Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya (1993). Play online

Summary

Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya drops you into the once‑peaceful kingdom of Cypress, now threatened by the corrupt King Iom who has seized the magical Sword of Hajya. I love how the Game Gear title mirrors its Genesis cousins, delivering turn‑based tactical battles on a grid where you promote heroes at level 10 into stronger classes and can resurrect fallen allies between scenes. The North American release tweaked the powerful level‑3 Blaze and Freeze spells—doubling their damage and expanding their area—to the point where mages can dominate the battlefield, a change that still sparks debate among fans. Critics praised the game’s rich soundtrack, crisp graphics, and surprising depth for a handheld, earning a 6.8/10 from Electronic Gaming Monthly and the Best Game Gear Game of 1994 award, while Retro Gamer later listed it among the console’s top ten. A later remake, Shining Force CD, adds two brand‑new scenarios that continue the Cypress saga for those craving more.

Storyline

Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya (also known as Shining Force Gaiden II) picks up two months after the events of Shining Force Gaiden. Prince Nick of Cypress has abandoned the castle to confront the invading nation of Iom, but he cannot take the legendary Sword of Hajya because his arm has been turned to stone. The young soldiers led by Deanna are left to guard the castle and the sword, with Nick’s friend Mayfair assuming command.

When Iom’s forces raid the stronghold, steal the sword, and retreat, Mayfair orders Deanna and his companions to chase them down and recover the weapon. The game follows their journey across new scenarios, re‑uniting characters such as Gyan, Ruce, Woldol, Randolf and the hidden warriors Hanzou and Musashi, who later appear in Shining Force CD.