The title may be somewhat misleading. Many fans of Shining Force would likely argue that the game is already a classic and doesn’t require any fixes—greyskies probably falls into this category. Nonetheless, greyskies has updated his hack, *Return to Grans*, for Shining Force 2 to version 1.15. Ironically, its uniqueness lies in its subtlety. Instead of a complete overhaul, *Return to Grans* aims to enhance the *Shining Force 2* experience just a bit. The graphics are improved, the narrative feels less silly, characters are better balanced, and enemies pose more of a challenge.
So, does *Return to Grans* achieve its objectives? To answer that, it’s essential to clarify what *Shining Force* represents. This tactical role-playing game features Bowie, the typical hero, embarking on a quest to conquer a resurrected evil. While *Shining Force* is playable, it reveals a certain roughness compared to contemporaries. Unlike *Fire Emblem*, there are no defined odds; outcomes like missed attacks or critical hits can feel random, with a previously successful battle undone by a sudden stroke of luck from an enemy at the last moment.
The game’s often unpredictable AI complicates matters. Players typically have to bait enemies to lure them into traps, but determining their range is tricky since players can only see one character at a time for a brief moment. The chess-themed level is particularly challenging, not due to the strength of the enemies, but because the simplistic layout lacks strategic terrain, demanding precise manipulation of AI behavior to avoid being overwhelmed.
Beyond gameplay mechanics, *Shining Force 2* is hampered by a lackluster script. It’s hard to determine if the original Japanese version fared better; after all, these games target a younger audience. However, greyskies has attempted to add depth to the narrative by incorporating more references and nuances that give both characters and their world greater personality. The result is engaging, reminiscent of scripts that might have been penned by Ted Woolsey—quirky enough to feel genuine. Despite greyskies not being a particularly skilled hacker, the changes, such as adjusting numerical values, text, and simple sprites, highlight his modest approach.
Yet, these enhancements can’t adequately address the game’s fundamental issue: its randomness. This unpredictability hamstrings *Shining Force* from flourishing in the current gaming landscape. Remedies for these flaws could easily morph *Shining Force* into a clone of *Fire Emblem* or *Final Fantasy Tactics*. The simplistic and imperfect gameplay is as intrinsic to the series as its fantastical characters and world filled with centaurs, elves, and ancient technology that looks strikingly modern. This earnest presentation would likely be compromised in today’s corporate gaming climate—an unfortunate fate the series endured in the 90s, leading to hack-and-slash spinoffs more interested in trends than in whimsical fantasy storytelling.
Given all this, it’s easy to see why *Return to Grans* was created. *Shining Force 2* isn’t particularly difficult, but its challenges often stem from random AI quirks that arise unexpectedly. For players nostalgic about the game, the script can feel disjointed, including inconsistencies like townspeople seemingly controlled by a demonic force despite just appearing to be threatened. The latest script cleverly pokes fun at these inconsistencies without veering into outright parody.
Is the game better balanced? It’s tough to say. Greyskies aims for inclusivity among characters, but the common issue in Shining Force games remains: characters who struggle with damage often lag behind. This makes it nearly unavoidable to reserve low-HP foes for the sole cleric, who otherwise won’t gain experience, barring grinding. This carries inherent risks, as players must eliminate enemies before they can strike back.
The class distribution is unusual as well—with just one cleric and wizard for most of the game, while three archers join in unison later. This makes them crucial, as their ability to attack from a distance proves advantageous in a game where ranges are often ambiguous. Many peculiar elements of *Shining Force 2* persist, and *Return to Grans* can only make minor adjustments.
Despite my criticisms, I actually enjoy *Return to Grans*. Lacking the nostalgia for the Sega Genesis, I find it more accessible than the original. Though I never completed the original and abandoned *Shining Force CD*, *Return to Grans* feels like a fresh take on the formula. While it may not be entirely fair, it’s enticing enough that I keep coming back for more. It’s reminiscent of how retro games used to be made.
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Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
