About this game
Released in 1997, Shining Force III was Camelot Software Planning's final Shining game — and their most ambitious. Conceived as a trilogy across three separate Saturn discs, each from the perspective of a different hero in an interconnected war, it was a narrative experiment without precedent in tactical RPGs. Only Scenario 1 was released outside Japan, leaving most Western players with a fraction of the complete story. It remains one of the Sega Saturn's greatest unrealized potential stories.
Key Features
Grid-based tactical battles with terrain effects, three interconnected scenarios each following a different protagonist in the same war, save data carries over between scenarios, fully voiced cutscenes for Saturn hardware, and a large cast of characters spread across all three discs.
The Story Behind
Shining Force III was released at a moment when the Sega Saturn was already losing ground to the PlayStation in Japan. Despite this, Camelot delivered what was arguably the most sophisticated tactical RPG on any platform at the time — a game that demanded a trilogy of discs to tell its full story.
Tricks & Tales
Shining Force III Scenario 1 was the only part released in North America and Europe. The complete trilogy was only available to Japanese players. Camelot Software Planning left Sega shortly after development, going on to make Mario Golf, Mario Tennis, and eventually Golden Sun for Nintendo.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Only Scenario 1 was released outside Japan. Scenarios 2 and 3 remain Japan-exclusive.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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