Tuesday, January 25

RPG Nostalgia

The fourth installment of one of my favorite RPGs for the PS2 has hit stores. Reviews have been less than stellar though for this latest game in the Suikoden series, citing a story that lacks any real punch or pulse, a large (108 characters, no less) cast that mostly does nothing, and a tendency for aimless wandering on the high seas.

Honestly, I miss the good ol' days of Suikoden. The first game was one of the grade-A titles for the original PS, putting you in the shoes of the son of a famous general who must ultimately fight against the unjust empire you serve at the beginning. The first game had a cool story and memorable characters whom you genuinely care about once you get into the game (GREMIO!!!!)

However, my personal favorite has to be Suikoden II, which upped the ante with gorgeous art, a convoluted story full of conspiracy and backstabbing, large-scale campaigns and battles which you really felt you were a part of, and simply the best minigame in the franchise (cooking ala Iron Chef). From being a wet-behind-the-ears grunt who fights razorbunnies to becoming the commander of one of the armies vying for control of the empire, your saga was epic. And the supporting cast was so alive- when you feel a twinge of guilt after killing enemy lieutenants, you know this game's characters are written excellently. It was with pleasure that I ended the game, leaving behind the cares of politics and hitting the road with redeemed childhood friend Jowy and adoptive sister Nanami in tow, off to parts and adventures unknown. Yeah, Suikoden II for me was the pinnacle for the series.

Suikoden III was nice. Nice, but not stellar. I liked the three linking storylines, the cutesy graphics and the quick combat. However, for all it's neatness, it's the one Suikoden I haven't finished. Oh well- maybe I'll find out what happens in the end with the manga adaptation (which sadly seems to be tapering off in quality as it goes along).

And now, Suikoden IV. It has no Viktor, no Flick, no Toran Republic or even the Grasslands in sight. What we have here is a whole new world (though some old faces like Vicki are appearing, more as utilities than anything else). Yeah, it's still got tons of minigames and will probably be lots better than most no-name franchises out there... but really, I'm not too excited. Well, I'll probably play it eventually, but I don't see myself investing too much time into it. Perhaps it would be better for me to dig up the ol' Suikoden II copy for good, solid Suikoden fun. Yeah, that's the ticket. Heh.

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