Product Description

As the son of decorated General Teo McDohl, you join the Imperial Guard when you father leaves to fight in the North. Disgusted by the Emperors corruption, you later leave the guard to join the Liberation Army. Now you travel the land searching for the 27 Runes of Truth and recruiting like-minded individuals to the cause. Along the way you will have to fight in three different styles of battle: normal, one-on-one, and war. See if you can bring justice to the world in SUIKODEN.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12386 in Video Games
• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Platform: PlayStation
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

• Over 100 characters, 3 battle modes, 27 Runes and 108 Stars, variety of power-ups, upgrades, and structures, in-depth strategy and storyline

Customer Reviews

I'm not really sure what happened...
...but apparently, only one person has ever written a review for this game. It deserves better.

"Suikoden" was the game that started the franchise, with 5 releases over two systems. Is the first the best? Not by a long shot - "Suikoden II" holds that honor easily, and "Suikoden V" gives this one a run for its money. But it is ridiculously fun, even though the experience is rather short.

The game starts in the city of Gregminster, where the young son of a famous general begins service for the emperor of his homeland, Barbossa. Originally accompanied only by his loyal friends, Cleo, Pahn, Gremio and Ted (who has his own secret), he becomes a central figure in a huge civil war.

Although well-known by now, the idea of recruiting the 108 stars of Destiny was very novel at the time. Overall, the game is incredibly easy, but no one can deny that it was fun at later stages to watch a level 1 character go up 40 levels after one single battle (the outcome of which was decided from he beginning, due to the awesome power of the rune possessed by our hero). One of the more interesting points of this game is the creation of a world that has been enriched numerous times through sequels, and the idea of the 27 True Runes, a few of which are introduced in each new game. It is an excellent intro if you've played the later games, and it has aged surprisingly well (I still play it every now and again). The quest is very linear, however, and there are no sidequests to speak of (although the castle/town building is still enjoyable).

All in all, I would say that if you can find it at a decent price, then pick it up. This one still floats around used game stores ever so often (as opposed to its direct sequel, "Suikoden II", which is impossible to find). I wouldn't pay $150 for it, however...

A RPG Classic
Suikoden has always held a special place for me since the days of my youth. I still remember spending lazy afternoons adventuring through the land of The Scarlet Moon Empire. For one reason or another I never managed to secure my own copy but always thought back the great times I had playing the game. Realizing though that some things are better left to nostalgia I was weary of trying to relive those moments. Only recently, after 10 years apart did I finally cave in to my desires and purchase my own copy.

What I found was actually quite surprising. Time had actually been kind to Suikoden. Yes the graphics are primitive comparatively speaking with console graphics of modern day, however, the core of the game remains intact: an excellent storyline.

Not wanting to give too much away I'll keep the details on the story light. You play as the character Tir McDohl, son of one of the "Five Great Imperial Generals". Through a series of events Tir will find himself fighting against the Scarlet Moon Empire and his own father.

Along the way Tir will enlist the help of friends and enemies alike in a struggle against an Emperor who has lost his way. One of Suikoden's most unique features is that the player is given the ability to recruit up to 108 playable characters. While anyone versed in RPG mechanics might be daunted by the prospect of having to level such a large cast of characters, Suikoden actually makes the task easy and rewarding. Raising low-leveled characters to a status near the main party of characters literally takes minutes to accomplish.

Along the path to toppling the Empire the player will also be given the ability to centralize his "Liberation Army" at an abandoned castle. This introduces one of the more original ideas to Suikoden. As you recruit new characters and add them to your ranks your castle will be given various upgrades. Everything from new floors to murals, a spa and even an elevator. At the time of it's release Suikoden was one of a kind in offering such a level of customization on home consoles.

Combat mechanics consist of six party members battling up to six opponents at one time. Generally speaking combat in Suikoden is turn based although the game features other types of battles including one versus one duels and army versus army battles. None of these mechanics are ever a chore.

I recommend anyone who is a fan of the series to invest in game that launched sequels like Suikoden II and III. The original in many ways is superior to the sequels.

Good game!
The story and the characters are both very good, there are some things in this game that can be quite annoying (you have to befriend a murderer to complete 108 Stars - WTF??), but overall this game is enjoyable.