Shining Resonance Refrain Reviews
Shining Resonance Refrain performs well on certain elements, such as its characters, the amount of content available and the simple but competent battle system. Unfortunately the game is not that inviting to explore and the clichés all around its plot mean that it does not have a lot going for it that can set it apart from other RPGs, especially as this is a game of a previous generation being adapted to the Nintendo Switch.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
All in all, Shining Resonance Refrain is a solid effort that ticks off a lot of JRPG checkboxes. Admittedly, it has a by-the-numbers feel and doesn't have that uniqueness seen in heavy hitters such as Persona 5. Its fetchy, repeating side quests also feel a bit long in the tooth. At the same time, I appreciate the game being brought over to our shores, which is hopefully a trend that continues as the genre sees a resurgence. The more JRPGs make it to the West, the better it is for fans.
If you are looking for a JRPG that encapsulates the summer vacation experience, this one may very well be for you.
Shining Resonance Refrain is an interesting, trope heavy, story with combat that could be fun, if there was less padding. None of these things stop it from being a good game, it just prevents it from being truly great. Despite the negativity towards a lot of it, the characters were fun enough where I found myself excited on seeing where things would go, it just requires you to be interested in a lot of clichés found in things like anime. Outside of that, combat is fun, at least when you’re not out classed, with the Switch having some slight performance issues, making Shining Resonance Refrain an okay experience. One fantasy and anime fans will probably like, with it having very little for anyone else. Well, outside of nice music and pretty visuals.
Shining Resonance Refrain brings the original Japan-only release to a worldwide audience across multiple platforms. With that said, the narrative and combat system and thoroughly enjoyable, but neither stands out when compared to other games in the genre. The Refrain mode inclusion adds a new twist for those that already played through it, but I was more than happy to play through it again on an Xbox One. There are loads of systems that work in unison, such as forming bonds to create a compelling and cohesive party, as well as the inclusion of optional social aspects. There are also a ton of previous swimsuit DLC for the female cast too if you are into that type of thing.
Famous series finally came back to the West. Sadly, it will probably be appreciated only by the biggest fans of the genre, although the story focusing on music and dragons is quite engaging.
Review in Polish | Read full review
The very definition of mediocre, Shining Resonance Refrain fails to stand out from the crowd in another packed year of RPGs.
Shining Resonance: Refrain is, I hope, the beginning of the Shining series' return to the US and EU as a SEGA mainstay. Its systems are top-notch, its action is uniquely its own, and lord knows we need more solid JRPGs back in the West.
Shining Resonance Refrain is a missed opportunity for Sega to bring its beloved JRPG series to the west in its better form. The remaster has several problems (both technical and structural), but can still deliver some fun to the hardcore aficionados.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Shining Resonance Refrain doesn't do too much to get away from JRPG tropes, but that might be part of its charm as some of its themes have been addressed in several JRPGs prior but that should come as no surprise to fans of the genre.
Shining Resonance Refrain manages to bury its many interesting ideas under repetitive gameplay and a dragged-on story.
It's not even the best JRPG we've had this year, but Shining Resonance: Refrain is nonetheless competent and fun enough on its merits to earn a look from fans of the genre.
It's not an awful game by any means, it's just a fine JRPG, but with a predictable story and repeated backtracking, this is a game that is lacking any spark to be anything other than a local school orchestra rather than being the London symphony.
Shining Resonance Refrain may not go down in the annuls of gaming history as one of the best RPGs ever, but is by far one of the most solid RPGs we've seen in recent years.
With a middling story and poor pacing, Shining Resonance Refrain isn't for everyone. Fans of the genre will find its combat and systems entertaining while the game's support cast is more intriguing than its central character. It's a flawed entry but those looking for their summer role-playing game fix will find a lot to immerse themselves in.
Shining Resonance Refrain might not be a classic example of the genre, but it gets the most important components of the genre right – the characters and the storytelling – and backs it up with some gorgeous art and a perfectly competent combat system.
With a cast of characters I won't soon forget, Yuma's personal story of dealing with the Shining Dragon is a tale I'm glad to have been apart of – even if there are some missteps along the way.
Shining Resonance Refrain displays all the qualities one would expect in a JRPG game, albeit in a dated and unimaginative fashion. Fans of the genre will find plenty to sing about but for those not sold on Japan's ideals of an RPG, there's little more here than a solid story and some good dungeon grinding.
Apart from the dated combat, Shining Resonance seemed to have the right elements to be a success but just missed a certain chemistry to really hook me in. Fans of previous titles in the series and seasoned RPG players may find the enjoyment that alluded me. I wouldn't tell you to avoid this game, but there's a whole lot I would recommend before it.
Shining Resonance Refrain has its small irritating bits here and there and turns out to not be a very large scale JRPG, but that doesn't mean that it should be shunned for it. Its smaller scale and relatively simpler structure makes it easier to sink some time into than an even more massive JRPG like the Xenoblade titles, which may be more intimidating as a result of their scope. As for its minor setbacks, they are easily offset by its other intrinsic qualities, chiefly the loveable cast of main characters. Fans of the JRPG genre in its more classical form, but also of manga/anime style adventure stories, should find plenty to enjoy here.