Suikoden III

"One of the closest RPGs to perfection, Suikoden III is proof that graphics do not make the game."

I haven't been playing video games for as long as most people. But, once I started, I went straight to the classic games. I played as many RPGs as I could, renting, rushing, and exploring each game. One such game was Suikoden. I was shocked by how incredibly emotional the game was. I actually cared for almost every of the 108 characters. Never before had I seen such development and emotion behind such a large cast.

Suikoden II pleased me just as much, if not more. It took everything Suikoden did right, and made it better. Better graphics, better character development, and an even more emotional plot. When I heard about a third game coming out, I was excited. I expected Suikoden III to be just as good as Suikoden II. What I found was an even better adventure. While many fans of the series felt III didn't get things right quite as much as the past two games, I found Suikoden III to be the best RPG I had ever played, and have one of the best plots, rivaling even some of today's best novels. After playing through the entire story of Hugo, Chris, Geddoe, the Flame Champion, and the people of the Grasslands and Zexen, I couldn't help myself but spread the word of how incredible this game is. So, enjoy my comments on one of the greatest RPGs ever created, and one of the greatest plots ever written.

GAMEPLAY (10/10):

If you include story in this category, Suikoden III deserves a perfect score. With an innovative battle system, and the greatest story telling system in existance, Suikoden III has the best gameplay I've ever experienced.

The Trinity Sight System puts the score here at at least a 7/10 alone. Allowing the player to view the same story from 3 (and eventually 6) different points of view makes character and plot development incredibly deep and interesting. There are ultimately no plotholes in this game because of this ingenius device. For example, in Hugo's story, you will see Chris burning down his village for seemingly no reason. It leads you to actually hate her. However, once you play through Chris's story and see why she and her band of knights are commiting the act, you actually sympathize for her. Never before have we seen this kind of emotion-playing in an RPG.

Besides the TSS, the story in Suikoden III is incredibly just standing alone. A turn on the usual "save the world" plot, most of the game is spent simply trying to help the current character save their land in a war between three major territories: the Grasslands (Hugo), the Zexen Confederacy (Chris), and the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia (Geddoe).

Another plus side is the character development. Unlike most of the other Suikoden games, well over half the characters are important plot-wise, and most of them are as well developed as in any other RPG with a small cast. You'll learn of secrets characters hide, their histories, and learn of their unique personalities. This is probably one of the best casts I've ever seen in any RPG. The emotion and history behind each character is amazing, especially for such a large cast.

The actual gameplay is what puts the score up to a 10/10. While the battle system has its flaws (what doesn't?), it's still incredibly innovative and original. You play with a party of six, divided into three partner sets or couples. While this hinders being able to control your entire party, it opens up new combination possibilities, such as characters riding on others (Hugo can ride his griffon, Fubar). There's also the skill system, allowing customization and forcing you (in a good way) to use more than just your six favorite characters. There are also new runes added that allow you to support your party with song, or add magic to your sword. There are also natural tendencies your characters have in battle, like a mage refusing to do a melee attack even if ordered. These add much depth and originality without adding any frustration or real problems.

Sadly, what could've been one of the greatest battle systems in a turn-based RPG didn't turn out as well is it should've. The partner system's hinderances end up making many characters useless. The magic system, while more balanced and realistic, makes some spells a little too useless. For a game that focuses so much on magic battle and plotwise, they shouldn't have made using it so painful.

Suikoden III may not be the best of the three when it comes to gameplay, but it has arguably the best story of the series, and surely one of the best in the genrel.

GRAPHICS (8/10)

The past Suikoden games were known for their classic 2D graphics despite being on the PS1. While this probably scared off some potential fans, the ones who looked past these simple visuals got some of the greatest RPGs created. The jump to 3D is no different. While not up to par with several other PS2 RPGs, Suikoden III presents us with some excellent character designs, and pleasant environments.

I'll give the bad news first. The frame rate is the worst part of the graphics. It often slows down, and can get quite annoying. However, it's a very forgivable flaw, considering the rest the game has to offer. Another issue is the blocky character models and chunky animations.

However, the character designs themselves are probably some of the best ever created. And the environments are just as lush, colorful, and detailed. While Suikoden III may not have the best graphics on the PS2, they have a style and charm absent in so many other games. It is a testament to how unimportant graphics can be in an RPG.

SOUND (9/10)

Suikoden games are well-known for some beautiful tracks, but also some not-so-great songs as well. Suikoden III doesn't not break from the pattern. Most, if not all, of the tracks are appealing and enjoyable. There are, however, a few which just don't seem up to par with the rest.

I must note, that the music for the intro movie is some of my favorite of any game. It drives a number of emotions to go with the images shown, and fits with the setting of the game perfectly.

VALUE (10/10)

Suikoden games have always been known for their replayability and sidequests. Building your own castle, collecting the 108 characters or Stars of Destiny, it's not only original but FUN! Suikoden III adds to the value of the already rich game by having 3 different ways to play out the story, and three endings to go with them. Not only do you a chance to see multiple (though similar) endings, but playing through the first 3 chapters for each character in different orders will result in slight changes in multiple events and cutscenes. I won't spoil any of the story, but lets just say that you'll be dying to play through the game 3 times. There is also a bonus perspective at the end if you've collected all 108 stars, which is also well worth your time, revealing some incredibly interesting twists for the entire series.

TILT (10/10)

This is truly one of the greatest RPGs ever created. And, as a huge Suikoden fan, this is one of my absolute favorite games period. With an incredible story, a memorable and gargantuan cast, and a unique and complex battle system, there's very little to hate about the game. I felt that while there were some flaws, they were easily forgivable with everything else the game has to offer.

While it may have changes several of the classic aspects of the already-established Suikoden series, the game still presents us with that same emotional and deep storyline. The connections you will make with the characters, and the development you can find for each of the 108 cast members rivals even Suikoden II. While it may take a bit of digging and attention to details, I found that Suikoden III is one of the best games the series has to offer.

OVERALL (9.6/10)

Suikoden III is my favorite RPG for a reason. It's the closest thing to a perfect RPG you can ask for. It is also a perfect example of how incredible an RPG can be just based on what truly matters; the story and gameplay. Whether you've never heard of Suikoden or have been into the series from the start, if you like deep storytelling, a diverse and developed cast of characters, or a fun and strategic battle system, Suikoden III is for you.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/20/05