Suikoden II is a great RPG that expands
on the original in every way. Unlike many console RPGs,
Suikoden II is set in the same "world"
and many characters return from the first game. The story
is richer, deeper and longer and makes up for the games
slight flaws, translation errors, and the fact that Suikoden
II is similar to the first game in many ways.
Once again, you are a boy who through circumstance is
thrust into a grand conflict and eventually must recruit
the 108 stars of destiny. And once again, there are multiple
endings; you'll probably want to play the game twice.
Like the first Suikoden, there are three
modes of combat: Six member monster battle, one-on-one
duel, and large scale battles. The large battles have
been revamped from the former rock-paper-scissors affair
to more strategic, unit based fighting.
The sections you can expand in your castle have increased,
as have the number of playable mini games. Besides acquiring
item shops, antiques and old book gathering, the bath
house and games of chance you also get a restaurant that
can make recipes for different food to replenish your
party's health. Depending on what plants, livestock and
spices you have acquired, you can make more recipes. But
that's just the beginning! If you check in with your chef
often, you will play an "Iron Chef" style mini
game! Other nice touches are the new trading posts in
different towns and the ability to recruit the here from
the first game.
Graphics and sound are very good for the 2.5D style of
the game. The graphics are pretty impressive, especially
the spells during battle. The characters are well designed,
but some of the monsters look a little more cartoonish
compared to the first game. The orchestration of music
is again excellent and there is more of it. However, the
audio is no longer yellow book and has a slight MIDI sound
to it, losing the luster of some of Suikoden's
beautiful music.
The game is also decently long, so those of you disappointed
by the first Suikoden's 24 hour play
time have nothing to fear. And the story is excellent!
This time the story concentrates on two childhood friends
and the choices they make as they become adults. Not many
videogame plots would make a good novel, but add one to
the list.
In short, Suikoden II is a great RPG
if you prefer story and game play over realistic graphics.
I recommend playing the original Suikoden
first, since it is easier to find, but if you see Suikoden
II for a good price by all means pick it up!
2008 ben langberg, all rights reserved.