SHINING FORCE LEGENDS takes place five years after the end of the Shining Force game. The leader of the Shining Force, Max, was believed to have died after killing Dark Dragon, when the castle where the battle took place sank into the ocean. Mae led the Shining Force back to Guardiana, where they all helped in the rebuilding of the kingdom. Anri was then crowned as queen, as her father (the king of Guardiana) had been killed during Runefaust's first attacks. Peace reigns for the next five years, and the members of the Shining Force split--some stay in Guardiana, others return to their homes, some venture to new kingdoms to dwell. Everything seems serene, until one fateful night. Terrible beasts and evil sorcerors sweep down upon Guardiana, and several other towns, destroying buildings, crops and even the helpless people. Queen Anri and Tao use their magic to defend Guardiana and drive the attackers off for the time being. They do not know what is happening...

Meanwhile, Mishela and Ramradu are behind the descending forces of evil. They have been resurrected by the spirit of Dark Dragon, who in turn needs them to aid in his resurrection. They are searching for the orbs of Light and Darkness, the location of which are now unknown. They are also planning to conquer the many kingdoms, especially Guardiana.

On a far away island, a young man awakens from nightmares of death and destruction. He does not know what these visions mean, but he feel that they are a calling. He doesn't even know his true identity; he had washed ashore on this island over five years ago. Taking along his sword and a few supplies, he sets off by ship to a kingdom that he has only heard of in his dreams--Guardiana.

And thus our adventure begins...