Description

"Shining the Holy Ark" is an enchanting role-playing game developed by Sonic! Software Planning and released for the Sega Saturn in 1996. Set in the richly fantastical world of the "Shining" series, this game blends traditional Japanese RPG elements with a unique first-person perspective that immerses players directly into its mystical realms. Throughout the game, players assume the role of a mercenary who, after a fateful encounter with a spirit, embarks on a quest to confront an emerging evil that threatens the peace of the kingdom of Enrich. The narrative is deeply woven with intrigue and adventure, featuring a variety of characters that the protagonist can recruit to form a party of warriors, wizards, and other archetypal fantasy roles.

Gameplay in "Shining the Holy Ark" is distinctive for its blend of 3D dungeon crawling and turn-based combat, a rarity for its time that set it apart from contemporaries on the console. The game's graphics showcase the Sega Saturn’s capabilities with detailed character sprites and environments, while the combat sequences include visually engaging animations and strategic depth. Noteworthy for incorporating puzzle-solving and exploratory elements within its dungeons, "Shining the Holy Ark" offers a compelling balance between action and narrative. The game's soundtrack, composed by Motoi Sakuraba, is praised for enhancing the atmospheric and immersive experience. "Shining the Holy Ark" represents a significant part of the "Shining" series lore and is celebrated for its innovative approach to the RPG genre during the mid-90s.

Gameplay

Shining the Holy Ark - Gameplay

Close