September, 22, 2006 - SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced Shining Force™ EXA exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Shining Force EXA marks an entirely new storyline that builds upon the fast-paced action-RPG and stunning anime cut-scenes in the legendary Shining series. The game introduces a new Fortress System that allows players to experience two sides of the battle by using aggressive offensive and defensive strategies to protect their Geo Fortress, the player's home base, and fend off encroaching enemies. With enhanced party command abilities, improved character customization, multiple playable characters, and a distinctive art style, Shining Force EXA turns up the strategic component while offering players a deep sense of personal involvement in battles.

"The Shining franchise has provided deep plotlines and exciting gameplay throughout its long running history," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "New innovations such as the Fortress System and enhanced party commands add a new layer of strategic gameplay to Shining Force EXA that delivers a compelling experience for today's gamers."

The world of Shining Force EXA has long been steeped in devastating wars and oppression. Two bitter nations wage constant war upon each other by summoning armies of beasts and demons. Now, decades later, neither side has gained any perceivable advantage over the other, while the world and its people lay ravaged and devastated by the ceaseless fighting. Players take the role of two characters in Shining Force EXA; Toma, a warrior who holds the power to wield the Shining Force, is destined to unite the divided world in which he lives; and Cyrille, a powerful sorceress who fights to create a better future for her homeland. Together Toma and Cyrille embark on a quest to bring peace and order back to their war-ravaged world.

Shining Force EXA debuts an innovative Fortress System by which players manage the growth, layout, and defense of the Geo Fortress, the player's home base. As players leave the Geo Fortress to go on missions and quests, they are kept abreast of events at the fortress. If at anytime the Geo Fortress is attacked during the quest, players must switch between parties and use members from the defensive force that were left to protect the fortress from invasion. The Geo Fortress can evolve during the game to match players' personal style and tactics.

Alright... I'm guessing that this time around they're finally sticking with the " Force " part of the series and keeping this one a strat/rpg? That's what I'm gathering by reading the article but I'd like to be sure of that.

I'm just sick of all these SF games that are all craptacular action/rpg's ... The best SF games were the strategy based RPG's and every Shining fan would agree to that.

Good news though... I'm glad the series is still going.

I agree, part one and two for SG were the best games. These new ones are crap and not even worth the 80 dallers to buy or 5 dallers to rent.

Unfortunately this another action rpg and according to IGN its pretty much the same as Shining Force Neo. The first two Shining Forces were great and were alot of fun. I really wish Sega would stop releasing these action rpgs. I loved the first shining force it was a strategy rpg that allowed you to visit towns and walk around on a world map and it had a great story.

That's totally bogus news man... I'm going to be picking up Neo eventually, and reluctantly, strictly because it's a SF title. I've heard that it's decent enough to pick up and all, but seriously why not release the strat RPG style of SF game again?

I know all the hardcore SF fans want a return to the roots of the series, I know I most certainly do... Are they REALLY reaching a broader audience with these generic action/RPG titles?

true that....I've been a fan since the first SF release, and still am today, I just caught a copy of NEO, and was totally bumed to find it an action RPG, It's still pretty fun, but killed the Shining Series

Although I too love the strategy versions of shining force, the NEO series is actually quite good. I'd much rather get a new NEO shining force than no shining force at all. Any word on it's US release?