Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Shining Tears embraces the old-school action RPG formula, offering fast-paced real-time combat that feels both familiar and refreshing. You control Xion directly, weaving between enemies with fluid movement and unleashing powerful combos that change depending on your equipped companion. The sense of momentum in battles is heightened by responsive controls and a variety of special moves tied to each pairing of Xion and his allies.

The hallmark feature is the Twin Dragon Rings system, which shifts Xion’s alignment between light and dark souls based on the companion you choose. This mechanic not only alters your power set—granting either holy-based attacks or shadow-infused strikes—but also encourages experimentation. With eight unlockable allies, each wielding unique abilities, you’ll find yourself swapping companions to tackle different enemy types and environmental challenges.

Cooperative play adds another layer of depth: two players can team up locally to coordinate attacks, perform devastating combo moves, and share the spoils of victory. Even in single-player mode, the AI companion is intelligent enough to assist in tight spots, executing their own special skills when you’re overwhelmed. This dynamic keeps battles engaging throughout, whether you’re sneaking around enemy lines or facing down massive bosses.

Graphics

Visually, Shining Tears shines with hand-drawn 2D backgrounds and character sprites that evoke a nostalgic charm. Each dungeon and town is crafted with care, featuring vibrant color palettes and detailed environmental flourishes that reward exploration. From moss-covered ruins to lantern-lit villages, the artwork immerses you in a world that feels rich and lived-in.

Character designs strike a balance between classic fantasy and anime-inspired flair, giving each companion a distinct silhouette and personality. During battles, animations are smooth and impactful: sword swings leave trails of light, magic spells erupt in colorful bursts, and enemies react convincingly to your assaults. These effects enhance the tactile satisfaction of every strike and spell.

While the game’s resolution and effects might feel dated compared to modern 3D titles, its artistry remains timeless. Background layers subtly shift to create a sense of depth, and carefully animated transitions between exploration and combat screens maintain immersion. Fans of traditional 2D RPGs will appreciate the dedication to hand-crafted visuals over flashy polygonal graphics.

Story

Shining Tears opens with a compelling premise: Xion, an ordinary hero, is drawn into conflict when his possession of the Twin Dragon Rings threatens the peace between Shilidia and its once-friendly neighbor. This narrative hook sets the stage for an epic journey in which allegiances shift and hidden motives come to light. Early on, you’ll sense that not everything is as it seems, as characters reveal surprising backstories and the political landscape grows increasingly complex.

The strength of the story lies in its cast of varied allies, each bringing personal quests and unique perspectives on the looming war. Conversations around campfires or during brief respites flesh out relationships, offering moments of humor, tension, and genuine camaraderie. As Xion bonds with his companions, the choices you make—both in dialogue and in battle—deepen the narrative impact.

While the overarching plot follows familiar fantasy RPG tropes, unexpected twists keep the adventure engaging. Betrayals, moral dilemmas, and the duality imposed by the rings challenge your assumptions about heroism and villainy. In the final act, revelations about the rings’ true origin and the fate of Shilidia’s leadership deliver a satisfying payoff that ties together character arcs and world-building threads.

Overall Experience

Shining Tears offers a robust action RPG experience that will appeal to both newcomers and veterans of the genre. Its blend of real-time combat, companion-driven mechanics, and cooperative play strikes a gratifying balance between accessibility and strategic depth. Battles never overstay their welcome, yet there’s enough variety to keep you engaged across the game’s sizable runtime.

The narrative, while rooted in classic fantasy, benefits from strong character development and a pacing that steadily raises the stakes. You’ll be motivated to see how each companion’s story unfolds and how your choices influence the fate of the world. The hand-drawn visuals and evocative soundtrack further reinforce the game’s immersive qualities.

Although it lacks modern graphical bells and whistles, Shining Tears compensates with heart, polish, and a well-executed combat system. Whether you’re teaming up with a friend for split-screen co-op or forging ahead solo with your AI ally, the journey through Shilidia’s perilous lands is consistently rewarding. For fans of the Shining series and action RPG enthusiasts alike, this title remains a hidden gem worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10