Suikoden 2 - A true RPG gaming gem (Suikoden 2 (PS))

Member Name: WayneKWilkins

Product:	Suikoden 2 (PS)
Date:	01/09/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Immersive story, traiditonal battle system, many unique aspects

Disadvantages: Highly expensive, rare and elusive, graphics may be outdated for modern day fans

Suikoden 2 is epic the sequel to Konami's popular Suikoden released in 1995. Suikoden 2 is an RPG released for the Sony Playstation and re-uses the concept that Suikoden used only with re-vamped graphics, improved gameplay and a new unique storyline that ties in with the past events of Suikoden making for an impressive and immersive sequel to one of the greatest and most epic RPG's of all time. In my personal opinion, Suikoden 2 even surpasses the legacy of Suikoden; it is one of my personal favorite RPG's of all time.

However, given that the game is now ten years old, it is one of the most saught after rarities in the RPG gaming world. Just one browse on eBay or Amazon and you are looking at well over 100 pounds. Your best bet is to check out the videos on YouTube or IGN, if you enjoy it, go on a mission to every car boot market in Britain that you can find and hope that you come across one of the elusive Suikoden 2 games. I personally bought it for 20 pounds from Action Replay in Walsall in 2003 with not a single regret. Suikoden 1 however I actually purchased for 3 pounds from a car boot market - hence my reasons for suggesting a market crawl! And now onto the game itself:

STORY: 10/10

The story itself is set years past the original Scarlet Moon Empire war which took place in Suikoden 1. Many of the games previous characters such as Viktor, Flik, McDohl and Gremio return throughout the game as well as many others, and all of the previous characters from Suikoden 1 have now matured.

The story follows a young man named Riou and his best friend Jowy. Riou and Joey are members of the Unicorn Brigade in the Highland Army when an attack sprung by the attacking City State army leaves their troupe slaughtered; it is later revealed however after Riou and Jowy are kidnapped by the state, that the State have no idea what has happened and that Highland has set-up the attack as a ploy under the command of Luca Blight in attempts to create a new war his attempts of which are successful.

Of course, learning of Highland's corruption, Riou joins forces with the City State and eventually leads the State into battle against the Highland Army. Jowy however falls in love with Highland's Princess, and as such, becomes one of the lead dictators against Riou's quest.

The story features the strong bonds of friendship between Jowy and Riou; the only question is, when the time comes, will these two be able to cross swords together? What will become of the war if that time comes?

Out of every RPG I have played; the story in Suikoden 2 is my all time favorite.

GRAPHICS: 7/10

The graphics are not exactly off the chart in the sense as Final Fantasy 7 and 8 were at the time. However, the graphics do what they set out to do; they stick to the original concept of the original Suikoden with very similar graphics, and as later installments of Suikoden found out the hard way, many of the players of the game actually prefer the 2D graphics to the 3D graphics. Suikoden relies more on a massive immersive and powerful storyline rather than the need for excessive graphics.

GAMEPLAY: 9/10

The gameplay is very unique. Much like the original concept in Suikoden, the gameplay style returns yet with much more depth. The strategy element still plays a massive part, yet there are in all 3 battle types in all. Major battles, which are strategy battles which take place on a mini-map pitting tactical warfare against each other, similar to Shining Force and Final Fantasy Tactics, Duel battles which are one-on-one combat, and the main turn-based battles with up to 6 people in the party.

MUSIC: 9/10

The music in Suikoden 2 is one of its charms. It is very powerful and features some simply amazing composing from some top names in the video game industry. Without a doubt, the music does nothing but add to the gameplay experience that Suikoden 2 brings to the table.

OVERALL: 10/10

If you find this game, buy it. If you enjoy it or not, there is always the option to sell it on and perhaps even make a hefty profit. It is one of the rarest RPG games, but also one of the greatest.

Summary: Suikoden 2 - the perfect vintage RPG Experience