Suikoden V

"Konami has done it again"

"Konami has done it again, and this time, it takes Suikoden to a higher level."

The first thing in my mind when I bought Suikoden V all I think was, "I just hope they made a miracle"--And they did. The 5th release of the Suikoden game has far to be the best Suikoden game ever to be played in the PS2 console, considering its highly qualified improvements and sound systems, with familiar features in the previous suikoden games.

Graphics: 8/10

The graphics are purely amazing, the backdrop fits to the story, with exotic outfits! The sprites need more improvement, they became smaller, or rather the camera view moved further. And since it's full 3D, it doesn't necessarily fit for the sprites to be smaller. The camera in this game takes it down, 2 zoom-ins without manual rotation, which makes the perspective a bit hard. Cut scenes' graphics are back with polygonal figures, but fighting styles and magic effects are of high quality during battle systems.

Facial expressions are done well, at least better than the previous game, finger-pointing the main character, with exaggerating reactions and such, including other characters, giving the game a meaningful tone.

Animation doesn't suffer much, the motions in battle are rather stiff and unreal. Running frame by frame are smooth, character designs are as unique as it is, rune effects gave high density which proves to be highly powerful.

Gameplay: 8/10

The gameplay familiarizes itself from the previous games, more likely of the Skill points (SIII), 6 battle members in the party (SI/II), weapon upgrades, etc...all in one. SV introduces another new feature such as the Battle Tactics, epics, and now the entourage accepts combat characters which enables you to swap with any party member in anytime.

As one of the traditions in the series, you can customize your room, menu screen, variety of voice sets and customizable bath tub.

What I didn't expect in SV is the sensitive and frustrating random encounters and several with long duration of loading screens.

There is another gameplay that is considered to be a tactical battle, mainly points to war battles and siege. Suikoden is not complete without this, even though I find it rather annoying.

Mini-games such as card games, fishing, etc. are one of the best features to take your time and relax to enjoy the game's bests.

Difficulty of the game will be easy-average, might be too easy for professionals, and for first-timers who never played Suikoden before will be somehow average, but once you get used to it you'll find the game easy as it is.

Overall, the gameplay is unique, and this is the Suikoden I know and love.

Story: 10/10

The story deserves a full 10! Though the story-wise is like other Suikoden games--betrayal, friendship, war--the story here is rather touching and meaningful.

You control the main character as the Prince of the country of Falena, (yes, a highly positioned prince, we never get to control that before). You have a bodyguard named Lyon, a mother named Arshtat as the Queen of Falena, a sister who is named Lymselia with her bodyguard Miakis, a single aunt named Sialeeds and a father as the Commander of the Queen's Knights. In this story, the Royal family possesses three runes: The Dawn Rune, the Twilight Rune, and the Sun Rune. You get to use the Dawn Rune, though it's somehow useless at start, but you will gain more rune powers as you go on with the game. The country here are mostly depending on the Queen, and they have no Kings as usual, but rather a Commander or General in the Queen's Knights. A primary sequel from Suikoden 4 (time-wise), and a prequel to Sukidoen 1 at least 10 years gap.

Sounds: 9/10

The sound system is clear, themed music you can hear as you travel around the country--and now with added feature--Victory taunt, whenever you win a battle, the character who stroke last will initiate a victory taunt (quite entertaining) but sometimes all of the members will show off a pose instead.

The voice sets are back--you can now collect voice sets hidden in treasures only for your hero, some are funny to here. The voice acting is remarkably lively during cut scenes, and the music are as lovely as ever, only they sound like amateur midis. They pronounce words well, from seriousness, to goofiness, from sadness to happiness.

Nothing more to talk about, overall the sound system is a thumbs-up.

Controls: 9/10

If you have been playing 2 or more games of Suikoden, the controls will be the same--D-Pad or Analog stick to move/scroll, X to select, Triangle to cancel (or run in NG+), O to Sort items, Square to bring up the menu, and R1 to zoom in or out. Simple as that, first timers will seek no trouble in the controls...and for the ones who played S4, no more ships to maneuver whatsoever.

Overall, controls are simple, since it's not a hack-and-slash rpg, but rather a "my turn-your turn" rpg, if that's the term.

Lifespan: 9/10

In this game, the ending varies and depends on how you play with the storyline especially when you have a completed set of Stars of Destiny or other else.

When you finish the game, you will result to a new game+ (plus). Items,(except for highly rare items such as Blinking Mirror,etc)Equipments, runes, etceteraz, stored in your inventory will bring through in the new game+. You will also be able to run by pressing triangle.

Quite useful, and tempts you to play the game over and over again. Maximum game time will be between 70-80 hours if you intend to recruit all of the SoD, and 50+ hours if you continue with the story directly.

Overalls: Total : 10

Graphics - 8
Gameplay - 8
Story - 9
Sounds - 9
Controls - 9
Lifespan - 9

Total Average - 9 (8.66)

ProS:

~ Excellent gameplay
~ Marvelous Sound effects
~ Meaningful Story
~ Improvement of graphics

ConS:

~ High percentage of encounters
~ Small sprites/Lack of camera perspectives
~ Too many loading screens
~ Hardly challenging for most Suikoden players

Rent?

If you are a first time Suikoden gamer (but buying would be nicer)

Buy?

YES. SV so far is the best Suikoden game ever to be released in Ps2, and from the majority of fan facts, the 2nd best game in Suikoden beside S2.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/30/06