Shining Resonance Refrain is an entertaining adventure through a somewhat cliche story, but it contains its own unique aspects that keep you engaged. Combat is easy to learn, but there's a decent amount of depth to it. Dragonshift and B.A.N.D. sessions are wonderful combat mechanics that add more charm to the game. The relationship building and dating also adds a cute slice of life portion to the adventure.

A great addition to the Shining franchise. Refrain is a fun title with good combat, interesting characters, and some great voice acting that accompany a great translation.

Shining Resonance Refrain might be outclassed by modern JRPGs, but if you judge it on it's own merits, you'll quickly find that there is a lot to enjoy.

In the end, Shining Resonance Refrain is a solid addition to any JRPG fan's lineup, but honestly, I'd recommend it to hardcore JRPG fans looking for something new. For as many things as Shining Resonance gets right, it stumbles with as well which leads to a very generic RPG in the end (retreading areas and reusing enemies over and over really make this title seem like it was made on a budget). If you can live with all of that and can't wait another minute to dig into another adventure, you're definitely in luck with this localization!

Shining Resonance Refrain is a missed opportunity for Sega to bring its beloved JRPG series to the west in its better form. The remaster has several problems (both technical and structural), but can still deliver some fun to the hardcore aficionados.

This JRPG needs a few more lessons before it'll be concert ready. Lacking the tightness it needs, it's not quite the rising star it hopes to be, but it's still endearing. [Issue#152, p.91]

A horribly generic Japanese role-player that has no glaring flaws but fails to offer a single interesting new idea or character of its own.