Shining and the Darkness (Japan)

Getting Started

When you first start Shining and the Darkness, you will likely see a title screen with options. Since everything is in Japanese, the first option is usually "New Game" (start a new adventure) and the second might be "Continue" (load a saved game). Use the Arrow Keys to highlight and press X (A button) to select. The game then begins with a brief story introduction in Japanese, then you are dropped into a town. This is your hub where you can buy equipment, heal, and save your progress.

The main gameplay loop involves exploring the dungeon called the Labyrinth. You navigate a first-person grid-based map, and moving one step or turning consumes time. Enemies appear in random encounters, triggering turn-based battles. Combat is simple: you can attack, use magic, defend, or flee. Party members gain experience and level up, learning new spells and improving stats. The core challenge is managing your resources - HP, MP, and items - while mapping the dungeon mentally or on paper, as there is no in-game automap.

If you get lost, remember that the town elder and shops provide clues (in Japanese). Keep a notebook handy for mapping. The game saves via a password system or battery backup (depending on the ROM version on the site). To save, you need to visit the church in town and speak to the priest. With patience and a willingness to deal with the language barrier, Shining and the Darkness offers a solid old-school RPG experience that defined the genre on Genesis.