Suikoden III

"Great game overall, a few problems though"

Suikoden is the first RPG I've played since finishing FFX, so I needed a good game. The numbers for each individual section probably won't add up, so take them for what they are. This game is the 3rd installment of the Suikoden series, with the 4th being released in fall I believe of 2004. After playing this game, I seriously regret not playing the first two. If they are even comparable to this game, I will have found a game that will keep me occupied for a long while to come. While I am not normally one to review games, I had to send one this time. This game is comparable to any RPG out there as far as I am concerned. The game overall is reviewed separately from each section, thats why the numbers don't match.

Graphics: 7/10

The graphics are good for the most part. Personally I'm getting tired of the pasted on faces with no expressions. One disappointment in the game that I had, but again this came from just playing FFX, was the absence of FMV scenes. Other than that, I really can't complain. The sprites are comparable quality, although most are reused for monsters. Characters can be defined rather easily with a few exceptions if you're only glancing. The battle scene graphics are great. With a few exceptions, the special actions (spells, attacks) match the runes they come with. Unlike in most RPG games, the spell animations are tasteful, not completely drawn out like in some RPGs (Ultima in FFX). The battle animation is smooth, and the background is usually an area similar to where you are (again unlike other RPGs *FFX*).

Sounds: 6/10

Sound, I really can't say that much about. I don't really pay much attention to the music. Sound effects though, I must complain about a little. Why do all the attacks sound like they are hitting metal, when most of the monsters have nothing metal to them? Granted they are done well, but it just doesn't match up. For most people, that wouldn't affect a rating or the game as a whole. Just the little inconsistencies that stand out for me. Music is pretty much fitting for the area and the mood, nothing spectacular though. The FMV opening, the music is extremely repetitive.

Game play: 8/10

Wow. All that can be said about the game play. This game combines a great story and 3 (yes thats right 3) incredible lead characters with the absolute worst possible villains. The first half of the game can be viewed through the trinity system, which allows you to control all 3 of the lead characters. Not trying to spoil the plot, but after everyone's 3rd chapter is complete, I suggest you make a separate save file, to forego the trouble of having to play the first 3 chapters all over again. If that's what you want, hey then go for it. But back to the characters for the moment. Honestly, how can you think a blonde with a blue and white dress is evil. Or a pretty boy that just hides behind summoned monsters. The one guy dressed in all black is a pain in the butt, but still not believable as a villain. The strategist, however, is possibly the only true villain I've seen in a long time. He is also, ironically enough, the only one you don't get a shot at in a one on one battle (at least not as far as i can see). The 108 stars of destiny are back. Some of them are a bit difficult to recruit until you get a particular character, which i will not reveal due to spoiler reasons. 3 battle systems: major warfare, normal RPG combat, and 1-on-1 duels. Towards the end of the game, BE VERY CAREFUL IN MAJOR WARFARE!! You can permanently lose characters. There is a lot of walking to be done. Every area has a boss, which is either a random encounter, or a seen encounter, depending on the area. The power of the monsters increases with every chapter. So you could be cleaning house in the end of chapter 4, but could quite easily lose a battle in chapter 5. That is the most important reason to keep your power up, no matter how much stronger than the current enemies you are.

Replay value: depends on your play style

All joking aside, the type of gamer you are will decide how many times you play this game. If you like to get everything and move on to the next game, you will probably play this game twice at most. If you like to know how every storyline turns out, unless you saved a game at the end of all 3rd chapters, you will play the game at least 3 times.

Buy or rent

If you are unsure if you will like a more traditional RPG, rent this game first (if you can find it anywhere). More than likely, you will want to buy this game. There is no possible way you can beat this game in one rental period. It requires at least 50 hours play time to get all 108 stars. With the game having been released a while ago, you can find it for about 35-40 bucks new, or 25-30 used. If for some unforeseen reason you do not like this game, I suggest you reevaluate your taste in games, particularly RPGs.

Overall: 9/10

Like I said earlier, the numbers don't add up. I rated each section individually, then went back and rated the game as a whole compared to other RPGs that i either own or have played. While this game is no FFX, it is a quality RPG that, in my opinion, deserves a spot on any RPG gamer's shelf. The few problems, although i stated them in the sections above, for people with a lack of attention, I will repeat them. The villains, save one, have little to no credibility. I mean come on folks, this isn't kindergarten anymore. The biggest problem in the story line in my opinion, is the way certain battle outcomes do nothing to change the story. I can wipe the floor with the villains, with a team less powerful than my usual party, and yet somehow they always end up winning in the long run. Granted you get little trinkets for beating them, but you still lose. The sound effects need some improvement in that they are not consistent with the graphics they are assigned to. One example is the sound in battle of a sword hitting a monster. It sounds like the sword hits metal, but there is no metal to be seen. The lack of FMV scenes is also a problem for me personally, but maybe other games will appreciate that.

Hopes for the future release:

1. Make the battles matter. I don't wanna wipe the floor with a villain only to have my ass handed to me on a silver plate. If im gonna destroy this guy, i want him to lose, end of story.

2. Please, no more cut out faces. This was all well and good for the PSX era, but graphics technology has improved so much since then that there is no need for cut out faces. At the very least, if the cut out faces need to be kept, hire some voice actors to add some life to the characters. In my opinion, the lack of emotion is the biggest drawback of Suikoden III.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/13/04