Shining in the Darkness

Shining in the Darkness is a first person role playing game where players explore from that perspective but engage in turn based combat. Its visual presentation uses a cartoony style, and character dialogue is shown in bubbles above speakers, though the main character remains silent.

The narrative follows an effort to repel an invasion of the Kingdom of Thornwood by the forces of Dark Sol. Success requires obtaining the Arms of Light. This story driven adventure forms the initial entry in a trilogy of Genesis titles, preceding the two Shining Force games.

Gameplay is focused on the central objective without optional sub quests. Exploration secrets primarily involve locating a special type of metal used to forge uncommon items. The experience offers an estimated 25 to 30 hours of play before reaching the concluding battle and ending sequence.