PS2 Arc the Lad Generation - New Import

An oppressive force dubbed the Runegeist Army foments war and its up to a small band of ragtag adventurers to rise up and overcome all odds to bring peace back to the land. Take control of a hero named Xion and the various partners that he ventures out with on strike missions against an evil army.    The popular Shining series continues in sharp graphical fashion with lush visuals and fluid animation. The artwork is so clean and crisp that one may be tempted to pause the game every once in a while to appreciate. The familiar animated icons for "Yes" and "No" and other actions return to provide kinetic menus. Players adopt the role of Xion and race across the land in real time and engage in frenzied button mashing fighting encounters. For example, when wandering on a grassy knoll, gangs of monsters shuffle towards the hero and one must swing and stab in full motion action to rid the world of the evil. A comrade provides backup muscle, magic, and combination attacks but the party never grows beyond two members. The computer may control the partner but a second player may also participate and join in for some buddy action. For those who fly solo, the trigger buttons on the Dual Shock 2 activate special attacks from the comrade in arms. The monsters in Shining Tears move in such bumbling manner that they evoke more laughter than fear. Slash away and each monster takes damage which is counted by numbers which rise up above the respective beasts. After a group is defeated, coins sprout up with a crisp jingling accompaniment. There's a tendency for the enemy creatures to gang up on the hero but furious swinging of the sword seems to be the solution. A few magical blasts from a capable partner also helps to disperse crowds.     The power-up wrinkle in Shining Tears is in the form of rings that Xion carries. During exploration forays, a ring may be equipped on a partner which enhances its unique skills or attack power. Special attacks may also be ignited by linking the two characters for a catastrophic combo blast.