Let's Play Shining Force II

[Sephex]

THE MUSIC OF SHINING FORCE II

This is something I should have done earlier, and something Skyblade reminded me of via PM.

One of the drawbacks for a Let's Play in this style is the lack of sound. This game has excellent music. It's very much worth a listen.

For now, I am only going to post links to most of the music that has been "heard" in this playthrough. As I progress further, I'll add more links when "new" music is played. If you don't want to wait on me, feel free to follow any of the links below and take a listen to other tracks.

Shining Force 2 - Introduction [Genesis] Music - YouTube
This is the music that plays during the game's opening. I know I was joking around when I covered that part, but when I was younger this track honestly creeped me out. Very effective at getting the player at the edge of their seat from the start.

Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Wandering Warriors - YouTube
This is the main theme of Shining Force II. It is played on the world map no matter if you are traveling or battling. Always gets me pumped up for an adventure.

Shining Force 2 - Lively Town [Genesis] Music - YouTube
The typical town theme. Very upbeat and fun.

Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Castle Theme - YouTube
Plays in any castle in the game. I love how it incorporates the main theme.

Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Journey into Darkness - YouTube
This plays in most interior settings in the game. In fact, this was playing during the Gizmo battle. I love the straight up "down to business" vibe I get from it.

Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Time to Attack - YouTube
When any party member attacks, this is the music that plays. There is another hero based battle theme that plays later on, but this one gets the point across.

Shining Force 2 - Enemy Attack [Genesis] Music - YouTube
When a normal enemy attacks the player during battle, you will hear this music. It also plays during perilous scenes during story cut scenes. Again, there is another enemy themed battle music that is much better, but this is a cool choice for the average enemy. Keep in mind that the original Shining Force only had one type of battle music, for the most part.

Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Receive Item - YouTube
This fanfare plays when you get an item. I love how even picking up an items warrants an exciting (small) piece of music.

Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Joined Party - YouTube
Whenever you saw a screen shot of "[character] joined the force" this is the fanfare that played. A nice, rewarding tune.

Shining Force 2 - Dying Wishes [Genesis] Music - YouTube
Remember when "Squall" was talking to a dying Hawel? This is the track that was playing. Again, I may have been joking, but this one gets to me a bit.

Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Joined Party Sad - YouTube
Which leads me to this interesting track. When "Squall" joined the party, it doesn't play the standard fanfare. Something terrible just happened, so it actually plays this instead, which is a good idea since the regular fanfare would have totally conflicted with the scene.

Shining Force 2 - Enough for One Day... [Genesis] Music - YouTube
And that's enough for now. As I said, I'll post more links when I come across more of the music, so to speak. I chose this track to end this post because this is the music that plays when you save and quit your game. It's basically a slightly minimized version of the file/options selection screen. I'll go more into that when I post the next part.

[Sephex]

PART FOUR: Grave Granseal

Before I begin this part, I should point out that this game has a pretty creative file/options screen. Apparently you, the player, is lost in this dark forest until you come across this witch looking woman. You have to help her (beat the game) before you can escape! When you quit, you basically see the same thing, but she goes back to tending whatever she is making in that pot.






If you had to take a shot of something whenever you get in a battle when you step outside, you'd have a pretty good buzz going by now.





Hmmm? Maybe they can talk their way out of this, after all!





Oh geez, that excuse again! Well, it did work when Mankey used it on the Granseal guards...





*sigh* It looks like the Galam forces could be just as incompetent!







Nope, they have the right idea. Actually EXAMINE the people who want to catch up with your forces!







The Galam soldiers finally recognize the party, and a battle begins!





In battle, Lenny is very fast and has some awesome movement range. He also hits decently hard too. However, he becomes much more useful down the line...





Oh, and I told you that Squall would soon start raining hell on enemies!





With the Galam forces disposed of, Sephex and his gang quickly rush into Granseal...





Dead guard from the get go. Not a good sign. Also, this music is playing: Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Devastation Theme - YouTube

This is also heard if you lose in battle.





Mom is alright, at least, and since she doesn't want me to go to the Castle, that's where I obviously have to go! You should have said, "Don't go in the house and hide under the bed!"





On the way to the castle, it turns out that Galam soldiers even had it in for defenseless animals! It looks like they set them free, but that's still kind of a dick move!





Looks like I found one!







Had a falshback of watching "Rugrats" when his name prompt came up. Another one joins the force!





beavisandbuttheadlaugh.wav







I have a feeling the Granseal forces didn't fare too well.





Condom seems reluctant to be put in use. Many feel the same way about him, so to speak.







Astral does his best to talk Condom out of a sticky situation.





And if you haven't guessed it by now, that's where the Pink Gizmo went off to!





Either Princess Barbie lost her iPod again, or maybe a certain possessed King is up to no good.





Condom is still weary of trusting Granseal people, so Astral convinces him to be more at ease if they go investigate together with a couple of soldiers.





The party, King Granseal, and his minister decide to follow them. Granseal really doesn't want to have to buy a new iPod for Princess Barbie AGAIN.





Right when we get to the entrance, Condom is near death and the soldiers are long gone (they're being covered by the dialogue box). It took the possessed King Galam directly attacking them to finally convince Condom 100% that s*** was going down! Astral managed to avoid the attack and pursued the King inside the ancient tower.





Back to the room the party fought the Gizmos in the first battle, but now there are stairs leading down. They lead to a series of pathways until they come cross a large room that holds....





Yeah, I would say the demon possessing the King knows the jig is up at that point.





Good news: Princess Barbe can still listen to the Smashing Pumpkins. Bad news: Possessed Galam has her in his clutches!







Galam wants to kill Astral before the party gets a chance to do anything. Astral brings his bar fighting trash talk to the table and they throw down!!







Their scuffle ends in a draw, but still feel well enough to continue the trash talking.





Galam had enough and another battle begins!!





Reptar has two methods of attack:

A) Throw his hat at enemies
B) Cause enemies to double over laughing at his bowl cut.





I also love how FABULOUS the enemy archers look when they fire arrows.





After the battle is won, Astral continues to trash talk from the floor.





Too bad Galam took that time to recover!





Whoa, calm down there Gruber.







Normally, this is where I would make a joke about the bad guy being stupid enough to fall for a distraction by getting him to talk about his plan, but Astral is genuinely talking to him!







Alright, cool. So what does that exactly do?





Asshole! You just said you'd tell us!





Oh, wait! More enemies?





Oh. Light tubes....alright. Oh, and Sephex isn't commenting on the situation. He is correcting Astral from misquoting Star Wars wrong hours ago. Look at the smug face, he knows what he did!





Looks like Galam wants to take Princess Barbie to the evil world with him. Princess Barbie normally would be opposed to this, but it's a good chance to get some Marilyn Manson on her iPod.





Uh, what? Wait a minute, guys...





Never mind. Guess I have to deal with this garbage now.





Whoa, it worked! And I got a firm grasp on the other Jewel!





Princess Barbie misheard Galam and switches over to M.C. Hammer on her playlist.





Sorry babe, you aren't my type. Just in this for the adventuring!







Yoink!





Even if I break every bone in my body from this drop it will be totally worth it! Did you see his face!?





Oh, thank God I landed on STAIRS. I was worried for a second!







I hope there isn't a major bad guy that will be totally pissed at you or anything...







I know that it's not fair, but you know we'll come to your rescue later. You're a princess! You oughta know!





Again, tough to tell with a screen shot, but the whole place is shaking. Time to make a hasty retreat. Oh, and this music is playing: Shining Force II (GENESIS) Music - Panic Moment - YouTube

This theme is commonly used for when a major boss attacks you in battle. I love it. It carries the appropriate amount of terror.





Everyone quickly escapes the tower and the castle as everything is violently shaking. These guards were loyal enough to wait for everyone in order to escort them to the harbor, where the kingdom plans on making its escape!





More like JERKquake!





Still, everyone else safely makes it to the ship.





Yo Astral, I don't think this Earthquake is waiting on my decisions! Let's go!







I think it might be best if Granseal relocates.





STOP TALKING! It's so strange to see the main character talk in these games!





Oh.





Anywhere else seems like a fantastic idea at this point.





Ah yes, BEEEEER usually does make the best decsions.





Our newest member spots land and....





The ship carrying the remaining Granseal citizens has reached a new territory. What's in store for the kingdom and our heroes now that they have forcibly relocated to a foreign land? Stay tuned to find out!

[Bolivar]

I always felt the hero (literally) had Galam by the balls with him yelling "MY JEWELS MY JEWELS LET GO OF MY JEWELS!!!"

Catchin some memories off of this!

[Skyblade]

Sephex somehow overlooked pointing out one of the greatest NPCs in gaming.

I like trees!!.png

The "I like trees!!" kid in Galam. At least he doesn't say that they're comfy and easy to wear.

[Sephex]

Ah, I forgot about that dude. I probably would have made a dumb pot joke, anyway!

[Psychotic]

sephex snapchat me a pic of your jewel suddenly flaring tia

[Jiro]

smurfing Mr Condom wtf xD this game is brilliant

[Sephex]

Glad more of you seem to be enjoying it! Weekends suck for me to keep up with this sort of thing, but I should be able to update tomorrow (if not, Tuesday)!

[Sephex]

Part Five: New Granseal and a Bird

Not a bad plan, actually. I suppose you could also use the nearby trees as a source of lumber, but that ship is full of materials prime for building structures. A couple of people gripe that they won't have a ship, but really, you guys aren't going to need a ship anytime soon. Anyway, let's go see how the party is helping out...





Uhhhhhhhhhhhh





I hate when this happens.





Actually, BEEEEER was trying a little to hard to break a plank off the ship. Not sure why he feels that the floor of the bottom level needs to go first, but hey, it is what it is!





No, honey. You were all on the same ship. You ALL need a bath! Especially you since this world has consistently nice, but probably warm/hot weather. BEEEEER wears clothing that breathes a bit. You're a couple of cloths away from wearing a burka!





Meanwhile. Squall gives Sephex unnecessary instructions. Maybe I was wrong and the main character should speak up a bit more. Hey Squall, why don't you use your fancy education to learn you some HARD LABOR! I have no idea why I am so bitter while writing this today...





"You have been battling soldiers with years of experience ahead of you, plus demons and various other types of monsters and winning...but holy s***! Better take that plank away from you! No way you can handle that!!"





Someone relieves Sephex of the plank, but it seems like there is some trouble nearby.





What was he doing out by some cliff? That was one less able body to help break apart the ship! THERE IS NO DIRECTION IN THIS KINGDOM!!





I almost want to say no on principle, but I have a funny feeling the game won't let me progress until I give in.





The party travels with the dude to find the other dude that may be in peril. They spot him without much difficulty.





How much you bet Granseal has some corrupt worker's union and that guy is just sleeping on the job?





Alright, I was wrong. Looks like some monsters are to no good, starting some trouble in the new neighborhood! Now let's get in one little fight, even though we might be scared and [poorly written parody cut short due to rampant stupidity]





Well, I have to respect the monsters obvious nod to Breaking Bad, even if the quote is off a bit. Anyway, battle time!!





BEEEEER gets Freeze cast on him, but jokes on the monster. Everyone prefers BEEEEER to be cold.





Oh, and even the goblin archers are FABULOUS when attacking.





As usual, we make short work of the monsters and check on the teamster.





Good cover story, man.





He knows how closely I am tied to the top of the kingdom! The dude knows he is going to be busted for slacking off!





Okay, okay...I know that the monsters were responsible for this, as I said earlier. He really was knocked out. Good thing his buddy screams at him and hits him. That's the best treatment to give to someone who is concussed!





Repeating the same information already. Yep, that's a concussion all right...





We decide to journey back to the ship.





Alright, let's get back to work!







Wow, either that battle of ours just now lasted weeks or the work ethic of Granseal is fueled by tons of cocaine. There were a decent amount of barrels on that ship...





But why would you say that and THEN tell me to cheer up? Oh well...





I guess the people of Granseal would need a massive cooldown time after building a town in a matter of minutes.









The minister seems to want the King to rally everyone after a year of hardship. After all, they built New Granseal out of a hard ship! *laughtrack*





Wow. Okay, man. I get that you are upset over losing Princess Barbie, but it's basically your job to rise above your feelings and lead a kingdom!





Hopefully Astral can say something more motivating.





Not a bad idea, actually. Though they really shouldn't have waited a year to seek the aid of other towns!





Everyone is dismissed and I run into the world's happiest guard. Man, I love this. Usually these types of NPCs are so boring, but this dude is pumped up beyond belief!





Hmmm..it seems we have a visitor.





There seems to be a large bird that stopped by. Three kids want to harass the birds and every adult in town sort of lets this happen.





Try as they might, this bird seems to be just too slick.







Why is anyone surprised with the amount of species that speak English perfectly? Come on, even the demons and monsters communicate just fine!





The bird is understandably mad about his feathers being ruffled. Also, I love his little afro.





The minister just gives the bird random statements until he cools down the situation.





It seems to be working!





The bird decides to go to the castle with the minister. Every adult in the previous situation feels like an ass for letting children pick on an obvious sentient being.





And he's a bird of legend? Man, if I saw a creature in real life that I thought was legend, even as a kid I would not want to go screw with it!





No need to be some humble, man. The fro completes the legend!





Alright, so I thought I was the funniest man alive for naming him Afrodo.





Angry is another character I get down the line. I assure you my reason for naming that character as such is about as worse as any of my names so far.





Oh, good. Our first impression towards the species that is directly related to this god was to let our children pick on him. This god is going to love us!





Astral gets pumped up and wants to go with Afrodo to meet the god.





But the minister objects! What's his reasoning?





Translation: Our king is a sad sack of s*** and you are basically the only person capable of any semblance of leadership.





Yikes, even the king indirectly admits this.





So the party decides to go instead. Afrodo joins us, as you can see. He does battle, but I can't control him in battle yet.





Ooooooo! What is it? What is it?!





Are...are you serious? that's the average price I get for defeating an enemy. You know what? I'm glad I get to journey away from this town. None of you have a clue how to run things!





Bam! In a battle! No introduction this time. We journey towards the east and a bunch of monsters jump us!





Have I mentioned that Reptar's defense is awesome? He sucks if it is a magic attack, but even the most brutal physical attack only hits him by 1 HP.





Again, I can't control Afrodo, but he sure is good at harming enemies by screaming at them.





With the battle won, our party spots a town. What's going to happen around these parts? Anyone else going to join forces with us? Stay tuned for the next part!

[Skyblade]

I can't wait until we get to Volcanon.

And now we're only three battles away from one of my favorite battle themes of all time.

[Sephex]

Next update for this coming Friday. Also, I just wanted to let anyone who is following this know that I am shooting for a Monday and Thursday or Friday schedule on a weekly basis. If I find myself with nothing to do during the weekend, I'll throw in another update, but as I said earlier in this thread, my weekends are usually booked.

Alright, so see you guys again Friday!

[Sephex]

Part Six: Do the Polca! Go to Bedoe!

We enter Ribble, and as you can see, the Granseal people still have a knack for making first impressions.





The NPC runs off to the north, and I decide to pursue. The second I barge into the mayor's house, he pushes me back and shouts questions in my face.





Well, you suddenly pushed me and are an asshole!





I swear, everyone in this game needs a Xanax or something.





It seems they are absolutely convinced that we are invaders.





Damn straight, Afrodo!





Sorry, man. I only have about five or six lines in this game, and I'm not going to waste them here!





No! Don't tell them about our kids picking on you! You'll make things worse!







With people this stubborn, I strongly doubt that will work.







So....you guys just noticed the dude is a bird?! Well, it seems to turn their opinion around, at least.





Holy s***! Afrodo had to have rolled a 20 on top of a charisma state that even has a base of 20! Good going!





Not much else to do here--wait, who is this?





Eh, they thought we were invaders, pushed us around, and refused to submit to us on the assumption that we were bad news. I don't think that's cowardly at all, but you're looking for an excuse to join us, right?





That's what I thought! Sure, why not?





Though she's actually young, the first thing I thought of is that she looks like the stereotypical hot mom, hence the name!





Once again, we are jumped by a gang of monsters as we journey towards Afrodo's homeland...





MILF is actually an archer and becomes a great asset once she gets absurdly powerful ammo later in the game.





As usual, the enemies fall to my mad skills. In our travels, we come across a cave that is our only path to Bedoe, Arfodo's turf.





Afrodo plays a tour guide. I just want to get through this cave, man.





Hey, I wonder if--







Yep, you might as well as screamed for monsters hurry to our location. Battle time!





Just wanted to note that I really love the background for the cave setting.





Also, I bet the hobgoblin regretted his decision to challenge us.





All right, almost to Bedoe! But first, we have to travel our way through the town of Polca. No, nobody dances here. It's the home of beastmen, though.

...

Now I wish they danced.





...and centaur's that are high as f***!





Who is this? Well, for now I only know him as a guy that wishes that he was more hairy!





As I explore the town, I come across this fellow that seems to be having trouble.





Wouldn't you rather be helped up? Unless you want to get turned over to....? NO! I already made enough juvenile jokes as it is for this Let's Play!





This just keeps getting weirder and weirder...





The second he is successfully turned over, the guy transforms into a fairy! OF COURSE!! Apparently, this was a test.





But the test is related to someone that remains a mystery for now. The fairy flies off after that.





There seems to be some action going down on the nearby mountain!





Right when I head towards the commotion, a boy appears, moseying into town. Strange...





Yikes! The poor kid was caught in the eruption!





What an odd set of circumstances! Sucks about the eyes, kid.





The mayor and a beastman carry the kid off to help him recover. Guess there's nothing left to do but head up the mountain!





Immediately, we spot a group nearby!





Huh. Monsters and demons seem to be searching for someone! Awww, even they care for their own!





They see that the land is scorched from the eruption and think Volcanon did it to kill the previous wave of monsters that were apparently around moments ago...





Crap! We are spotted and the gas cloud assumes we are kids from Polca. That is a sentence I never thought I would be typing.





The assume we are pushovers, and another battle commences!





Once again, loving the battle backgrounds!





As a kid, I was convinced the death monks were wearing baseball umpire masks.





Also, I love how the bad guys have evil looking fairies when they cast a healing spell.





We decimate the demons, and the Death Archer leader is dumbfounded at our success.





Once he spots the jewels around Sephex's neck, he suddenly remembers that, oh hey, he was supposed to be WATCHING OUT for you guys! Too late, man. Should have taken the battle more seriously while you had the chance!





Ha, when Afrodo has his eyes closed he looks so sassy! Also, I am pretty sure they want the jewels. It's not that big of mystery!





When we get to Bedoe's entrance, we are greeted with a familiar friendliness.





Afrodo is worth it just because he is good at talking down people...by talking down to them.





I want to give Afrodo a little black hat so he can say, "You're god damn right!"





Turns out the original wave of demons broke through Volcanon's barrier. Finally, a legitimate reasons why I was greeted with hostility. If a force broke through what is essentially god's power, I would be uneasy, myself!





The guards are worried since they were unaware of the other demon forces that we wiped out. They go off to do the Polca.





So, what's going to happen when we meet the big bird himself, Volcanon? Looks like we'll find out in the next part!

[Skyblade]

I'm heartily enjoying the Let's Play, Sephex.

That said, you forgot something.



Which plays in that last battle before Bedoe.

Man, I love that music. I don't exactly know why. But it is one of my favorite battle themes of all time.

[Sephex]

I'm heartily enjoying the Let's Play, Sephex.

That said, you forgot something.



Which plays in that last battle before Bedoe.

Man, I love that music. I don't exactly know why. But it is one of my favorite battle themes of all time.

Ack! Thanks, man! I did mean to put it in there, but I was rushed while putting together the thread today.

[Skyblade]

I'm heartily enjoying the Let's Play, Sephex.

That said, you forgot something.



Which plays in that last battle before Bedoe.

Man, I love that music. I don't exactly know why. But it is one of my favorite battle themes of all time.

Ack! Thanks, man! I did mean to put it in there, but I was rushed while putting together the thread today.

That's ok. Your commentary is still great, which is the important part. I just couldn't let the track go because it's so awesome.

I kind of wonder how long the fairy will wait there if you don't try to help. I mean, I don't think I've ever avoided that on any of my plays. And I have played this game a lot.