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Shining Soul II gba Game Reviews
Shining Soul II
Critic Score
Metascore: 74 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.5 out of 10
based on 18 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 8 votes
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Rate this game

Long ago, the warriors of Light defeated Darkness, but in time, the story became just an old legend. For many years, the world was at peace, but eventually, disaster slowly drew near. Thick, mysterious clouds formed overhead, blocking out the sun, but not releasing a drop of rain. The people were tormented by drought for years. Then, monsters began to appear, and people's hearts filled with despair. King Marcel, the ruler of Klantol, feared for his people's welfare. And so, he announced a grand tournament at the colosseum to find a mighty hero that could protect the country and vanquish the wandering monsters. "...Heroes who have inherited the power of Light, save this world from being engulfed in Darkness!" [Atlus]

PUBLISHER: Atlus USA
DEVELOPER: Sega
GENRE(S): Action, Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS: 4
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: April 20, 2004

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

90
netjak
In a generation of games where developers put more time into cutscenes, talking, and character development than into pure gameplay, this hack/slash RPG is a huge relief. There's a time and place for games that are more like movies, but Shining Soul 2 is a reminder as to what this hobby of videogames is all about.
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85
GameCube Advanced
I always wondered if someone could pull off a "Diablo"-esque game on the GBA, and this proves it can be done, and done well.
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84
Nintendo Insider
There is an incredible amount of replay value if you're willing to tackle the advanced difficulty or try a different class through the game. However, while alone, the game does lose a bit of its steam.
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84
Nintendo Power
Slow-to-roll-out dialogue bogs down the game at the beginning, but the pace quickens when the fighting begins. [Mar 2004, p.120]
80
Pocket Games
With eight character classes the possibilities for multiplayer and replay are endless. [Summer 2004, p.41]
80
Yahoo! Games
Its single-player is engaging and varied, and the multiplayer is even better. If you're looking for something a little deeper than the usual GBA fare, Shining Soul II is sure to put a smile on any gamer's face.
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80
Computer and Video Games
The crowning glory is a co-operative multiplayer game that's every bit as thrilling as the GBA's "Four Swords." It's hardcore, but accessible.
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77
GameSpot
Variety and customization are what people enjoy about the dungeon crawler genre, and Shining Soul II offers both in abundance.
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75
Game Informer
It feels a little bit like "Zelda" and has the depth of "Diablo." Not bad. Not bad at all. [Feb 2004, p.114]
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75
IGN
A significant improvement over last year's original and a lot more fun and playable. The developers worked to make the sequel a much more realized action RPG than the original.
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75
GameSpy
With the variety of unique character choices, the interesting level-up method, and rocking multiplayer, Shining Soul II has its charm. Still, I can't help feeling it's still missing something to give it more oomph, at least in single-player mode.
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72
Inside Gamer Online
The game is obviously hard, and the fact that there’s no pause screen doesn’t help either.
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72
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Get some friends together, though, and you've got one seriously fun multiplayer RPG. [Jan 2004, p.164]
70
Cheat Code Central
This is the game that the original should have been.
70
GMR Magazine
Vastly improved graphics and animations make this practically a new game. [Jan 2003, p.93]
60
games(TM)
Shining Soul II doesn't really pack enough charm to distinguish itself as anything other than a solid yet unspectacular RPG. It even struggles to differentiate itself from the first game, looking and playing almost exactly the same. [Apr 2004, p.101]
58
Play Magazine
The gameplay that's presented is fun, especially with the variety of weapons and upgradeable skills, and the ability to play with four players is much appreciated, but I really wish they'd added more depth and diversity to the experience. [Dec 2003, p.97]
50
AceGamez
Shining Soul II suffers from a very flawed combat system, leaving it open to RPG veterans only.
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What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jimminy Cricket gave it an8:
Lots of fun, very addictive, but too simplistic gaameplay.

Dragon Boy gave it a9:
Very good but i havent had a chance to try the multiplayer unfortunately.... thats one thing i miss!

DOPE NESS gave it a 10:
AWESOME!

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