Suikoden Tactics

"Redemption, thy name is Suikoden Tactics "

Suikoden fans that played through Suikoden 4 fell into categories. Those who hated it, those that loved it, and those who thought it was a game that had enough Suikoden elements to be considered decent. Regardless of the category, most fans agree that the vague plot and character development hurt 4….enter Suikoden Tactics. Tactics is almost an expansion pack for Suikoden 4's story. It fleshes out characters and enhances the plot while providing its own game's story and characters. The story follows Kyril who is questing around for rune cannons, and in typical RPG fashion gets involved with something over his head.

Gameplay: The game is your basic template of a SRPG with a few additions that take away some of the tedium. When you move the cursor to an area you want to move, help balloons show you all sorts of information. Instead of having to select an enemy unit to see if s/he can hit you a balloon will let you know if you're in range. Also it let's you know if you run the risk of a counter attack, if you can kill the baddie, or just hurt them all before you make the move. The battle system all so has the Suikoden 3 skill system back, as well combo attacks. Perfectionists beware though, if an extra character falls in battle they run the risk of getting killed. A downside to death is you can't use them anymore. Outside of battle you have the guild quest which provides extra missions like fetch quest, extra battles, deliveries and Final Fantasy Tactics-esk dispatch quest where you send one of your extra characters (mostly Suikoden 4 characters) out for a few days to do a quest.

Sound/Music: The music is mostly remixes of Suikoden 4 songs with a few originals which is ok for this game. The Voice Acting is a mix bag. They have your A list VA and your F list interns and other people they didn't have to pay. Also some of the voices just don't seem to fit the characters and the game suffers from the different actor for the same character syndrome some sequels get. Sound effects are adequate for a SRPG. (Clang, stab, thump)

Graphics: This is where Suikoden Tactics falls short. The stubby cell-shaded characters are a step backwards from Suikoden 4 but also poignant for the genre. The real problem is the lack of detail and animations on the characters making them faceless Lego people.

The point: For Suikoden fans who like SRPGs or don't care about them but played Suikoden 4 this game demands a play through for all the extra UMPF it adds to Suikoden 4 and its own story. For non-fans who just are looking for a new SRPG to strategize through this game could work as it's a good game, but you won't get as much from the story.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/15/05