Suikoden 2 is incredible.
I have not had extensive hands-on playtime with any of the Suikoden games until this week when I have started playing Suikoden 2 on my PSP. I've logged 13 hours and have just finished the scene where all the Knights of Matilda turn in their badges to support Camus and Mikoltov (Molotov? I can't remember) in joining with the hero. I am constantly blown away by this game-- it's complex plot is both heartwarming and heartrending, the characters are all distinct and likable, its visuals are absolutely beautiful with tons and tons of animation and personality, and its soundtrack is simply superb.
I'm a huge Matsuno fan, and this game reminds me of his work a lot. The writing isn't his style so much (and the localization is somewhat subpar, with an iffy translation and a number of audio errors), but the plot and character relationships remind me so much of Final Fantasy Tactics with Ramza and Delita. The hero and Jowy have such a well-developed relationship. I can't remember the last time I've played a video game and had my feelings for all the various characters change so drastically and so rapidly. And that's what I really like about it: it's full of genuine, emotional moments that focus on these strong character relationships.
There's not a whole lot about saving the world or defeating a prehistoric evil, there's simply a conflict between two political entities and the struggle one side faces in uniting against a powerful empire and the crazed Luca Blight, who totally lives up to the hype as the darkest, nuttiest villain in JRPG history. And there are so many amazing scenes that I've been genuinely affected by: the hero's return home to his sister Nanami, Nanami, Pilika, and the hero's wait for Jowy's return home (and his subsequent "betrayal"), the hero being raised to Lord of North Window, the knights and their medals, and so many more.
The battle system is also great fun. The encounter rate is fair and battles are lightning fast. Formations allow them to be somewhat strategic and entertaining. "War battles" (think Advance Wars) are full on strategy battles between the two armies and often allow for some cool intertwining of narrative and gameplay.
I just love all these characters so much and the plot is so controlled and intriguing. The graphics are amazingly detailed and full of personality and life. I feel like I've missed so much by missing this series and I feel like a bunch of you probably have too. You should play Suikoden-- you'll like it!
I have not had extensive hands-on playtime with any of the Suikoden games until this week when I have started playing Suikoden 2 on my PSP. I've logged 13 hours and have just finished the scene where all the Knights of Matilda turn in their badges to support Camus and Mikoltov (Molotov? I can't remember) in joining with the hero. I am constantly blown away by this game-- it's complex plot is both heartwarming and heartrending, the characters are all distinct and likable, its visuals are absolutely beautiful with tons and tons of animation and personality, and its soundtrack is simply superb.
I'm a huge Matsuno fan, and this game reminds me of his work a lot. The writing isn't his style so much (and the localization is somewhat subpar, with an iffy translation and a number of audio errors), but the plot and character relationships remind me so much of Final Fantasy Tactics with Ramza and Delita. The hero and Jowy have such a well-developed relationship. I can't remember the last time I've played a video game and had my feelings for all the various characters change so drastically and so rapidly. And that's what I really like about it: it's full of genuine, emotional moments that focus on these strong character relationships.
There's not a whole lot about saving the world or defeating a prehistoric evil, there's simply a conflict between two political entities and the struggle one side faces in uniting against a powerful empire and the crazed Luca Blight, who totally lives up to the hype as the darkest, nuttiest villain in JRPG history. And there are so many amazing scenes that I've been genuinely affected by: the hero's return home to his sister Nanami, Nanami, Pilika, and the hero's wait for Jowy's return home (and his subsequent "betrayal"), the hero being raised to Lord of North Window, the knights and their medals, and so many more.
The battle system is also great fun. The encounter rate is fair and battles are lightning fast. Formations allow them to be somewhat strategic and entertaining. "War battles" (think Advance Wars) are full on strategy battles between the two armies and often allow for some cool intertwining of narrative and gameplay.
I just love all these characters so much and the plot is so controlled and intriguing. The graphics are amazingly detailed and full of personality and life. I feel like I've missed so much by missing this series and I feel like a bunch of you probably have too. You should play Suikoden-- you'll like it!
