Shining Force III
A three-part tactical RPG released late in the Saturn's lifespan.
Shining Force III is a tactical role-playing game released for the Sega Saturn. It was the last title in the long-running Shining series to be developed by original developers Camelot Software Planning, the last to be developed for Sega hardware before the series went on hiatus, and the last Camelot game not developed exclusively for Nintendo hardware. The game was released in Japan as three separate scenarios across late 1997 and 1998, with only the first scenario localized for North America and Europe in mid-1998.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Shining Force III
- Developer
- Sonic! Software Planning / Camelot Software Planning
- Publisher
- Sega
- Director
- Yasuhiro Taguchi
- Producer
- Hiroyuki Takahashi
- Designer
- Hiroyuki Takahashi / Shugo Takahashi
- Composer
- Motoi Sakuraba
- Series
- Shining
- Platforms
- Sega Saturn
- Released
- Scenario 1 / JP · December 11, 1997 · EU · June 12, 1998 · NA · July 31, 1998Scenario 2 / JP · April 29, 1998Scenario 3 / JP · September 23, 1998
- Genre
- Tactical role-playing
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Shining Force III follows three protagonists across its scenarios: Synbios of the Republic of Aspinia in Scenario 1, Prince Medion of Destonia in Scenario 2, and the mercenary Julian in Scenario 3. Each scenario presents the same overarching narrative from a different character's perspective. The game uses turn-based tactical battles on square grids, with units gaining experience and levels, and characters able to promote between levels 10 and 20. Exploration outside battle resembles a traditional Japanese RPG. The plot involves a peace conference that erupts into war, manipulated by the Bulzome Sect, and ultimately leads to a coalition against the Vandal Bulzome.
Reader's Guide
Shining Force III is significant as the final Shining series title by Camelot Software Planning and the last on Sega hardware. Its release in three separate scenarios with a data-transfer mechanic was innovative but commercially limited due to the Saturn's declining market. Only Scenario 1 was officially translated into English, leaving the full story incomplete for Western players. Unofficial fan translations later filled the gap. The game was generally well-received for its polygonal graphics, soundtrack, and rotating camera. Despite mentions of a possible PlayStation port after Sega left hardware, no re-release has occurred. Its legacy endures among tactical RPG enthusiasts and as a notable example of a multi-perspective narrative in the genre.
Did You Know?
- Game data could be saved and transferred between scenarios via the Synchronicity system.
- The Premium Disk, released only in Japan, included bonus battles and a character model viewer.
- Only Scenario 1 was localized for North America and Europe, with minor edits to resolve the cliffhanger.
- There is no game over; defeated armies keep experience and can retry battles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shining Force III?
Shining Force III is a tactical role-playing game built for the Sega Saturn. It was published in Japan as three separate scenario releases stretching across late 1997 and 1998.
What platform was Shining Force III released on?
The game was made exclusively for the Sega Saturn. It holds the distinction of being the final Shining title developed for any Sega hardware before the franchise went on hiatus.
Why was only one scenario of Shining Force III localized outside Japan?
Only Scenario 1 received a North American and European release in mid-1998, while Scenarios 2 and 3 remained Japan-exclusive. This incomplete overseas release is one of the most frequently cited grievances among long-time fans of the series.
What is the Synchronicity system in Shining Force III?
Synchronicity is a data-transfer mechanic that carries progress and information from one scenario into the next. It is designed to weave the three separate playthroughs into a single, continuous narrative experience.
Why is Shining Force III considered significant to the Shining series?
It was the last Shining game produced by the original developer, Camelot Software Planning, and the last one made for Sega hardware. After its release the series entered a long hiatus, and all subsequent entries shifted to Nintendo platforms.
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