- Original System:
- Sega Saturn
- Developer:
- Camelot Software Planning
- Gameplay Style:
- Strategy RPG, overhead tactical battles
- Version:
- Japanese
- System:
- Sega Saturn
- Released:
- 11 December 1997
- System:
- Sega Saturn
- Price:
- 4,800 yen
- Rarity:
- Common
- Publisher:
- Sega Japan
- Version:
- USA
- System:
- Sega Saturn
- Released:
- 1998
- System:
- Sega Saturn
- Price:
- Unknown
- Rarity:
- Hard to Find
- Publisher:
- Sega USA
- Version:
- European
- System:
- Sega Saturn
- Released:
- June 1998
- System:
- Sega Saturn
- Price:
- UKĀ£39.99
- Rarity:
- Very Rare
- Publisher:
- Sega Europe
Only Scenario 1 of Shining Force III was released outside of Japan, but even on its own it's a great game. My first thought when I saw it was, "Whoah!!! Shining Force in 3D!!!". The game is simply beautiful (okay sure, so they're not amazing graphics by today's standards, but they aren't too shoddy for Moogie!), the soundtrack (by Motoi Sakuraba) is amazing and the game has a very in-depth plot - much more than your usual "save the princess" story. This tale has political twists and turns, backstabbing, impostors... the works!
The game not only introduces the wonderful new 3D battle system, but has other great new features. Characters who fight together become "friends", and give each other attack/defense/magic bonuses when fighting together. Different weapon types can be equipped, gaining special attacks as the characters skill with that weapon increases. Magic-users learn only three spells, gaining a fourth from the weapon they equip - spellcasters can use weapons that give them healing spells, and healers can gain attack spells in the same way!
Shining Force III Scenario 1 was recently re-released in Japan, available through Sega's D-Direct online store. Needless to say, it sold out very quickly, and is once again no longer available.
Such a short page as this can't possibly do this massive, amazing game justice - why not check out some of the game guides or other sites about this game?

