Shining Force Neo confirmed for fall release in both US and Europe

[Nem]

Well its basically has the title says.

May 6, 2005 - In an announcement made exclusively through IGN today by both SEGA America and SEGA Europe, it was revealed that the next iteration of the popular "Shining" series, Shining Force Neo will be coming to North America and PAL territories this fall.



"Shining Force Neo reinforces our strategy of keeping SEGA's classic intellectual properties fresh and exciting to both new players and long-time fans," said Yosuke Moriya, SEGA of America spokesperson. "PlayStation 2 has become home to many of the current generation's greatest RPGs, and we're pleased to bring the Shining Force series to the platform for the first time."

Set in the familiar "Shining" universe, Neo follows a young knight in training named Max as he sets out to close mysterious demonic portals that have opened up in villages all over the country. Along the way, Max will also join up with eleven different companions and travel to a myriad of different territories with unique geographical qualities and more than 90 different kinds of enemies.

In keeping with that famous "Shining" tradition, Shining Force Neo's biggest gameplay feature will be an in-depth character customization system. Using it, players can transform Max into several different classes (including sorcerers and warriors) and collect more than 150 stat-improving items known as "Force Arts" for an additional level of customization. Moreover, combat will occur in real-time (action/RPG style) while the presentation will be enhanced by full voice-over and anime cutscenes created by Studio 4C (aka ex-team members of Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.

source ps2.ign.com/articles/610/610986p1.html

From the group announcement and release dates, seems like SEGA of America and SEGA of Europe are beggining to work more closely. It can only be a good thing.

[Decado]

They sound dumber after every press release.

If the game dosen't totally suck in Sega's sucky style, I may play it just for the class system.

[Kwestone]

I played shining tears.. not going to play this.. I like the tactical turn combat.. find it more interesting then the mind numbing running around doing the same repetitive hack and slash garbage that seems to be sooo popular lately. Mainly all the dynasty warrior incarnations etc. Bring back shining force in the traditional manner or at least add some puzzle like elements to it.