Successfully crowdfunded through Kickstarter last year, Enigami’s Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom has now been picked up by publisher Focus Home Interactive to get that last push of support needed to ensure the game launches “in the best conditions possible at the beginning of 2016.” According to the press release, the project was simply too seductive for Focus Home to pass up. Anthropomorphic characters and bright cel-shaded graphics tend to have that effect.
“Focus Home Interactive is working with international studios, but also naturally partners with French studios now renowned such as DontNod, Cyanide, Eugen Systems, Spiders Games, and more,” said Focus Home Managing Partner, Cédric Lagarrigue. “Discovering and supporting new talented local studios, and helping them grow is something deeply anchored in Focus’ DNA. Enigami is one of these young and passionate French studios Focus Home Interactive would love to see emerge in this very competitive industry.”
Shiness was initially revealed as being planned for PC/Mac/Linux, PlayStation 4, Wii U, and Xbox One, but the stretch goals to fund the console versions were never actually achieved during the Kickstarter campaign. Hopefully Focus Home’s backing means the console versions will happen, but the announcement press release lists the platforms as TBA.
For anyone who is first hearing the name Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom, it is a whimsical action-RPG infused with the spirit and a mix of gameplay elements from manga and classic fantasy JPRGs like Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy, Legend of Zelda, Naruto, and Secret of Mana. The visuals totally remind me of Dragon Quest VIII, and the style of the game in general brings back joyful memories of my gaming childhood. Plus, any game with anthropomorphic heroes immediately has my attention.
Focus Home is absolutely killing it right now if you ask me. Between Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition, Seasons After Fall, Space Hulk: Deathwing, The Surge, The Technomancer, Vampyr, and some others I know I’m blanking on at the moment, there isn’t an upcoming Focus Home game that I’m not eager to play. Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom is just one more on the list.
The new Gamescom trailer bursting with color and whimsy awaits your viewing below.
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Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
