Shining Tears

Lore & Background

The game follows Xion, an amnesiac boy found washed up on a river shore by an elven girl named Elwyn. He is taken to the village doctor Pios, who nurses him back to health. Xion discovers he carries the Twin Dragon Rings, which he received from his father. He becomes involved in battles to defend the nation Shildia from aggressors. Xion's personality remains consistent throughout the game, though the soul of the other ring bearer influences the story and gameplay.

Reader's Guide

Shining Tears is notable for its branching narrative, offering eight unique endings based on which female partner character Xion develops the highest relationship with. The gameplay involves advancing through stages by defeating all enemies, with a partner character that can be AI-controlled or taken over by a second player in cooperative multiplayer on replay stages. Experience points, Status Points, and Skill Points are earned through leveling up, and weapons are modified using materials rather than replaced. Monster cards can be collected and catalogued. The game received mixed reviews according to Metacritic, with Famitsu scoring it 31 out of 40. Its legacy includes an anime adaptation and a sequel featuring the same main characters.

Did You Know?

• The game features eight different endings, each tied to a specific female partner character.
• Xion's personality does not change; instead, the soul of the other Twin Dragon Ring bearer influences the story and gameplay.
• A second player can control the partner character in cooperative multiplayer, but only when replaying previously completed stages.
• The opening and ending themes were also used in the anime adaptation Shining Tears X Wind.