Suikoden 3

Genre: JRPG
Release Date: July 11th 2002
Platforms: PS2
Score: 7/10
Similar Titles: Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Grandia

The main character, Hugo.

Suikoden III is a game I always wanted to play, hoping it would live up to its predecessors. Sadly, I never got around to it due to it being console only. Luckily I got my hands on a copy, and I must say it didn't let me down. At heart this game is basically part JRPG and part anime, which suits me just fine.

Anime style cutscenes.

For those of you that played Suikoden I and II, I don't think the game will live up to your expectations. It is however a good game in it's own right.

FMV doesn't take up a large part of the game.

The story revolves around three characters, Hugo, Geddoe and Chris. You will find yourself jumping between perspective rather frequently throughout the game. While this can be a little frustrating at first, and also strange to see a talking protagonist in a Suikoden - you will slowly find yourself more invested in the plot as you learn about the tenuous upcoming peace treaty between the Grasslands and Zexen from all angles.

The battle system is outdated and very clumsy.

As with most playstation 2 JRPG games, the battle system is rather limited and nothing special when sized up with the best franchises. However, it does well utilising the strengths it does have. Party members are linked in pairs, and selecting an action for one will select a move for both. It's not particuarly innovative nor is it groundbreaking in any way, but it's simple and straightforward; allowing anyone to dive in headfirst and advance through the plot.

The world map allows travel from area to area.

Party customisation and levelling is easy and appealing to me for some reason. Runes can be equipped for new spells, and weapons can be levelled to gain damage, a system adopted from the previous games.

There are tons of characters to pursue and level up.

Chris is the third main character, and probably the least interesting.

I'm not going to lie about it, there really isn't much more to this game than a pleasant RPG that won't challenge you. You could squeeze 20 hours or so out of your first playthrough, and it's likely you won't be eager to pick it up again. The main selling point that would drive you towards purchasing a copy would be the story, which isn't dull to say the least. If it looks like it will suit your tastes, by all means - buy/steal a copy.

Random battles get pretty annoying.

If you feel I have been unfair or missed anything in this review, please comment and I'll be sure to read it!