Formula for an RPG: take rag-tag group of outcasts featuring one impetuous young swordsman with “fabulous” hair, a seasoned knight, a magician with a secret, and throw in an elven archer for good measure. Put them in search of a mystical, world-changing object and team them up against an evil power. Now shake it up and pour it out. Hence the creation of Shining Force EXA, the latest Shining Force game to hit the PlayStation 2.

A year and a half after its predecessor, Shining Force Neo, Shining Force EXA feels a lot like the game that came before it. Even though the storyline has changed up a little bit, the much of the gameplay has been largely unchanged, which can be bad or good depending on how much you enjoyed Shining Force Neo. However, newbies might find the storyline and dialog to be a bit too mind-numbing, the combat system too simplistic, and the overall dynamic a bit too dull and repetitive.

EXA’s storyline follows an eclectic group of warriors as they search for a holy sword known as the Shining Force. Sporting some pretty obvious Arthurian legend overtones, the elusive sword will grant its discoverer with the power to rule the world. On their search for the sword, however, things start to get pretty nasty and the team is thrown into the middle of a huge war between the two factions battling for supremacy.

The gameplay in Shining Force EXA is going to feel immediately familiar to RPG fans, as it presents pretty light action/role-playing elements. The battles are pretty simplistic, requiring you to perform rudimentary combos and a few special attacks as you play the game. You can switch between the two main characters, Toma and Cyrille, in the heat of battle. This allows you to take advantage of each of their abilities, be it Toma’s sword fighting skills or Cyrille’s spell casting abilities. The other two characters from the group are relegated to computer-controlled roles.

One unique addition to the game is the Geo-Fortress. Basically, the Geo-Fortress adds the “thinking” portion of the game to contrast the battle system’s all-out action elements. Once you get the Geo-Fortress (which is essentially a headquarters for your team), you must protect it, as it becomes your central hub to keep your team members and upgrade your weaponry. You’ll have to keep it safe by fighting monsters that come to attack it. You can upgrade it with new items, like radars and cannons for protection.

Shining Force EXA’s graphical presentation is very bright and colorful, which goes along with the game’s overall lighthearted feel. The character models have a vaguely cel-shaded look to them, and the environments look pretty good. The game does experience some slow down in the hairier battles, however.

The sound is the area where Shining Force EXA gets pretty rough. While the music and sound effects are decent (but not outstanding by any means), the voice acting is flat out awful. The dialogue is mind-numbingly cheesy, and even took me out of the story more often than not.

Shining Force EXA is a pretty run-of-the-mill, light RPG. Your personal investment to SEGA’s “Shining” franchise will ultimately determine your satisfaction level with EXA. If you’re a huge fan and can’t wait for each and every installment, then Shining Force EXA should give you more of the same. However, those with only a passing regard for the series will find it a little too light.

Gameplay: 7.0
The game plays almost exactly like Shining Force Neo, so if you’ve played that game, then you’ll know what to expect. The Geo-Fortress is an interesting touch and adds a new element to the game. However, the battle system is pretty simplistic, and doesn’t provide the depth that other RPGs offer.

Graphics: 7.5
The cel-shaded look works well for the game’s lighthearted content and the effects look pretty good. There are a few bouts with slow-down in action-heavy battles.

Sound: 5.0
Decent music and sound effects are brought down by absolutely horrible dialogue and voice acting, and could even take you out of the game.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 6.5
Shining Force EXA is a nice (if light) RPG, but it just feels too similar to its predecessor to feel like a wholly new game.

Overall: 7.0
Shining Force EXA is can be fun at times, but the simplistic combat can wear you down after a while, and the overall experience is lacking in depth.