Shining Force II

Shining Force II combined Zelda-style RPG exploration with isometric grid turn-based tactical battles. 30 recruitable characters — each with unique class, abilities and story — formed a customizable army. Unlike Fire Emblem (the rival series on Super Nintendo), death wasn't permanent: fallen characters could be revived, making the game more accessible. Class promotions at level 20 transformed characters into powered-up versions with new sprites. For turn-based strategy fans without a Super Nintendo, Shining Force II was the promised land — and for many, better balanced than contemporary Fire Emblem games.