Gameplay
The gameplay mechanics are identical to those of the original Game Gear games. The player progresses through a series of turn-based tactical battles interspersed with short cutscenes. Between cutscenes the player is allowed to save the game, promote characters, resurrect fallen characters, and sometimes buy and sell weapons and healing items.
After finishing the first two scenarios, the third scenario can be accessed. Progress made in book 3 must be saved on a back-up RAM cart since the Sega CD's internal memory isn't enough to save both games' data. Book 4 can be accessed by finding a hidden item in Book 2 and completing Books 1-3.
Character stats from Books 1 and 2 can be carried over to the starting party of Book 3. Similarly, character stats from Book 3 can be transferred to the party of Book 4.
Read more about this topic: Shining Force CD