Suikoden Review | October 5, 2013
PlayStation Exclusive Title

Suikoden is a turned based single player RPG in the same style as Final Fantasy VI and Wild Arms. It was released for the PS1 in the mid 1990's and then the Sega Saturn but only in Japan. Suikoden is an RPG that is based around a classic Chinese novel. You get to find 108 stars of Destiny which means there are 108 people to find (most of them playable) during the game. The Scarlet Moon Empire is out of balance. You find yourself leading The Liberation Army against oppressors running the empire.  As  you move forward you get to recruit people to help you army. Each one adds abilities to your army, each adds something to the combat. The variety in this game keeps things interesting .
There are three modes of combat here. First there is the random battle turn based, you will spend most of the game fighting in this mode. You get to use six member teams instead of three or four member teams like most games that came out around the same time. Seems like a minor thing but it makes a difference because you can use better combo moves if you recruit the right teams. Second, there is the Strategic War Battle. During points in the game your army must defend itself or attack a fortress in a RTS style battle. Its turn based and it does have a little paper, rock, scissors element to it. It is much more complex and in-depth, most important it is unbelievable fun! Then there is the one on one battle’s. This was a surprise to us at first. So we don’t give the story away there are times when you will be in a one on one battle where you must decide to attack or defend depending on the clues given. You don't spend alot of time fighting like this but when you do it's because of a major story moment.
Our love for the turn based RPG's has no limits. The main story and sub story lines are great and move you forward. Suikoden has a little bit of romance, intrigue and alliance complications that changes where the story goes. The game takes about 40 hours but finding all 108 people and all of the unlockables in the game can get you into the 70 hour mark, plus there are the side missions adding even more time with Suikoden. Plus there is a carry over to Suikoden II if you start with a Suikoden save file. Some of your recruits will show up and play key roles in that game. Suikoden  is easily worth the money and so don't miss out. Sales happen a lot under the $5 mark, MUST BUY PRICE under $5!
 
9.0 out of 10
Worth Your Money

9.0 out of 10
Worth Your Money


Rated
E for
Everyone

Rated
PEGI 7

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