Suikoden Tactics

"It's all about fishes"

well, for at least 75% of the game.

Rhapsodia, otherwise more commonly known as Suikoden Tactics, is a Strategy RPG for the oh-so-indulging Suikoden series. While it goes beyond me why the english version title is named so differently, still it is a rather good game to play through.

Story: 6/10

One of the downsides to this game is the plain and somewhat dull storyline. Sorta like a sequel to Suikoden IV, the story picks from where the former left off and tries hard to throw in an ending to the events that took place in the earlier centuries in the Suikoden world, but yet I feel that it is surrounded by doubts that I wish was clarified further. Hoping that the plot will keep me absorbed only left me disappointed.

Characters: 10/10

What is Suikoden without tons of characters for you to take your pick? This game definitely pleases by providing characters you may already know from Suikoden 4 as well as few new ones for your selection of use in battles. The nostalgic value in seeing the appearance of familiar characters surely adds on a big bonus. The development and relationship of characters are enhanced through battle conversations, and this tells the player more about each one of them.

Gameplay: 8/10

The mechanics of this game is easy to grasp, but somehow the implementation of the entire system has big room for improvement. You gain levels through experience points, sharpen your weapons at blacksmiths, buy and use runes for your characters which enables 3 levels of different moves. Through quests and battles, you gain SP as well, and these you use to learn, equip and upgrade skills for your characters. However, to go from the lowest E to S, you need to have recruited the required number of characters in your group. Cooperative attacks is a prominent thing you see in Suikoden, and it's no exception for this game as well, and it does chip in more enjoyment to the battles which gradually does get a bit repetitive and predictable, especially when you have a main character who misses quite some, as well as fighting fishes endlessly.

Graphics: 7/10

Seriously, when it comes to the graphics, I had a minor shock. Perhaps only the main characters and a miserable few others have more detailed facial features, whereas the rest just look like faceless polygons and are completely out of harmony with the backgrounds as through someone just pasted pieces of paper dolls on the TV screen. However, the face portraits are good though.

Music and sounds: 8/10

Mixed feelings. The music is fitting and I like it as each piece suits the scenes pretty well, nothing very impressive, but nothing lacking as well. Some of the familiar tunes of Suikoden are remixed, but whether is it the first or the tenth time you hear them, it will stay in your mind for sometime afterwards. But when it comes to the sounds, I had a real big problem with the voice-acting for the english version. At times too exaggerating or unreal, at times just emotionless script reading, I was all too tempted to skip the dialogues.

Replay Value: 10/10

Lots of characters to get, lots of items to dig up, lots of optional battles and monster-hunting to do, as well as lots of quests to complete, striving for that Rank S simply is too unlikely to be done in just 1 play. Though even if you did managed to with the help of a guide or walkthrough, it will just sting at you to grab it and replay it, this time all on your own.

Overall: 8/10

For fans, this is not a game to be missed. For those who are skeptical about Suikoden in all, it would be better to try out first before you make your decision. If you like strategy games, it is worth a try. It may not be a fanciful title with large amounts of special and unique features, but it does stick to the epic feel and worth the time you spend on it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/18/06