My first port of call this morning was Sega Japan’s website, where the following page: www.sega.jp/gba/shinsoul2/ would seem to be proof enough that there is going to be a Shining Soul II released in the Summer, this year.
I’ll endevour to translate the information shortly. Meanwhile, there are screenshots and a piece of artwork for you to take a look at on the above link. It looks like there’s going to be a bigger selection of characters to choose from, if nothing else!

…(updated at 10:10)…

Many thanks to Aspartate for translating the info on Sega Japan’s site!
Most of the information on the page talks about and praises the features of the original Shining Soul, but the important details about Shining Soul II are as follows:

1. There’ll be 8 classes to choose from.
2. The 4 new classes are Ninja, Fighter, Monk, and Wizard.

3. Link up to 4 people.
4. At least four times more items to collect and trade.
5. Enhanced story.
6. More events added.
7. There will be areas exclusive for events, areas exclusive for traps, and areas for multiple routes. Like mansion, graveyard, desert, and inside a ship.
8. New movements like “blow away”, and “toss items”.
9. Enemy AI enhanced.
10. Combined skills between two characters in multiplayer mode.
11. It’s scheduled to be released in Summer, 2003.

From the list of new features it seems like Sega really have made an effort to improve on the areas Shining Soul was lacking in. Oddly, Sega have listed Shining Soul II as being part of the “Shining Soul Series” rather than “Shining Force Series”… I guess that means it’s still a Shining game, but now has a different category within the overall series 🙂

More news as I stumble across it 😉 Then I’ve gotta get a Shining Soul II section added to the site, as well as getting this fortnight’s update ready!

Though there is as yet no information regarding this on Sega Japan’s website, or even at Famitsu’s site, various gaming sites on the web state that Sega have announced Shining Soul II in the latest issue of V-Jump Magazine in Japan. I’ve checked the V-Jump website, but there isn’t anything about it there. I don’t doubt that it’s true, but I have emailed my contact at Sega Japan in hope of receiving further information regarding this.

Apparently, it’s due for release in the next few months. This is, it would seem, the game Sega were referring to last year in May. It seems strange that they should choose to sequel Shining Soul, which sold relatively poorly in Japan and was not well received by Shining fans. However, perhaps they are taking this opportunity to introduce some more traditional Shining features into the game… and maybe then we’ll finally see a new Force-style game released. We can but hope!

I will of course post any further news as I hear it!

Sometimes I really think I should change my sleeping patterns, so that this stuff doesn’t always come up when I’m in bed…

I received a reply from Infogrames to confirm that I will be receiving a review copy of the game as soon as they have the review copies ready. Many sites and shops are still claiming the release date with be February 14th, however, given Sega’s message to me stating that it’s likely to be later than February; the fact that Infogrames have neglected to answer my questions regarding the release date; and finally, the fact that the game Gameplay and Game shopping sites now list the date as being February 28th, I really wouldn’t expect any sign of it on the 14th 😉

Having been hunting around the web for further info on the alleged Shining Soul II, I had a look around Sega Japan’s online store, and guess what I found?! A Jogurt plushie!! The toy is due for release on February 13th, measuring 30cm’s high and costing 2,500 yen (that’s about US$21).

Of course, I’ve already asked Rei to order one for me 😉 I’ve also contacted Sega Direct to ask if they’d be willing to donate a Jogurt plushie as a prize at SFC!

It seems that Gameplay.com are able to ship internationally, and are taking pre-orders for Shining Soul (which happens to be ranked 2nd in their GBA Pre-Orders Chart!). Postage to the United States, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia is listed as GBP£8.00 (about US$12.00) per order, while the game itself is GBP£26.99, which is around US$40.00. Sadly, Gameplay have no affiliates scheme, so SFC is unable to receive any comission as a result of your pre-orders.

I’ve still had no news from Infogrames, and no confirmed release date, however Gameplay are listing February 28th as the big day. We’ll see 😉