Shining Resonance Refrain

Shining Resonance Refrain is the world wide expanded remaster of the Japanese exclusive Action RPG Shining Resonance.

Plot
The game starts out with a young Astorian female knight, Sonia Blanche storming an Imperial castle in order to rescue a young man, known as Yuma Ilvern. Upon breaking him out the two make their way to the top of the castle awaiting their rescue by Sonia's ally, Kirika Towe Alma, an elven Dragoneer.

Unfortunately both Sonia and Yuma are cornered quickly by the Imperial Princess Excella Noa Aura and her three spears; three powerful dragons she commands with the lance she wields, doubling as a musical instrument known as an Armonic.

Yuma awakens the power within him, revealing that is in fact the Shining Dragon in human form. He transforms into the Shining Dragon, a legendary dragon that even Excella's spears believe will be a hard fight if they gang up on him, tells Sonia and Kirika to jump on his back and flees the castle. Excella, heeding her dragon's concerns decides to let the trio escape instead or risking her spears health.

In Astoria, Yuma meets the king who requests he help their kingdom overcome the Imperials by unleashing his power as the legendary Shining Dragon. Yuma is hesitant, fearing the power dwelling within himself. Sonia, revealing herself to be the Princess of Astoria, sticks up for Yuma.

Gameplay
Combat encounters within Shining Resonance Refrain are action based. Players will take direct control of the 'leader' of their party(selectable and changable from the pause menu).

Whilst playing as their leader of choice they can unleash basic attacks which will do damage and replenish the MP metre. The amount of attacks they can perform is indicated by the green ring that will slowly deplete as they unleash more attacks. Once the ring is drained, they must wait for it to refill in order to deal any more damage. By holding down the basic attack button players can unleash a 'Break' attack which will shatter an enemies guard. Players can also perform certain 'Force' abilities; magical attacks that have various effects at the cost of MP.

After Rinna joins the party, players can perform a B.A.N.D. ability which makes three characters play a song giving various buffs until the B.A.N.D. meter runs out, allowing them to land more critical attacks or be more resistant to certain attacks.

Yuma has the ability to transform into the Shining Dragon in battle, an incredibly powerful dragon that can take out many enemies with ease, although overdoing it can cause Yuma to lose control and attack his team mates so this power should be used sparingly.

Players can create Aspects, magical mana enchancements to their characters weapons that will give stat boosts and other effects to make them more useful in battle.

Additional mechanics include a ' Bond ' system which will increase the party's ability to perform together, and a 'Moe ' system which adds dating simulation aspects, allowing Yuma to grow closer to the various female characters in his party.

Trivia

 * Shining Resonance Refrain contains all the various microtransaction costumes from the original release of Shining Resonance. Most of these are fanservice costumes such as a variety of swimsuits for the girls, idol outfits for the playable characters, and maid costumes.
 * Excella Noa Aura and Jenius Aeon were non playable characters in the original game, but can be played in the additional 'Refrain' mode.