I don't know what it is about Genso Suikoden II but I can't stop playing it. I've played it countless times and love it each time I do play it. It's simply a surreal experience. It drew me in as one of the first RPG's (Rule Playing Games for anyone wondering) and made me love video games of his genre in general. Maybe it is the amazing characters, maybe it is the massive battles, maybe it is the wonderful story line. I really don't know why but I find Suikoden II (as referred to by everyone in the States) to be one of the best video games I have ever played.
You get to run around the City-State of Jowston as you begin to lead an uprising against the oppressive and tyrannical Kingdom of Highland as Luca Blight leads terror across the country. You play as the Hero (you name him) as he battles personal problems with being attached to one of the 27 Runes of Destiny and the betrayal of a close friend. Through the game you must unite the City-States and gain allies, unite the 108 Stars of Destiny (which is loads of fun) and go to battle with Luca Blight and the Kingdom of Highland across Jowston.
The lead characters are amazing. The hero and Nanami are great lead characters. What makes the game work like so many other games is the villain. The supporting characters: Viktor, Flik, Shu, Apple, etc are all great characters. They all have stories behind them, pasts that can be unlocked in the games that make for an even more believable experience. Vikotr and Flik have become two of my favorite characters in video games. They are simply hilarious and great.
Without a strong villain this game fails. Luca Blight turns out to be one of the best video game villains of the 1990's and makes this game work. He is cynical, mad, and overall malicious. He stops at nothing to get what he feels is right. He'll kill anyone he wants without question. Only your main character may oppose him. It is simply an incredible villain that beats out any of the other Suikoden villains, past and present. Luca will always be remembered for being true fear to the player playing the game.
What is featured in all of the Suikoden games is the building up the castle idea. You collect the Stars of Destiny and your castle grows and grows and grows. You can simply wander around it exploring anywhere you want. I love this feature of the game and makes it so you are not simply restricted to following the story line. You can take as much time as you want. You are also able to roam all over the country, go to cities and forts, meet people, collect books, recipes, and various other things that may improve your castle. It is the minor things in this game that make it so great.
5/5 Stars
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