Overview

Shining the Holy Ark is a first-person dungeon-crawler RPG developed by Camelot Software Planning and released by Sega for the Sega Saturn in 1996. The game is a part of the popular Shining series, known for its engaging role-playing experiences and tactical elements.

Gameplay

The game offers a rich, immersive experience featuring classic RPG mechanics. Players are tasked with navigating through various dungeons, battling enemies in turn-based combat, and solving puzzles to progress. Each character in the game carries a unique set of skills and magic, which can be developed as they gain experience through battles.

Story

The narrative follows a group of adventurers who are accidentally caught up in a cosmic conflict involving an ancient evil known as the Vandal. The players explore the mysterious kingdom of Enrich to uncover and stop the machinations of this ancient threat. The story is interwoven with intrigue, betrayal, and a quest for redemption, providing a deeply personal journey for the players.

Graphics and Sound

For the time, the game features impressive 3D graphics, paving the way for future RPGs on the Sega Saturn. The environments are both vivid and atmospheric, adding depth to the overall experience. Accompanied by a memorable soundtrack, the audio-visual aspects enhance the game’s immersive quality.

Development and Legacy

Camelot Software Planning, renowned for their expertise in the RPG genre, developed this installment right before their success with the Golden Sun series. Despite its initial release towards the latter years of the Sega Saturn’s lifecycle, Shining the Holy Ark was praised for its innovative mechanics and captivating storyline. The game remains a cherished classic among RPG enthusiasts and continues to be regarded as an essential part of the Shining franchise’s legacy.