The Suikoden series, which debuted in the West in 1996, gained a dedicated following among Japanese RPG fans for its grounded war narratives inspired by Konami’s Vandal Hearts SRPG series. While not as globally recognized as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, the series made an impact with its themes drawn from the 14th Century Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan. Fans eagerly anticipate the series’ return after a decade-long hiatus, drawn to its rich lore, intricate storylines, and interconnected universe.

Suikoden 4

Released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Suikoden 4, created by Konami, is considered a prequel to the series, set 150 years before the original game. Despite being the weakest entry in terms of gameplay, with complaints about frequent random battles and extensive sailing segments, it is praised for its compelling character development. Characters like Snowe have standout arcs, showcasing remarkable growth throughout the game. Fans suggest that a modern remaster could greatly improve the experience by addressing gameplay issues and adding quality-of-life enhancements like increased speed and reduced random encounters.

Suikoden 3

Suikoden 3 was released in 2002 by Konami for the PS2 and later made available on the PS3 through PSN. It is set in the final year of the Suikoden series, in Solis 475. This installment is considered the pinnacle of the series, featuring three protagonists with well-developed characters and utilizing the Trinity Sight system for storytelling. Unlike its predecessors, Suikoden 3 does not have a silent protagonist, instead offering a unique perspective through the viewpoints of these three characters. The game’s 3D world was a first for the series, although the graphics and animations may seem outdated by today’s standards, the charm of the character designs and races like Kobold and Duck brought to life remains a delightful experience. Suikoden 3’s narrative depth and unexpected twists make it stand out as an exceptional entry in the series, comparable to the depth found in series like Final Fantasy VII or The Last of Us.

Suikoden 5

Suikoden 5, released in 2006 by Konami for the PlayStation 2, is set in Solis 449, six years before the first Suikoden game. Following the lukewarm reception of Suikoden 4, Suikoden 5 revitalized the franchise with a focus on character development and intricate world-building. The game follows a young prince caught in a web of family rivalries and political intrigue, reminiscent of Game of Thrones. As the prince gathers the 108 Stars of Destiny to wage war in the Sun Rune conflict, players are drawn into a vast and immersive narrative with multiple endings and divergent paths for replay value. While it falls slightly short of Suikoden 2 in some aspects, Suikoden 5 is praised for its engaging storyline and gameplay features.

Suikoden

Suikoden, originally released in 1996 by Konami, is available on a variety of platforms including PC, PS3, PSP, PS Vita, and Sega Saturn. Despite limited copies being produced, the game is known for its captivating narrative and memorable characters, featuring themes of politics, war, friendship, and loss that still resonate with players over two decades later. It is recommended to play Suikoden alongside Suikoden 2 for a more enriched experience, as they are interconnected with recurring characters and a save transfer feature. The upcoming remasters of Suikoden 1 and 2 in 2024 aim to modernize the outdated mechanics, making it an exciting prospect for fans of the series.

Suikoden 2

Suikoden 2, originally released in 1999 by Konami, is considered the crowning achievement of the series. Available on multiple platforms such as PC, PS1, PSP, PS Vita, and PS3 via PSN, the game is set in the Solis 460 Timeline. Building upon its predecessor, Suikoden 2 enhances mechanics, introduces new features like a run option, and offers more expressive animations and improved visuals for towns and cities. The narrative of the game delves deeper into themes of friendship, loss, and betrayal, as players follow the protagonist through the tumultuous Dunan Unification War. The story expands as the hero aims to unite the 108 Stars of Destiny for battle, with familiar characters from the first game making appearances. A remastered version of Suikoden 1 and 2 is set to launch on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One in 2024.