaks out, Slade helps Bowie retrieve the Jewel of Light and accompanies his party back to Granseal, which has been invaded by Galam forces. They find the possessed King Galam inside the Ancient Tower, who has taken Princess Elis as a hostage. In the ensuing battle, Bowie wrests the Jewel of Darkness from him, but he is unable to rescue Elis, and the ground around the Ancient Tower collapses.

With the island is now being ravaged by earthquakes, entire population decide to evacuate the island and escape to the continent of Parmecia, to rebuild their kingdom and hopefully, one day take the Granseal Island back and rescue the Princess. One year later, New Granseal is visited by Peter, a phoenix and a servant of the God Volcanon. Believing that Volcanon can help them take their island back, Sir Astral orders Bowie and others to visit Volcanon and seek his help. Bowie and friends must now travel across Parmecia to gather allies, solve the riddle of the Jewels, obtain the Force Sword, and seal away Zeon once more.

Gameplay

Shining Force II is a tactical role-playing game. The player assumes the role of the Shining Force leader, Bowie, and plays a series of turn-based tactical battles. Battles take place on a square grid, and each unit occupies a single square. Battles are turn-based. Each turn, a character can move a fixed amount of squares along the battlefield, determined by its Move statistic, and perform one action: either attack, cast a spell, or use an item. Some commands, such as equipping or dropping an item during the turn, do not count as actions. The order of turns is determined by the unit's Agility score and a random seed. Characters gain experience points from attacking, using magical abilities, and defeating foes, which allow them to gain levels that increase their statistics and sometimes grant them new abilities. Defeated enemies also drop gold, which can be used to buy weapons and other items. Units are defeated when they lose all of their hit points. They receive a defensive benefit from the Land Effect of the tile on which they are standing.

When not in combat, the player can explore towns and other locales, talk with people, and set the members and equipment of the army. Each town has a priest that can promote characters once they reach a certain level, resurrect fallen characters, and save the game. Some towns have a headquarters where the player can inspect and talk with his allies. Later, the player obtains a Caravan that acts as a roaming headquarters. While traveling through town or moving throughout the world, one can find both visible and hidden treasures and interact with certain objects.

Each ally unit is represented by a character with a background and personality. Some of these characters are hidden, requiring specific events to occur before they join the force. Each ally unit also has a class, which defines the abilities for that unit. These abilities range from what type of weapons they can use to what kind of spells they can learn. Units can become stronger by fighting enemies and performing various actions which give them experience points, which allow them to gain levels. Once a unit reaches level 20, that character has the ability to advance to a more powerful class through promotion. Some characters have two different classes they may be promoted to, one of which is only accessible using a special hidden item.

The battle is won if all enemies are defeated, or if the enemy commander is defeated. If Bowie is defeated in combat or withdraws, the battle is lost and the player is returned to the nearest town, where he can recover his allies and fight the same battle again. The Force keeps any experience that is obtained, regardless of the battle's outcome, but players lose half of their gold if the team leader is defeated.

Characters

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Bowie
Race: Human, Initial class: Swordman (SDMN), Promoted class: Hero (HERO)

Leader of the Shining Force. Has very decent stats overall and the second highest movement range. He is the only character that can equip the Levander and the Force Sword. Overall, a great character but most be protected at all times: if he is killed, you will loss half of your gold and will have to start the mission again.

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Egress.png Egress Initially learned
Shining Force 2 Bolt.png Bolt Level 22 Level 31 Level 42 Level 51
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Sarah
Race: Elf, Initial class: Priest (PRST), Promoted class: Vicar (VICR), Optional promoted class: Master Monk (MMNK)

Avaiable from start, Sarah is your first healer and will be one of the most useful members of the force. In the first few battles, Sarah can hit as hard as your fighters and healing spell can still allow you to gain experience. Keep her in your roster and keep leveling her up. It is STRONGLY recommended to promote her to Master Monk, which is one of the best classes in the game. As a Master Monk, (in addition to the cool looking chinese dress) Sarah will be a powerful frontline fighter and a potent healer. Item necessary for Master Monk promotion is Vigor Ball. You can find one in Secret Elven Village and another one in Sheela's dojo.

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Heal.png Heal Initially learned Level 7 Level 22 Level 40
Shining Force 2 Detox.png Detox Level 4 Level 13 Level 33 Level 45
Shining Force 2 Blast.png Blast Level 10 Level 16 Level 25 Level 36
Shining Force 2 Slow.png Slow Level 19 Level 29
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Chester
Race: Centaur, Initial class: Knight (KNTE), Promoted class: Paladin (PLDN), Optional promoted class: Pegasus Knight (PGNT)

One of Bowie's classmates, Chester is your first knight. Knights are not much different from their SF I incarnates: High movement, decent stats but nothing else. Chester will be your first knight and will be useful for the first part of the game. Chester can be promoted to the Pegasus Knight but the item necessary for the promotion, Pegasus Wing is found very late in the game and promoting Chester to Knight will be a better choice.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Jaha
Race: Dwarf, Initial class: Warrior (WARR), Promoted class: Gladiator (GLDT), Optional promoted class: Baron (BRN)

One of Bowie's classmates, Jaha will join you after you leave Granseal for the first time. This likeable goof will be a potent force in your squad. His movement is a bit low but giving him the Running Pimento or equipping him with the Running Ring might help. Jaha can be promoted to either Gladiator or Baron. Baron would be a better choice since it allows Jaha to equip Swords, which are better than Axes and increases his movement by 1. Item necessary for promotion can be found in New Granseal base just behind the shield.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Kazin
Race: Elf, Initial class: Mage (MAGE), Promoted class: Wizard (WIZ), Optional promoted class: Sorcerer (SORC)

Pupil of Hawel, a character from SF: The Final Conflict, Kazin is your first magic user. Just like all mages, he is weak physically and must be defended from enemy fighters. It is strongly recommended to promote Kazin to Sorcerer instead of Wizard as his regular spells are rather poor. His only direct attack spell is Blaze. Item for Sorcerer promotion is Secret Book, which can be found in Elven Village.

Mage/Wizard
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Blaze.png Blaze Initially learned Level 5 Level 22 Level 35
Shining Force 2 Muddle.png Muddle Level 9 Level 25
Shining Force 2 Dispell.png Dispel Level 13
Shining Force 2 Desoul.png Desoul Level 18 Level 29
Sorcerer
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Dao.png Dao Initially learned Level 12
Shining Force 2 Apollo.png Apollo Level 4 Level 17
Shining Force 2 Neptun.png Neptun Level 7 Level 26
Shining Force 2 Atlas.png Atlas Level 21 Level 32
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Slade
Race: Wererat, Initial class: Thief (THIF), Promoted class: Ninja (NINJ)

Slade is somewhat responsible for the mess you are in right now. Willing to make up for his mistake, he will join you in the Dungeons of the Galam Castle. Initially can only be equipped with knives, you are strongly encouraged to keep Slade in your party and level him up. Because once he is promoted to Ninja, he will start using swords and he will become one of the best characters in the game. With very high movement speed and excellent stats, Slade will also learn two unique magic spells. If you can get the Gisarme, a sword only he can equip, he will start inflicting random one hit kills. A must have in your team.

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Katon.png Katon Level 24 Level 29 Level 45
Shining Force 2 Raijin.png Raijin Level 34 Level 39 Level 52
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Kiwi
Race: Tortoise, Initial class: Tortoise (TORT), Promoted class: Monster (MNST)

Kiwi is a adorable dragon-turtle hybrid you can recruit before you escape from Granseal Island. As a combatant, Kiwi is a mixed bag. While his high defence will defend him from most physical attacks, his very low health means that he will be an easy target for magic users. If you are patient with him and eventually promote him to Monster, he will be able to fly, his stats will greatly increase and he will get a randomly activated fire breath special attack. His HP will still remain low however, making him still an easy picking for magic users and enemies with special attacks.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Peter
Race: Phoenix, Initial class: Phoenik (PHNK), Promoted class: Phoenix (PHNX)

Peter will be avaiable as an uncontrollable character from Parmecia to your visit to Volcanon. After that he will permamently join you. Peter is a flying powerhouse and arguably the most powerful character in the game. Always keep him in the roster and level him up. His attack grows rapidly and when promoted he gains fire resistance. Even though his movement is not as high as Slade or Chester, he can fly and hit enemies with his powerful attacks. As a nice side bonus, Peter does not need to be revived after being knocked out in combat. A must have.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
May
Race: Centaur, Initial class: Ranger (RNGR), Promoted class: Bow Knight (BWNT)

Recruited in Ribble. Similar to Lyle from SFI, May is a very mobile ranged attacker. While her attack power is average, her high mobility and long range will allow you to pick off weakened enemies, especially flying ones. Out of all the ranged attackers, she has the best mobility and probably only archer worth keeping.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Gerhalt
Race: Beastman, Initial class: Wolf Man (WFMN), Promoted class: Wolf Baron (WFBR)

Gerhalt is wolfman from Polca who will join you during the battle in the streets of his hometown. Gerhalt uses no weapons but still hits quite hard. His only weakness is his slow speed so considering his high attack, giving him a Running Pimento or Running Ring and keeping him in the roster might be benefical.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Luke
Race: Birdman, Initial class: Birdman (BDMN), Promoted class: Bird Battler (BDBT)

Prince of Bedoe, Luke will join you after Polca. In addition to flying, Luke has somewhat decent attack but weak defence so either give him Protect Milk or Defence Ring and protect him.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Rohde
Race: Human, Promoted class: Brass Gunner (BRGN)

Rohde will temporarily join you as the Caravan's driver and then join up as a member when you clear the way to North Paramecia. Brass Gunners are basicly tanks who use arrows and later cannons as weapons. Rohde's stats are nothing special and being a Brass Gunner, his movement will be very limited. Most of the battles will be over way before he is in position. Not recommended.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Rick
Race: Centaur, Initial class: Knight (KNTE), Promoted class: Paladin (PLDN), Optional promoted class: Pegasus Knight (PGNT)

Rick can be recruited after defeat of Talos. Another Knight, Rick is just like other Knights in the force. Fast and quick but nothing else. His defence seems to be bit lower than Chester though.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Elric
Race: Elf, Initial class: Archer (ACHR), Promoted class: Sniper (SNPR), Optional promoted class: Brass Gunner (BRGN)

Elric will be recruited after saving him from the Harpies. Being an archer, Elric has long range and decent attack but his defence is lower than your frontline fighters. Promote him to Sniper, as Brass Gunners are pretty much useless. If you insist on making him a Brass Gunner, promotion item Silver Tank can be found in the Cave of Darkness, inside a chest.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Eric
Race: Centaur, Initial class: Knight (KNTE), Promoted class: Paladin (PLDN), Optional promoted class: Pegasus Knight (PGNT)

This overconfident Knight will be one of the four people you can pick when you complete the Creed's mansion, although you can recruit the other three when you return the mansion later in the game. Eric is a Knight with quite high HP but his attack and defence is disappointingly low. Karna is the better pick of the four so it is recommended that you skip others and pick Karna instead for the time being.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Karna
Race: Elf, Initial class: Priest (PRST), Promoted class: Vicar (VICR), Optional promoted class: Master Monk (MMNK)

This cute, slightly immature elf will be your second healer if you do the smart thing and pick her when Creed offers you one of his four "guests". Karna is somewhat better healer than Sarah as she can learn AURA and BOOST, which will also help her level up faster. Make sure to promote her to Master Monk. Vicars are useless compared to the powerhouses that are the Master Monks. Keep her in the party and level her up and she will become one of your most useful party members.

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Heal.png Heal Initially learned Level 5 Level 22
Shining Force 2 Blast.png Blast Level 8 Level 16 Level 26 Level 37
Shining Force 2 Boost.png Boost Level 12 Level 30
Shining Force 2 Aura.png Aura Level 33 Level 41 Level 55 Level 60
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Randolf
Race: Dwarf, Initial class: Warrior (WARR), Promoted class: Gladiator (GLDT), Optional promoted class: Baron (BRN)

Besides Karna, Randolf is the second best choice but not enough to pick him over Karna. He has quite decent attack but his defence is somewhat lower than Jaha. Since Jaha has been around longer, it is better to keep him over Randolf.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Tyrin
Race: Elf, Initial class: Mage (MAGE), Promoted class: Wizard (WIZ), Optional promoted class: Sorcerer (SORC)

Tyrin is the last choice offered by Creed. If you pick him over Karna the first time, (which you really shouldn't) don't promote him to Sorcerer and keep him as a wizard as unlike Kazin's anemic attack spell repertoire, Tyrin learns all attack spells. Keep him in your team if you use magic users a lot. Still not a better choice than Karna though.

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Blaze.png Blaze Initially learned Level 11 Level 51 Level 56
Shining Force 2 Freeze.png Freeze Level 5 Level 22 Level 31 Level 38
Shining Force 2 Sleep.png Sleep Level 25
Shining Force 2 Bolt.png Bolt Level 28 Level 35 Level 54 Level 60
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Janet
Race: Elf, Initial class: Archer (ACHR), Promoted class: Sniper (SNIP), Optional promoted class: Brass Gunner (BRGN)

Elric's girlfriend, Janet will join when you acquire the dynamite and leave Granseal for the second time. Her attack is lower than Elric but her defence and agility is better. Promote her to Sniper as Brass Gunners are useless. If you want to keep more than one archer in your team keep her with May. Otherwise, May is the only ranged attacker choice.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Higins
Race: Centaur, Promoted class: Paladin (PLDN)

Higins is an promoted Paladin with strangely lower stats than your other Knights. Not a good character to use because you probably have better Paladins in your roster by the time you get him.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Taya
Race: Elf, Promoted class: Sorcerer (SORC)

Taya will join you in the Shrine of Mitula if you speak to her statue(?). She is already a Sorceress, which is okay but by this time, Sorcerer Kazin would be better than her. Still, having a second sorcerer in your team might be useful. Recommended, but her defence might use some work.

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Dao.png Dao Initially learned Level 15
Shining Force 2 Apollo.png Apollo Level 12 Level 19
Shining Force 2 Neptun.png Neptun Level 22 Level 29
Shining Force 2 Atlas.png Atlas Level 25 Level 34
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Skreech
Race: Birdman, Promoted class: Bird Battler (BDBT)

Screech is a secret character, who will join you if you saved him in Bedoe during your first visit. He is pretty much identical to Luke on almost every aspect.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Frayja
Race: Human, Promoted class: Vicar (VICR)

Frayja is already promoted and will join your team in Moun. Even though he can learn AURA and ATTACK, he is not really that useful as both Sarah and Karna will be better healers by the time you get him. Keep him in the bench and let your scantily clad master monk beauties do the healing. (and fighting and pretty much everything else)

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Heal.png Heal Initially learned Level 13 Level 56 Level 60
Shining Force 2 Detox.png Detox Level 5 Level 17 Level 37 Level 43
Shining Force 2 Aura.png Aura Level 34 Level 40 Level 46 Level 52
Shining Force 2 Attack.png Attack Level 49
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Jaro
Race: Centaur, Promoted class: Pegasus Knight (PGNT)

Jaro will appear as an enemy but defect to your side during the battle in Northern Pacalon. Already promoted, his stats are not that great and you probably have better flying units in your roster by then.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Gyan
Race: Dwarf, Promoted class: Gladiator (GLDT)

Gyan will join you after the battle in Moun. His stats are quite decent but his movement needs fixing if you want him to become a useful member of the force.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Sheela
Race: Human, Promoted class: Master Monk (MMNK)

Seeking the Red Baron for the murder of her fiancee, Shella is the final Master Monk you can add to your team. You can find her cottage in the southwest of the Nazca ship crash site. Just like other Master Monks, she is very strong and can heal. Recruit her and keep her in your team.

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Heal.png Heal Initially learned Level 5 Level 41 Level 51
Shining Force 2 Blast.png Blast Level 7 Level 18 Level 38 Level 47
Shining Force 2 Muddle.png Muddle Level 11 Level 36
Shining Force 2 Boost.png Boost Level 20 Level 44
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Zynk
Race: Robot, Promoted class: Robot (RBT)

Similar to Adam from SF I, Zynk is a robot who does not use any weapons. This likeable bucket of bolts will join up once you reach Roft. His stats are quite decent but you will have to have to fix his poor movement range if you want him to be useful.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Claude
Race: Golem, Promoted class: Golem (GLM)

Claude is a golem who will join you if you find his missing arm in Moun and take it to him in the ancient tunnel. His attack and defence are pretty high but his movement is painfully low. Just like Brass Gunners, battles will be over by the time he reaches his targets.

Shining Force II, Characters.png
Chaz
Race: Human, Promoted class: Wizard (WIZ)

Chaz is Hawel's son and will join you once you reach Yeel during the final quarter of the game. He learns all attack spells and therefore a very good wizard.

Magic spells
Spell Level Acquired
1 2 3 4
Shining Force 2 Blaze.png Blaze Initially learned Level 11 Level 56 Level 60
Shining Force 2 Freeze.png Freeze Level 6 Level 17 Level 25 Level 46
Shining Force 2 Bolt.png Bolt Level 40 Level 44 Level 49 Level 53
Shining Force 2 Dispell.png Dispel Level 41
Shining Force II, Characters.png
Lemon
Race: Human, Promoted class: Red Baron (RDBN)

Lemon will be the final character who will join you and will be potent force in the battle indeed. His stats are great and he maintains the high mobility rate of the Baron class. You also don't need to revive him if he is killed in battle. Recommended for the final battles of the game.

Items

Main article: Items (Shining Force)#Shining Force II.

Magic

Main article: Magic (Shining Force)#Shining Force II.

History

Development

Despite being preceded by the successful Shining in the Darkness and Shining Force, Sega remained reluctant to back development on Shining Force II, giving it the same limited budget as previous entries in the series and indirectly threatening the break-up of Sonic! Software Planning should the game not deliver as hoped. This put enormous pressure on producer and programmer Hiroyuki Takahashi and his team, many of whom dropped out before production of the game.


We were in a really precarious position at that point because we knew that if we couldn't produce another hit we would have no future. The number of staff we had working on the Shining Force series varied with each game until the Saturn era, during which time the team was pretty settled and didn't change much. We carefully chose our staff from among many candidates, and after Shining Force II the core staff remained and grew stronger together. Shining Force II was an experimental title where we improved the story and enhanced the game's 'RPG-ness'.

Hiroyuki Takahashi[22]


Translation

The most notable translation error is that the three Devil Kings are named as "Dark Sol, Dark Dragon, and Zeon." Shining Force II co-director and programmer Yasuhiro Taguchi has confirmed that the Devil Kings are in fact Darksol, Lucifer, and Zeon.[23] The official translation's assigning Dark Sol and Dark Dragon the relatively detailed history of the Devil Kings not only alters Shining Force II but effectively rewrites the entire premises of Shining in the Darkness and Shining Force, the games in which they are the foremost villains. For similar reasons, the entire plot of Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict is rendered nonsensical, since it is based on Darksol's role as a Devil King and shows "Dark Sol" (actually "Mephisto" in the original script, and an entirely different character from Darksol) being born less than a century before Shining Force II. This mistranslation also creates at least two major contradictions between the English versions of Shining Force and Shining Force II: Shining Force strongly implies that Dark Dragon is a creation of the Ancients, not a devil at all. Darksol is trying to resurrect Dark Dragon in Shining Force, while Shining Force II tells that the three Devil Kings are fierce arch-rivals.

Legacy

Shining Force II is amongst the most successful Mega Drive games in Japan, though also garnered some popularity in North America and Europe. It has since been released as part of the Wii's Virtual Console service and through numerous compilations.

Comic adaptation

Sonic the Comic included "Shining Force" comics strips. The plot followed Shining Force 2 heroes trying to stop followers of Zeon from bringing demon into their world. The comics also brought Max in, the hero of the first Shining Force. The single story arc was called "The Curse of Zeon" (issue #73 to issue #78). It was the last big (6-7 issues) non-Sonic story arc featured in Sonic the Comic, not counting short Decap Attack stories.

Versions

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English (US) Shining Force II Shining Force II
Japanese シャイニング・フォースII 古えの封印 Shining Force II: Inishie no Fuuin

Production credits

Japanese version

Shining Force II Staff
  • Program: Yasuhiro Taguchi, Shugo Takahashi, Haruki Kodera, Kenji Numaya, Yutaka Yamamoto, Tsukasa Tanaka
  • Subscript: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Ritsuko Hasasue, Shuji Shimizu
  • Map Design: Ritsuko Hisasue, Shuji Shimizu, Tatsuya Niikura
  • Character Design: Suezen
  • Graphic: Fumihide Aoki, Masayuki Hashimoto
  • Music Compose: Motoaki Takenouchi
  • Sound Effects: Dogen Shibuya, Enzan Shibuya
  • Manual: Naoko Okada, Riko Kushida, Masayo Umetsu, Junko Mikami
  • Special Thanks to: Winds Co., Ltd., R.I.S. Co., Ltd., Rit's Co., Chaki, Hiroshi Kajiyama, Satoshi Tezuka, Minoru Yasuda, Akira Takahashi, Satomi Yokose, Daichan Ikejiri
  • Directerd (sic) by: Shugo Takahashi, Yasuhiro Taguchi
  • Produced by: Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Created by: Sonic Co., Ltd.
© Sega 1993
Source:
In-game credits

English version

Shining Force II Staff
  • Programmers: Yasuhiro Taguchi, Shugo Takahashi, Haruki Kodera, Kenji Numaya, Yutaka Yamamoto, Tsukasa Tanaka
  • Subscript: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Ritsuko Hasasue, Shuji Shimizu
  • Map Design: Ritsuko Hasasue, Shuji Shimizu, Tatsuya Niikura
  • Character Design: Suezen
  • Graphics: Fumihide Aoki, Masayuki Hashimoto
  • Music Composer: Motoaki Takenouchi
  • Sound Effects: Dogen Shibuya, Enzan Shibuya
  • Manual: Naoko Okada, Riko Kushida, Masayo Umetsu, Junko Mikami
  • Special Thanks to: Winds Co., Ltd., R.I.S. Co., Ltd., Rit's Co., Chaki, Hiroshi Kajiyama, Satoshi Tezuka, Minoru Yasuda, Akira Takahashi, Satomi Yokose, Daichan Ikejiri
  • Directed by: Shugo Takahashi, Yasuhiro Taguchi
  • Produced by: Hiroyuki Takahashi
SOA Staff
© 1994 Sega
Source:
In-game credits

Digital manuals

Magazine articles

Main article: Shining Force II/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Visions (US) #21: "October/November 1994" (1994-xx-xx)
also published in:
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Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-10: "October 1993" (1993-09-08)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-11: "November 1993" (1993-10-08)
Logo-pdf.svg

Artwork

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
90 №9, p96
91 [26]
Sega Mega Drive
91
Based on
2 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
95
[27]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
80
[28]
Cool Gamer (RU)
80
[29]
Digitiser (UK) PAL
90
[30]
Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
58
[31]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
68
[32]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
80
[33]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
95
[34]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
60
[35]
Gamer (GR)
96
[36]
Gamestar (AU)
80
[6]
Games World: The Magazine (UK) PAL
85
[37]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
69
[38]
Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
70
[39]
Joypad (FR) NTSC-J
97
[40]
Joypad (FR) PAL
91
[41]
Mega (UK) PAL
92
[42]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
89
[43]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
87
[44]
Mega Play (US) NTSC-U
71
[45]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
91
[46]
Player One (FR)
90
[47]
Play Time (DE)
87
[48]
Power Unlimited (NL)
79
[49]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
92
[4]
Sega Power (UK)
90
[50]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
88
[51]
Sega Force (SE)
91
[52]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
84
[53]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
75
[54]
Todo Sega (ES)
91
[55]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
88
[56]
Video Games (DE) PAL
82
[57]
Sega Mega Drive
84
Based on
33 reviews

Shining Force II

Mega Drive, JP
ShiningForceII MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
ShiningForceII MD JP CartTop.jpg
ShiningForceII MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Shiningforceii md jp manual.pdf
Manual
Shiningforceii md jp map.jpg
Map
Mega Drive, US
ShiningForceII MD US Box.JPG
Cover
Shiningforce2 md us cart.jpg
Cart
Shining Force II MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
ShiningForceII MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
ShiningForceII MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
ShiningForceII MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, AU
ShiningForceII MD AU cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, BR
ShiningForceII MD BR Box.jpg
Cover
ShiningForceII MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Shiningforceii md br manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, KR
ShiningForceII MD KR cover.jpg
Cover
ShiningForceII MD KR cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Mega Drive
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
1994-06-30 Page
Sega Mega Drive
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
1994-06-07 Page
Sega Mega Drive
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
1994-04-04 Page

External links

References

  1. File:ShiningForceII 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. Sonic Times, "Volume 2 Number 9: October 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 8
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Sega Magazine, "August 1994" (UK; 1994-07-15), page 92
  5. Computer & Video Games, "October 1994" (UK; 1994-09-15), page 83
  6. 6.0 6.1 Gamestar, "February 1995" (AU; 1995-xx-xx), page 70
  7. 7.0 7.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/_mPdbbrt5K7JaEuqbjVm-swKhUSs5Vfe (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-23 00:48)
  8. 8.0 8.1 http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/megadrive/shining_force_ii_ancient_sealing (Wayback Machine: 2017-09-09 21:44)
  9. https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Wii-/Shining-Force-II-278898.html (archive.today)
  10. https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/08.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-06 23:35)
  11. http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_shiningforce2/ (Wayback Machine: 2008-07-16 10:28)
  12. http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=41&prod_id=19765&pageID=4 (Wayback Machine: 2012-04-03 02:30)
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 https://steamdb.info/app/71160/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-11-12 23:40)
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 http://steamdb.info/app/71160/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 20:19)
  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/71160/history/?changeid=5755275
  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/71160/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-11-12 23:40)
  17. https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/024066ce-d840-4af5-a4c0-8e70d94a2667 (archive.today)
  18. @NintendoAmerica on Twitter (archive.today)
  19. @NintendoEurope on Twitter (archive.today)
  20. @NintendoUK on Twitter (archive.today)
  21. @NintendoAUNZ on Twitter (archive.today)
  22. https://archive.org/details/GamesTMThe25GreatestSEGAGames/page/n23/mode/2up
  23. [ ]
  24. EGM², "November 1994" (US; 1994-1x-xx), page 121
  25. Sega Visions, "December/January 1994/1995" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 85
  26. Sega Force, "6/94" (SE; 1994-09-14), page 26/27 (26)
  27. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 205
  28. Beep! MegaDrive, "October 1993" (JP; 1993-09-08), page 24
  29. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 185
  30. Digitiser (UK) (1994-11-18)
  31. Electronic Games (1992-1995), "December 1994" (US; 1994-1x-xx), page 152
  32. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 36
  33. Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 278
  34. Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 8 August 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 48
  35. GamePro, "September 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 124
  36. Gamer, "Ianouários 1995" (GR; 1995-xx-xx), page 1
  37. Games World: The Magazine, "November 1994" (UK; 1994-09-29), page 14
  38. Game Informer, "September/October 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 8
  39. Hippon Super, "November 1993" (JP; 1993-10-02), page 41
  40. Joypad, "Février 1994" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 134
  41. Joypad, "Décembre 1994" (FR; 1994-1x-xx), page 108
  42. Mega, "October 1994" (UK; 1994-09-29), page 40
  43. Mega Force, "Décembre 1994" (FR; 1994-12-02), page 44
  44. Mega Fun, "10/94" (DE; 1994-09-21), page 55
  45. Mega Play, "August 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 62
  46. Mean Machines Sega, "September 1994" (UK; 1994-07-30), page 72
  47. Player One, "Décembre 1994" (FR; 1994-1x-xx), page 128
  48. Play Time, "11/94" (DE; 1994-10-05), page 96
  49. Power Unlimited, "Jaargang 3, Februari 1995" (NL; 1995-01-25), page 48
  50. Sega Power, "October 1994" (UK; 1994-09-01), page 64
  51. Sega Pro, "October 1994" (UK; 1994-09-08), page 60
  52. Sega Force, "6/94" (SE; 1994-09-14), page 26
  53. Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
  54. Sonic the Comic, "July 8th 1994" (UK; 1994-06-25), page 10
  55. Todo Sega, "Septiembre 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 54
  56. Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 23
  57. Video Games, "12/94" (DE; 1994-11-23), page 101


Shining Force II

Sf2 us.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs


Books: Shining Force II: Inishie no Fuuin Kouryaku no Tebiki (1993) | Shining Force II: Inishie no Fuuin Hyakka (1993) | Shining Force II: Inishie no Fuuin Game Guide Book (1993) | Shining Force II: Inishie no Fuuin Hisshou Kouryaku Hou (1993)
Music: Symphonic Suite Shining Force II (1993)
Sega Mega Drive
Prototypes: Prototype | 1994-04-04 | 06-07 | 06-30



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)