Initial release date: December 11, 2014
NA/EU Release: July 10th, 2018
Artist: Tony Taka
Genre: JRPG
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows
Developers: Sega, Media.Vision
Website: http://shiningresonance.com/
Box Art:
Story:
It has been one thousand years since the great war of Ragnarok. Dragons are thought long extinct—their crystalized souls spread across the land. Ten years ago, the Empire of Lombardia declared war on the Kingdom of Astoria. The Empire invaded Alfheim, but Astoria has managed to hold its ground. The Empire of Lombardia, scheming to obtain the lost power of ancient dragons, assigned a special mission to the Church's elite knight squad: Beowulf. Their sights were set on capturing Yuma Ilvern—a boy with a dragon's soul entwined with his own… the Shining Dragon himself, the most powerful of all dragons. Imprisoned, tortured, and lost in despair, Yuma was trapped in darkness and in chains… until a gallant girl burst into his cell, determined to break him out. He could never have imagined the battles that lay in store…
Characters:
(Character relationships make up a major part of Shining Resonance Refrain's gameplay and story)
Yuma Ilvern – The boy with the dragon's soul
Yuma is an unassuming, somewhat timid young man who possesses the soul of the legendary Shining Dragon. Despite his incredible strength, he tries his best to suppress his abilities and avoid trouble whenever possible. In an attempt to secure the power of the Shining Dragon for themselves, the Lombardian Empire kidnaps Yuma. This is where his story truly begins.
In battle, Yuma fights with the Dragon Resonator Vandelhorn, dealing high damage and quickly manoeuvring around the battlefield. He also has the ability to transform into the Shining Dragon for a limited period of time to deal massive damage to more dangerous opponents.
Sonia Blanche – the lightning princess
Sonia is the daughter of Albert, King of Astoria. She has a fierce tenacity that defies her gentle appearance, and she insists on fighting on the front lines for the sake of Astoria.
On the battlefield, Sonia shows the enemy why she's earned the nickname of "Astoria's Lightning Princess," darting across the field and dispatching enemies with precise, lightning-quick strikes.
Kirika Towa Alma – the diva of nature
An elf raised from birth to take on the role of "Diva Magica," Kirika is a priestess with the power to commune with dragons and control the forces of nature. Although she seems calm and composed on the outside, she has a few interesting quirks that often takes her companions by surprise.
Kirika is a member of the Dragoneers, warriors who wield the legendary Armonics. While her damage-dealing abilities are nothing to sneeze at, she prefers to take on a more supportive role as a healer for the party.
Rinna Mayfield – the whirlwind sylph
An elven mage and Kirika's most trusted attendant, Rinna boosts the spirits of everyone around her with her cheerful personality. Rinna is rarely without her fairy companion, Fromage, who helps guide the party throughout their journey.
Rinna prefers to stay on the back lines in battle. She uses her trusty Armonic to provide support to party members and blow enemies away with wind magic.
Agnum Bulletheart – the pyromaestro
A musical mage with a burning heart, Agnum does everything in his power to make sure that he's always the centre of attention. He never backs down from a challenge, and his fiery personality is perfectly accented by his magical ability to control fire.
Like Kirika and Rinna, he holds the title of Dragoneer and wields a massive, axe-like Armonic. He's comfortable in both close-range and long-range combat, as long as he has the opportunity to show off his skills.
Lestin Sera Alma – The glacier sentinel
Lestin is Kirika's older brother, a Dragoneer, and Captain of the knights of the elven kingdom of Wellant. His position as Kirika's older brother takes precedence over everything else, however, and he'll often switch personalities entirely when it comes to protecting her. Much like Agnum's fire, Lestin's control over ice complements his personality well.
In battle, Lestin restricts enemies' movement with powerful ice magic, then shatters them with his halberd-like Armonic.
Excella Noa Aura – The dragon princess of the holy dirge
The Imperial Princess of the Lombardian Empire, Excella has the abilities of both Diva Magica and Dragoneer. Logical, loyal, and holding all the qualities of a natural leader, Excella lives by putting the needs of her country above all else, leading her to command a campaign to secure the power of the Shining Dragon for the Empire. However, this encounter doesn't go exactly as planned, and the resulting battle ends up changing her life forever.
As both a Diva Magica and Dragoneer, Excella has the unique ability to control ancient weapons known as the Dracomachina, living weapons in the form of dragons. She can also control gravity magic to keep enemies pinned down while launching an assault.
Jinas Aion – The lone dragonslayer
A wanderer with no known affiliation to any faction or government, Jinas Aion is the personification of mystery. He's known across the Empire for his astounding ability to annihilate dragons in a single strike from his powerful katana.
In battle, Jinas overwhelms his opponents with lightning-speed strikes from his divine katana, Susano-o.
Media:
Screens:
Vids:
Announcement Trailer: (PS4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaHMb9qaYLg
Character Trailer: (PS4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GchT5pO4X6U
PC Requirements:
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM:
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 / 8 (8.1) / 10
Processor: Intel Core i3 (2.9 GHz) or AMD equivalent
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Video card with 1 GB VRAM (Nvidia GeForce 460 or AMD Radeon 5670)
DirectX: Version 11
RECOMMENDED:
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 / 8 (8.1) / 10
Processor: Intel Core i5 (3.4 GHz) or AMD equivalent
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Video card with 2 GB RAM (Nvidia GeForce 660 Ti or AMD Radeon R9 270)
DirectX: Version 11
Reviews
Metacritic-(71 switch, 72 ps4)
http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/shining-resonance-refrain
Opencritic-(72)
https://opencritic.com/game/6319/shining-resonance-refrain
"Shining Resonance Refrain is the kind of game that can put on a solid performance, but it's also abundantly clear that it doesn't quite have the pipes to hit the high notes; it's a good game, but not a great one. A fascinating setting, live action combat system, and eye-catching cel-shade visuals are all balanced by a slightly dampening feeling of mediocrity that never seems to go away. Fans of RPGs will find plenty to love here, it's a well-rounded, content-rich game that understands its audience well, but it's also a very safe RPG. We'd ultimately give Shining Resonance Refrain a recommendation, especially if you're a newcomer looking for a good RPG to show you what the genre is all about, but veterans may be a bit disappointed with the final product."
http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/shining_resonance_refrain
"This will absolutely appeal to the hardcore JRPG fan, those that enjoy deep combat and relationship mechanics, those familiar with the Tales of series, and those looking for an enjoyable story with a likeable cast of characters. For everyone else, especially those who despise fetch quests and quests simply for the sake of extending game length, definitely do some solid research before deciding on whether Shining Resonance Refrain deserves your time."
http://leveldowngames.com/shining-resonance-refrain-review/
Refrain mode:
When starting up the game for the first time, you are given the option of "Original" or "Refrain" mode. If you have not played this before (and odds are good you havent), DO NOT play Refrain mode first, as it may spoil part of the plot. You have been warned.
FAQ:
Wait, what's a B.A.N.D. performance?
I'm glad you asked! The B.A.N.D. system (Battle Anthem of the Noble Dragoneers) gives characters the chance to take centre-stage and perform a musical performance in the middle of battle. These performances grant powerful buffs for the party or inflict devastating debuffs on enemies through the power of their Armonics, or ancient weapon-instruments created by the Shining Dragon.
These effects change depending on which song you choose to play, and which party member takes the centre role. A band's music is only as good as its members, so let's get to know each of the playable characters you'll encounter in your travels through Alfheim!
Is this a strategy RPG?
No, its an action rpg in the style of the "Tales of" series.
Where's Sonic software planning?
May I direct you to Mario Tennis Aces which also just came out.
Tony Taka did the art here? Is this a porn game? How much porn is in it?
No!
Funsies:
Now, is Shining Resonance technically anything special? It's little more than a standard action rpg with some lighthearted fun, but sometimes thats ok. While you may enjoy the Filet Mignon that is Octopath Traveler, theres nothing wrong with the game equivalent of potato chips. Plus, to have fun with its standard nature, I will be playing through the game while playing...
ANIME TROPE BINGO
Let's see how much I can fill up!
Huge thanks to Cornbread78 for help with the OT!
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