Suikoden II

Great game and at this point, worth every penny if you like classic role playing games. Here's the why:

Story (10/10) - One thing about the Suikoden Series that is undeniable, the developers of this game at Konami know how to make a moving story. This game particularly has an enthralling story that I won't spoil if you've never played it. Plot twists, betrayal, love, hate, things of this nature always make for an entertaining story. Suikoden is to Konami what Final Fantasy is to SquareSoft.

Gameplay (9.5/10) - It's an older game, basic 6 person battle system, however let's not forget the small things like two or three person "unite" attacks that can devastate enemies. There are however two additional battle systems, duels and full scale battles. Full scale battles being particularly interesting because it makes use of the large number of characters in the game in a full scale battle. What's more, there is little to no load time per scenes and battles, which makes for a smooth ride.

Graphics (8/10) - For its age graphics are by no means spectacular, but they are however good enough to be considered a great game still. Take into account that the game is formatted for PS1 when you think of the graphics.

Characters (10/10) - With over 108 playable characters in this game you're bound to find one or two that you like. The Suikoden Series is noted for its use of the 108 Stars of Destiny. Which makes 108 different personalities in one game. Obviously some of the characters are underdeveloped as a result of this, but the main characters are still a very large part of the story. If you haven't played Suikoden I, you can still enjoy all the characters that are redeveloped in Suikoden II with the addition of many new ones. However, for the full experience, playing Suikoden I will highten the enjoyment of Suikoden II simply because of the characters that carry over.

Overall (10/10) - It is of course a matter of opinion for me to rate the game 100% as it is my favorite role playing game. If any game were to be rate 10/10 this is it in my book. The best thing to do is get your hands on a copy and check it out for yourself.

great, but hard to find

being a 2d game in a 3d world isnt easy. however, if done right, it can produce some awesome results, prominent examples being the first two suikoden games. i really wish konami would re-release these games, so that a new generation might be able to play them without paying outrageous ebay prices. yeah, the game is rare, but its worth it, even today, among next-gen consoles.

the good:
plenty of the best old-school rpg goodness, with some of the best characters, stories, and music ever in a game. rivals square's best, hands down.

the bad:
limited production numbers ( >100k?) means you're going to pay a lot on ebay for any copy of it.

the hopeful:
konami of japan has released 'genso suikoden 1 + 2' for the psp. includes both suikoden 1 and 2, for a much more reasonable price. the bad within the good? you gotta be able to read japanese. have fun with that. =P

here's hoping that konami brings it to the states!

Suikoden II

The sequel that many of us in the Suikoden world awaited for a long time. A step down from the original but still the second best in the series and one of the best rpgs ever made. This one looks great, great use of color and interesting music as well. This one involves a great platonic triangle between the three major character and is the focus of the plot progression, apparently fate isnt very changeable in this one. Luca Blight is a classic villain, completely insane and murderous. The only improvement over the first is an excellent use of artistic videos in intro and introduction credits. The duels and war battles are less interesting but slightly more tactical. The story is quite good but has lost some of the novelty and resolution of the first. All-in-all a great sequel to Suikoden I and well worth the massive price it was garnering in '06 and '07.

An amazing RPG both in it's day and today.

This game is amazing. It has a typical turn based RPG battle style, the magic in this game runs off the 'Rune' system. Which Is a lot like the Materia System in Final Fantasy 7, the main difference being that there is no MP in Suikoden, instead you can only use each Rune a certain number of times before you ned to rest to 'Recharge' them. In addition to this system there are also Duels and War Battles. The Duals pit the Hero against the Enemy and you have various commands you can use and you must predict your enemy's moves to be successful. Then in the war battles you control many units and you move around a grid representing a land area and fight the enemy units. All of these systems are a lot of fun and never get old. There are 108 characters that you can recruit to join you (Any Suikoden fan knows this to be a hallmark of the Series). You have a Castle that you can decorate and this is where your people live. This RPG has a great story and will keep you guessing until the end. Anyone who like's RPGs will love this game, it is worth every penny. Even if you are new to RPGs, no RPG could be a better introduction then this game. Get it, I highly recommend it.

The greatest RPG for Playstation - of all times! ^_^

Excellent??? Is that as high as I can go in this ratings system?

That is the real disappointment, not Suikoden II itself.

Out of all the Suikoden Games out there to date, Suikoden II has been one of the hottest items for sale on the game section on eBay and every other store or online retailer. That is because out of the entire series, it is the best one to date. Yes, Suikoden I was good, yes, Suikoden III had a cool story and graphics... sure Suikoden V was incredibly good too, heloping save the game series from the disaster that was Suikoden IV.... But Suikoden II is where it is at. That is Suikoden at it's best, with anime-style graphics and a story that left you breathless.

The Suikoden games began with its humble beginnings while the Playstation 1 was considered a "hot" console. Then ame SuikoGaiden Stories Volume I and II in Japan, which never made it to America. But that is because we did not NEED SuikoGaiden Vol. I and II when we have Suikoden II right here in the USA! ^_^

The story originated from the Chinese story about the 108 Warriors of Destiny and much like everything the Japanese manage to incorporate into their culture, they have transformed a Chinese tale into a world of magic, amazing characters, graphic beauty, compelling stories, and fun play with the Japanese dose of drama we all expect in RPGs.

That is what Sukoden II is all about. Graphical beauty, outstanding music, characters you can relate to and in fact associate with, and a story that will leave you breathless. The numerous endings also add to the drama of the choices we all face in everyday life and yet can change everything.

If Suikoden II doesn't touch your heart and make you play the game over and over again, specially after playing Suikoden I, then you should either give up on RPGs altogether or get a new heart! LOL ^_^

Best game made for the Playstation 1. Get this game if you have not yet. 5/5