Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. Jul 9, 2018
    82
    Shining Resonance Refrain plays like a pretty standard yet extremely solid JRPG. Despite the slow beginning, the story is interesting and extremely well thought out. The characters are likable and the graphics are beautiful.
  2. Aug 2, 2018
    80
    Shining Resonance Refrain returns after a very long hiatus on the Western shores, in an amazing, shining package. A game with an enthralling story and captivating characters, beautiful visuals and a battle system that tries to function as intended, but suffers from technical issues related to its age. With all-new content and the promise of an improvement to the series, Shining Resonance Refrain is definitely an authentic JRPG adventure that should not be missed by gamers who craved the return of the series.
  3. Jul 20, 2018
    80
    A triumphant return overseas for an iconic JRPG series. It has solid foundations in the usual JRPG business of fantasy kingdoms and amnesiac warrior boys, but it builds off of that foundation with charming characters and gorgeous art to create a pretty unique identity for itself. While some aspects of the game are a little unpolished, it’s still a standout JRPG worth standing alongside any of the other big players in that genre, and worth checking out by anyone who calls themselves a JRPG fan.
  4. Jul 11, 2018
    80
    A sweet and relaxing experience based on the Super Mario universe with Toad as our main character. Each level is a puzzle by itself and it requires tons of patience and the ability to play with prospective.
  5. Jul 9, 2018
    80
    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.
  6. Jul 9, 2018
    80
    Its systems are top-notch, its action is uniquely its own, and lord knows we need more solid JRPGs back in the West.
  7. Aug 1, 2018
    75
    Shining Resonance is a good RPG game. It is entertaining, but we can find several drawbacks. We are looking at a good remake which adds extra content to the original game, but we can find different mistakes on it, as the irregular difficulty.
  8. Jul 11, 2018
    75
    It’s not gonna trouble the most complex and tactical JRPG’s fans, but Shining Resonance Refrain deserves to be played and enjoyed.
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 93
  2. Negative: 13 out of 93
  1. Jul 10, 2018
    10
    Shining Resonance Refrain is pretty incredible on Switch: beautiful visuals in 720P / 30FPS, good characters, fun battles and nice soundtrack.Shining Resonance Refrain is pretty incredible on Switch: beautiful visuals in 720P / 30FPS, good characters, fun battles and nice soundtrack. It's a Tales Of game but without the name :)
    An excellent RPG to buy alongside Octopath Traveler.
    Full Review »
  2. Jul 11, 2018
    10
    Absolutely amazed by this game. Very deep and intuitive battle system and character relationships. Solid story with English voiceAbsolutely amazed by this game. Very deep and intuitive battle system and character relationships. Solid story with English voice localization. Visually it’s top shelf with a smooth frame rate. I also preordered Octopath Traveler but it will have to wait until I play this into the ground first. Highly recommend if your a fan of the genre. Instant classic. Full Review »
  3. Jul 12, 2018
    8
    Nice JRPG, beautiful graphics and really good music. Stereotypical and goofy characters. If you like the Tales of Series i think wou will haveNice JRPG, beautiful graphics and really good music. Stereotypical and goofy characters. If you like the Tales of Series i think wou will have fun with this game. Runs smooth in Handheld and docked mode. Full Review »