The video above showcases some of the demo’s features, and I think you’ll agree that this looks and feels like a classic Shining-style adventure. But don’t just watch – download the demo and try it out!

Adventurers Unbound – Demo 1.3.1

You can read more about these updates on the Ye Olde Blah topic; Max talks about AI, using Tiled for creating maps, and more – there’s a lot going on! Max also posted an update video which shows some of the updated features:

Be sure to give the new demo a try!

The game is still early in development, but it’s already looking very Shining-style. Max shared more information (and screenshots) in his forum post about the project:

Its in the very early prototype stage. I thought I would create a game that people could play in their browser without downloading anything, that might increase the likelihood that people give it a go! I am using the HTML 5 Canvas element so its all in Javascript. The source is actually in Typescript but then its transpiled into a Javscript bundle.

I wanted the game mechanics to be instantly recognisable as a homage to Shining Force 1 and 2, but I want to put my own elements into it as well – so there might be something a bit different comming.

I am just using free assets I found on itch and elsewhere at the moment, but I may want to pair up with an artist at somepoint if I see anyone’s artwork that I think would be good for the game!

You can play an in-progress version of the game on itch.io: Legends of Salamanca.

Be sure to stop by Ye Olde Blah or itch.io and leave a comment on the demo. It’s always good to have feedback at these early stages in a project.

Source: Legends of Salamanca – My new shining inspired game

Chaoswizard98 recently published some new footage of Adventurers Unbound, and I think you’ll agree that it looks pretty great!

Hillford is a work in progress. I still need to decorate the inn and create the second floors for the weapon and item shops, and of course fill the town with NPCs.

Choaswizard98’s amazing Shining-style project, “The Legend of Syro”, has a new name AND a new demo.

It’s been a long time coming, but the engine upgrade is finally complete!

This demo is the revised start of chapter 1 and, while a little on the short side, it should contain an example of just about everything a Shining Force fan is looking for. Especially when you access more than you’re supposed to with the cheats menu.

Oh yeah and I finally get to share the official title with you guys. The Legend of Syro has always been a placeholder.

Anywho, the next step of the journey is to port the project to the latest version of GameMaker, and get the engine in your hands! Until then, if you’ve got any questions, comments, or suggestions, let me know!

Be sure to download the demo and give it a try!

And yes, I know this news is a little late :)

Be sure to give it a watch!

Here’s a few of the changes that will be in the next version:

Windows are drawn relative to screen position now to make changing internal resolution easier. tile_size is now a variable, so you’re not limited to 24×24. Setting a character to start at level 20 will automatically figure out their level 20 stats based off of level scheme.

Support for shaders, AI / Story flags, swapping control from Max to Bowie, having more than 1 party (SFCD party split), limited quantity shops, dynamic menus (once an event is made (such as ‘promote’) you can plug that option into whatever menu you want), More decisions other than Yes/No (Truth / Lie, ‘maybe’, ‘warrior / mage / healer’, whatever you want really).

Source: Shining Force Central

There’s no release date yet, but hopefully we won’t have to wait too long.

Things have changed a lot since those early days. But even though the Shining Force front is quiet (come on Sega, re-release SF3 already) there are still new shining-style projects being developed.

TSS would not be what it is today without everyone that has visited us over the years. Whether you downloaded a demo, created your own, or just sent us an email calling us shit, we are eternally thankful for you.

Finally I’d like to thank Devlyn for giving life to the site all those years ago. And thank you to some of our original contributors: Edgemaster, Elvenfyre, and Newts. You all helped turn this place into something special.

Stay safe, drink applesap, and keep on Shining. Here’s to another 20 years!

There are new NPC’s, new maps, and new Chapters in development. Here’s a peek at some of the updated sprite artwork:

Speaking of those animations, with the new character art, there are a lot of sprite design changes that are taking place to have the characters look a lot closer to their official designs. Here are some before and after comparisons of the main cast.

The maps are also looking great:

If you want to keep up with development, updates are posted on the War of Velana Devblog.

But enough talk, go grab the demo and leave some feedback!

War of Velana – Demo 1

Source: War of Velana Devblog – May 2020

Tooltips have been tidied up since that gif was created:

And finally, here’s a look at a Cody targeting some enemies in a test battle

I really need to fix the gaps created by my dodgy window rendering code.

Battle mode is coming along nicely. Characters can be spawned in specific areas, so it’s possible to have the team split into multiple sections. Enemies can be targeted, and land effects and movement are working.

The next step is getting attack animations working, and then there might actually be something approaching a playable battle. Finally!