From the Manufacturer
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Critically praised and popular throughout the world this Role
Playing adventure features three types of action: one-to-one
party vs. party and army against army. A blend of exceptional 3D
and 2D graphics presents the conflict at every level. The amazing
soundtrack actually adapts to what's happening in the game so it
constantly builds and reinforced the mood.
Review
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It's difficult to get worked up over the average RPG. Invariably
and inevitably, the game in question gets compared to the likes
of a Final Fantasy. And if the same sort of innovation and
excitement isn't there.... Let me put it this way: Though
Suikoden may not be groundbreaking, it's definitely good.
Basically, this is a solid RPG, both in terms of play and story.
You are cast as the son of Teo McDohl, the land's greatest
general. When the general must head north to deal with a
rebellious uprising, you are left in charge of the McDohl
household, but you join up with the Imperial Guard. Soon after,
you realize just how corrupt the Emperor is; consequently you
join forces with the Liberation Army to overthrow the Emperor,
thus setting up a climactic, and classic, confrontation with your
own her.
The play in Suikoden is similar to Beyond the Beyond, Final
Fantasy VII, and well, just about every other RPG out there. You
spend most of your time walking around towns and dungeons,
occasionally running into monsters to disposed of - using either
weapons or magic, of course. When constructing a party of
adventurers, you're offered 108 characters to choose from, though
a maximum of six characters can be in your party at one time.
Certain characters can combine their attacks by using the "unite"
command, which usually results in big-hurt damage against
multiple foes. As the storyline advances, you are given a few
choices during the way. Unfortunately, even with these choices,
you are led down a certain path of actions. For example, if you
answer "no" when asked if you want to drink some tea, and you'll
find you're asked again...and again until you finally drink the
tea - and get poisoned.
Most of the graphics in Suikoden are average, but the fight
scenes look good. When you encounter a monster, the playfield
rolls out of view to reveal the fight from a diagonal perspective
that zooms in and out to punctuate the action. There are also
one-on-one fights, in which the you must try to outguess the
nent and counter his attacks. Major battles are also
sprinkled throughout the game - massive armies clash and
thousands die. These battles are usually reserved for major plot
points in the game. The music in Suikoden is varied, but it can
get very annoying, especially if you are stuck on the same part
for any length of time.
All in all, Suikoden is a fine, albeit short, RPG. Experienced
role-players should be able to whip through it in no time. Even
novices shouldn't encounter too much trouble. It's got an
appealing storyline, and tons of characters to experiment with.
Even so, consider it a warm-up for Wild Arms and Final Fantasy
VII. --Jeff Gerstmann
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