Though critical reactions to "Shining the Holy Ark" varied widely, nearly every review concluded with a strong recommendation to buy the game. "Next Generation" summarized, "Boasting some sharp, innovative graphics and interesting gameplay elements that haven't been widely used in traditional, turn-based RPGs, "SHA" truly shines." Rich Leadbetter of "Sega Saturn Magazine" called it "the best RPG I've played in ages." Trent Ward, reviewing for "GameSpot", summed up that "There's nothing in "Shining the Holy Ark" that RPG fans haven't seen in one form or another before, but it does put them all together nicely." "GamePro" wrote ""Shining the Holy Ark"s hypnotic gameplay, supernatural story line, and spellbinding fun will pleasantly entrance you."