Malik  (8/31/04)

Another Old Series Gets a Modern Makeover

According to Gamespot, a new Shining Force title will be hitting the PS2 in 2005. The game will feature the same hero, Max, as was present in the original Genesis Shining Force title. This time, the character design is being redone by Yuriko Nishiyama, who was the artist behind Dragon Voice (a manga that ended last year). So far, besides Max being present, there are details on only two other characters...and vague details at that...there will be a love interest for Max and a mysterious swordsman (what RPG doesn't have one of these...is this even news, or is it a requirement of RPGs?).

Sadly, the information that I'd most want is missing as of yet. There is no detail, considering Max is the hero of the original title, if the game will be a remake of SF, if it will be a sequel, or some half-assed prequel (I say half-assed since he was a level 1 rookie on the original). My personal guess would be a remake since Max has not seen the light of day for a long time now, so it would be hard to introduce a new story to a character we don't remember. Also, lacking is any detail of if there will be a stateside release. I'm personally guessing there will, only because of the recent influx of successful strategy titles for the US (FFTA...blah..., Disgaea, La Pucelle Tactics, Arc the Lad 4, Phantom Brave).

I'll keep you all updated as info becomes more clear on the game and the nature of any release in the US.

Malik