Shining Soul II

Game Boy Advance
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    Get some friends together, though, and you've got one seriously fun multiplayer RPG. [Jan 2004, p.164]
  2. The game is obviously hard, and the fact that there’s no pause screen doesn’t help either.
  3. GMR Magazine
    70
    Vastly improved graphics and animations make this practically a new game. [Jan 2003, p.93]
  4. Cheat Code Central
    70
    This is the game that the original should have been.
  5. games(TM)
    60
    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]
  6. Play Magazine
    58
    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]
  7. AceGamez
    50
    Shining Soul II suffers from a very flawed combat system, leaving it open to RPG veterans only.

Awards & Rankings

28
38
#38 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
41
#41 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. JimminyCricket
    Jul 6, 2007
    8
    Lots of fun, very addictive, but too simplistic gaameplay.
  2. May 6, 2023
    6
    Better graphics, more characters and a deeper storyline, but ultimately it's still a bit too reliant on level-grinding.
  3. Mar 7, 2023
    7
    Shining Soul II feels like it has all the makings of a cult classic - it has a solid understanding of what makes a good video game, and takesShining Soul II feels like it has all the makings of a cult classic - it has a solid understanding of what makes a good video game, and takes some interesting risks, but also has some serious shortcomings.

    This game is a very, very solid Diablo-like action RPG that does quite well when considering that it is a GBA game. However, its gameplay loop gets repetitive fast, feels very dependent on grinding, and doesn't convey some important details about the game very well. As such, the finished product gave me moments of delight that ended in moderate satisfaction, but a little disappointment or frustration was mixed into some moments.

    Overall, Shining Soul II is solid, deeper than expected, and does enough right to merit giving it a shot. However, I would refrain from calling it more than a niche experience.
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