Shining Resonance Refrain

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 58
  3. Negative: 12 out of 58
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  1. DeadsFortune
    Jan 29, 2019
    8
    Shining Resonance Refrain is one of those relaxing JRPGs to play.

    I wouldn't say it's combat is in the same league as the Tales games in terms of depth, but it is still enjoyable. Though much like Tales, you do have the ability to play as additional party members. Each character has unique moves of their own, which breaks up any monotony you might find just playing as Yuma. Grinding    Shining Resonance Refrain is one of those relaxing JRPGs to play.

    I wouldn't say it's combat is in the same league as the Tales games in terms of depth, but it is still enjoyable. Though much like Tales, you do have the ability to play as additional party members. Each character has unique moves of their own, which breaks up any monotony you might find just playing as Yuma.

    Grinding was never a huge factor while playing it, as it is really easy. But grinding does become a factor towards the end game.

    Story wise, I wouldn't say it's anything special. There are some twists, some predictable, but I was never super invested into it to care. The characters do come off as cliche, especially the main protagonist, but they are overall an enjoyable cast if you can look past it.

    I don't get why some people have ripped Shining Resonance Refrain for it's English dub. I found the voice actors/actresses competent and fitting in their roles. No line felt awkward or out of place.

    Much like I initially stated, Shining Resonance Refrain is overall a really relaxing JRPG to play. I recommend it on that basis.    … Expand
  2. sonicman18
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    i enjoyed what i played i wait for a new installment. The graphics look good and it plays well
  3. Kai82
    Jan 1, 2023
    8
    An action RPG that resembles a bit the Tales series RPGs. It is a PS3 remaster with additions. The strengths are the characters, story and bond system. While the gameplay is good too you can be caught in loops which I will explain later. Story: A long time ago a cataclysmic event called Ragnarok brought ruins to the world. It was saved by the most powerful dragons who sacrificedAn action RPG that resembles a bit the Tales series RPGs. It is a PS3 remaster with additions. The strengths are the characters, story and bond system. While the gameplay is good too you can be caught in loops which I will explain later. Story: A long time ago a cataclysmic event called Ragnarok brought ruins to the world. It was saved by the most powerful dragons who sacrificed themselves. At the present day a young man named Yuma is kept captive in a prison while the Empire is at war with the Astorian island nation. He will play a key role in the events to come. I like the story of the game. It starts or sounds generic but has some nice twists, schemes and character growth. The characters are superb. Each one has a unique personality, quirks and facets. There is a bond system in the game where you link character traits for bonuses. As you learn more about the characters you unlock more traits. The battles are action orientated. You have a stamina bar for normal attacks, special abilities, can block or evade. There is are a lot of combinations and tactics to use. Outside you explore the main hub city Marga for side quests or events and collect items. You can use those to craft better items or aspects that grant bonuses. A big part is music as a dragon left instruments called Armonics the character used as weapons. Those can be attuned for special effects / bonuses and level up too. This gives depth to the gameplay. For the presentation I repeat it is a PS3 remaster so the graphic while being nice is not on the level of modern games. However the soundtrack is excellent and I like a lot of it. I have some negatives. When you rest at the inn new quest and events pop up. You solve these and rest again so the next pop up. This can create a cycle that feels tiresome and repetitive. Also as you progress through the story the enemies level up on each new chapter. In the later half the increase is bigger. I had to grind more than felt comfortable. Also the additions in Refrain mode are added just on top without adjustment. You have new characters in your party while those exist a second time in the same world. Overall this is a nice RPG I recommend for its beautiful setting, characters I care and the bond system. I give an 8/10 and want to see more like this.… Expand
  4. IRON_SOUL
    Aug 5, 2022
    10
    Shining resonance refrain is a pleasant surprise! the combat system is fluid and very fun. The plot of the game is very interesting, the characters are extremely charismatic, it is worth going through some tedious moments. Overall, Shining resonance is one of the best RPGs I've played in recent years!

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Worth Playing
    Oct 24, 2018
    60
    The European aspects with gallant warriors fighting off the impending doom of dragons is incredibly fun in this game. It's the perfect amount of challenge, and it almost presents the player with a JRPG-Musou hybrid that's rewarding to play. However, music and story are largely lacking in the game, either being convoluted or unimaginative, if not both. Given the overly complex customization and sexist tones, the whole project drops from above average to lackluster. Shining Resonance: Refrain is a learning opportunity in recognizing when parts of a game are overextended or outdated.
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  2. Gamers Heroes
    Aug 26, 2018
    60
    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.
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  3. DarkStation
    Aug 9, 2018
    70
    In the end, Shining Resonance Refrain is a solid addition to any JRPG fan's lineup, but honestly, I'd recommend it to hardcore JRPG fans looking for something new. For as many things as Shining Resonance gets right, it stumbles with as well which leads to a very generic RPG in the end (retreading areas and reusing enemies over and over really make this title seem like it was made on a budget). If you can live with all of that and can't wait another minute to dig into another adventure, you're definitely in luck with this localization!
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