Arc the Lad II was a quantum leap forward in both narrative and content, where G-Craft introduced Arc's sleek visuals to an urban-fantasy hell replete with dark and tragic moments. Everything from locations to characters (both new and returning) were given more depth, more personality, and more development as they continuously fell prey to this bleak and dreary tale, enduring sadistic events worthy of Suikoden or Final Fantasy's SNES trilogy. The brutal subject matter isn't the only high point - though, as a set of expansions (dungeons, unlockables) and additions (proper towns, puzzles, Chrono Trigger-ian preset encounters) completed Shining Force's mission to fuse SRPG battling with JRPG structure. And sandwiched between its village-to-dungeon formula is a dense side quest/hunt system, whose range of weird and comical scenarios come as a relief amid all the hardship.

The rest - unfortunately, isn't quite up to par. More inspired classes, weapon mastery and item/equipment modding may grant new customization options, but the combat itself remains rather slow and middling - without much variety regarding skills or battle strategy. A few redundant sections (especially in the second half) and long transitions detract from the overall pace as well. Even still, this transformation is shocking, one that - in retrospect, makes the original look like a faceless conservative sketch.