Update: March 24, 2004
«©NCSX» With the latest Shining game, the creators turn away from the turn-based strategy battles of old and dive into the world of action-adventure. Control and battles in Shining Force Neo are in real time which leads to some erratic and highly chaotic battles where dozens of attacks may happen at once. As the lead hero Max roams around the world, up to two teammates gallop after him obediently. A new system employed in Shining Force Neo is the aptly named "Force Frame" where weapons are imbued with additional abilities and/or damage attacks. During battles, party AI needs a little tweaking but it works reasonably well. When attacking a creature or boss, your teammates will also attack but if you rush away or evade, they'll give up their attack and blindly follow you as well which helps no one. The game is viewed from an isometric 3/4 overhead view with a camera which follows closely and smoothly for an overall unencumbered and enjoyable experience.NCS Game Notes
* The intro to SFNeo is a mix of animation, polygon fighting sequences, and theatrics from the game. Over the course of the game, animation sequences relay the tale between the action and in-game interaction. * Upon starting new game, players find themselves North of Ucritos atop Larcyle fort as a red haired warrior named Max. A centaur enters the scene and questions Max about any signs of approaching enemies and chides him about being "One who is a Force." Max soon runs back to Tower Duty while the centuar returns to Fortress Patrol. Soon afterwards, a fellow guard cries out that monsters are on the attack. Beasts storm the fort and have their run of the place. Max leaps into action and the game begins. * Movement is controlled through the L-Analog and the "O" button strikes at monsters that have stormed the castle. Press "X" to speak to guards who stand sentry around the fort as well as the centaur. There are two spider-like creatures that cannot be harmed. To destroy them, head up the stairs after the centaur and go all the way to the top portion and destroy the black/purple orb known as a Monster Gate and they'll both die. * Max eventually runs into his master Graham who is surrounded by monsters and the two finish off the last of the beasts and orcs. Graham later speaks of the return of the "Clan of the Moon." After additional banter, Graham applauds Max's growth as a fighter and declares him ready to undertake the "Ordeal of the Force" whereby he is to return to his homeland of Greensleeves on an airship to receive the blessing of his father. * As Max returns home on the airship as shown by an animated sequence, another game introduction ensues where the various characters from the game are shown in episodes and assorted drama. Meryl greets Max as he disembarks from the airship. * During Max's reunion with his father Gaia and a friendly duel between the two, a monster gate appears and father & son along with two soldiers in training fight the orcs and destroy the monster gate which has somehow invaded the quiet of Greensleeves. After destroying other monster gates and attendant monsters, Max returns to see Gaia who recounts the previous time that monsters attacked Greensleeves 13 years ago. A soldier pipes up that it coincided with the rising crimson moon. View the back cover and screenshots. Jan Code: 4974365830960 This document is ©NCSX 2005. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.
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