Shining Resonance Refrain (First Impressions)

Call out the dragon within you.

Our full review of the game is live and can be viewed here.

Shining Resonance Refrain is an interesting, role-playing game (RPG) that has character and familiar mechanics to other Japanese RPGs (JRPG). The game is a remastered version of the original Shining Resonance that was released only in Japan for the PlayStation 3 in 2014. With the remastered version, players are also getting an expansion from the original, which gives those who have played the original, a reason to return to the game.

Transform This Young Male into Shining Dragon, the Everliving!

You play as Yuma Ilvern, a young male that holds the soul of one of the most powerful, ancient dragons, the Shining Dragon. After a relatively short time in the game, you can freely call out the dragon, transforming Yuma into the Shining Dragon, known as the Dragonshift. However it comes with a price. If you attack too rapidly or over exert your magic points (MP), this will cause Yuma to go berserk. It’s a tactical way for the game to tell users that they cannot button mash attacks on enemies while in this powerful form.

When in berserk mode, you are automatically transferred over to a new character. Beware as Yuma is in this feisty mode, he’ll  tackle anyone in his way. Friend of foe. Not to worry as there’s a time limit on how long Yuma will be in his dragon form, back to his original self and ready for battle, unless he perishes beforehand.

While the berserk mode keeps players on their toes, the sluggish movement of the dragon felt unappealing as if driving a steamroller or a large tank.

Let the Battle Begin

The game’s mechanics feels similar to other JRPG titles such as from the Tales of series. Battles occur when confronting enemies on the map, not random battles. When in battle, there’s a battle ring where you can battle within. Pushing against the edge of the ring for a few seconds will let you leave battle. You don’t gain any experience points, items, and gold, which is common for any typical RPGs.

While in battle, you can only control one character and command orders such as focusing on offense, healing, etc. You can switch between characters, this way you are not stuck with focusing on Yuma. Some players will have favorites to choose from than others. Games such as Final Fantasy XV only lets you play as one character who barks orders.

Those who have played other RPGs such as Ys VIII or Pokémon, you can set up to four special attacks per character, giving them an unique setup for battle. Like other action RPGs, it’ll require the player to initiate a trigger button to call upon the special attack menu, then choosing one of the four buttons to attack, while actively in battle. Players will want to memorize those commands while in the heat of battle.

When you and your party are at a certain high-level, enemies with low levels will run away. A great feature so players aren’t being attacked from every monster that spots you, especially if they are such a low level enemy that’s not worth the time and effort.

Tuning Your Instrument

In Shining Resonance Refrain, each character receives their one-and-only weapon. With only a single weapon, how do players upgrade? Requiring Tunings. Each Tuning comes in different styles such as strengthening physical attacks, magic, or other stats and can be level up the Tuning’s rank to increase its power. Each time you want to change your Tuning, it requires players to visit the specific shop in the game and money.

Along with Tuning, players can add Aspects to their weapon. If you are familiar with Final Fantasy VII, you’ll recognize Aspects acts like materia, adding powered-up pieces into slots on your weapon. It’s important to know that each Tuning also has different slots for your Aspects, keep an eye on what you have as you swap things around.

Return to the World of Shining Resonance

Players who have played through the original story will notice that certain characters where not playable nor able to join their parties, such as Excella Noa Aura and Jinas Aion. This is where the name “Refrain” gets its name in Shining Resonance Refrain. In the Refrain mode lets players play a “what if” story that revolves around Excella and Jinas. This new feature gives players who have enjoyed and finished the original storyline to continue playing.

Shining Resonance Refrain is simple gameplay compared to other RPG titles but fun at the same time. A complete review will be posted relatively soon. You can also watch our gameplay footage below.

Disclaimer: A digital review copy was provided by Atlus for the Nintendo Switch.

Seth Hay: When Seth is not designing or developing, he spends time with his family and his occasional dose of anime, sports and video games.
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