Shining Wisdom
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| Shining Wisdom | |
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| Developer(s) | Sonic! Software Planning |
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| Genre(s) | Action role-playing game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Platform(s) | Sega Saturn |
| Media | CD-ROM |
Shining Wisdom was an Action RPG released for the Sega Saturn video game console. It was a part of Sega's Shining Force series of RPG video games.
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[edit] Gameplay
Shining Wisdom differs from its predecessors in the Shining series in that it was the first to employ an Action RPG style of gameplay. Players control one character whose attacks rely on speed and skill, rather than controlling a group of characters who engage in strategic, turn-based combat sequences. The gameplay of Shining Wisdom has oftentimes been likened to that of SEGA's arch-rival Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series. Shining Wisdom's originality comes from the unique system of attacks based off of a combination of acquired items and "orbs."
[edit] Visual Characteristics
Shining Wisdom's graphics are common of games released in 1995 and 1996, consisting of pseudo-3D CGI-rendered sprites imposed on a 2D background. This style of game design was ushered into popularity by 1994's industry-dominating Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, whose success many other video game developers attempted to emulate.
[edit] Plot
From the US edition:
Once, long ago, a fearsome giant known as the "Dark Titan" rose from the abyss and nearly destroyed all Palacia before being bound by magic. Now, the Black Elf Pazort is scheming to rule the world by returning the Dark Titan from the depths of the abyss! But, there is hope. Mars, the son of the legendary warrior Jiles, begins his service in the King's guard at Castle Odegan this very day...
[edit] Translation Issues
Working Designs' US-version of the game is met with some criticism by gamers, as names of many of the characters have been changed. Kazin and Sarah are referred to as "Parn" and "Sara," while the land of Parmecia is referred to as "Palacia." However, this is not the fault of Working Designs' translations, as SEGA Japan owned the copyrights to the character's original names, and would not release them. Other than these issues, the US version remains largely faithful to the Japanese original.
[edit] External links
- Shining Wisdom @ RPG Dreamer - Basic information about Shining Wisdom from an RPG archive.
- Shining Wisdom @ All Game Guide - Very scant; contains screenshots, however.
