Australia's Classification Board recently published a rating for Shining Resonance Re:frain, suggesting a Western release. The rating, which was noted by Dualshockers, among other outlets, awards a "Mature 15+" classification to Shining Resonance Re:frain. While there's no direct equivalent for the ERSB, should it come here, expect Shining Resonance Re:frain to snag a "Teen" rating. As the classification was requested by Sega of America, it's reasonable to expect Sega to make an announcement regarding localization soon. In the meantime, Shining Resonance Re:frain is slated for a March 29th release date in Japan. You can view the latest trailer below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsev_wBpRfw
Shining Resonance Re:frain is a remaster for the PS4 of the original, which was released in late 2014. Featuring characters from longtime designer Tony Taka, Shining Resonance combined musical instruments with real-time battles in one unique package. Resonance was also the 34th Shining game released since 1991, including compilations and remakes. The Re:frain remaster packages all 150 pieces of DLC in for free, as well as bump the framerate up to 60 FPS, add new plotlines and recruitable characters, and make quality-of-life changes. The PS4 remaster will cost around 5900 JPY, would would translate to a $60 price tag here.
Should Re:frain come to the West, it would mark the first Shining game to come to our shores in over 10 years, 2D crossover fighter Blade Arcus from Shining notwithstanding. The original Shining Force games are some of the most fondly remembered SRPGs, and Sega is regularly asked to resurrect the series. Indeed, Producer Makoto Suzuki confirmed in an interview with Famitsu that Sega was thinking of finally bringing the Shining series to the West again. This push for classification may well be Sega making good on their promises. Should Sega officially confirm a Western release of Shining Resonance Re:frain, you can bet we'll report on it. In the meantime, look to Japan for the release of Re:frain on March 29th.
Are there other Shining games you'd like to see come to the West? Have you played any of the fan-translated Shining Force III trilogy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
