''Shining Soul'' was the eleventh game in the ''Franchise/ShiningSeries'' and featured yet another [[UnexpectedGameplayChange change in Genre]]. Instead of being a first person dungeon crawler or a strategy title it was an action role-playing game with a [[IsometricProjection third person view]], closer to ''VideoGame/ShiningWisdom''. Gameplay wise it was a HackAndSlash affair. Released in 2002 the game quickly saw a sequel ''Shining Soul II'' in 2003.

The plot for the first title was simple. There is this evil Dragon called "Dark Dragon" who is destroying the mystical land of Rune. However when all hope was lost four heroes appeared and fought the beast. You choose which of the four heroes you get to play as and that's the whole plot.

The Plot for ''Shining Soul II'' is slightly more complicated. Years after the original title the defeat of Dark Dragon has caused the balance of light and darkness to be disrupted. Causing a sudden resurgence of darkness throughout the world. Meanwhile a group known as Chaos Knights seek to conqueror the world. The player must choose one of nine classes and save the world.

!!Contains Examples of the following tropes:

* AffablyEvil: Darksol.
* AwesomeButImpractical
* BalanceBetweenGoodAndEvil: Focus of the second game.
* BlackMagic: Armand the Dark Wizard.
* ChangingClothesIsAFreeAction: Averted. Opening menus doesn't interrupt gameplay, so be sure not do to it around enemies.
* CombatMedic
* DungeonShop
* LivingStatue: A few attack you in the first game.
* MenuTimeLockout
* {{Orichalcum}}
* PreExistingEncounters
* SealedEvilInACan: The aim of the first game.
* SinisterScythe: A very popular choice in weapon for the {{Mooks}}.
* StoneWall
* UnexpectedGameplayChange