Arc the Lad travels down the path of Shining Force as a story-driven tactical RPG with snippets of exploration, plus two noteworthy additions: A simple level-select map in place of the overworld, and a setting that evokes Final Fantasy VI's medieval-steampunk hybrid. The main attraction is not so much the story but the lush graphics and animations, where G-Craft (also responsible for the graphically impressive Front Mission) fully demonstrates their spriting prowess. Unfortunately, these visuals decorate rather plain gameplay, while its other areas are equally as lacking, from the generic cast to the short runtime and sequel-bait ending, from the hodgepodge of JRPG cliches to the insistent and preachy moral message.