Questions from the Suikoden Community Suikox.com
Question #1: Many Suikoden games worked old save data into bonuses or unlockables in subsequent games. Does the introduction of a hard drive and constant internet access on the latest generation of systems open up any possibilities of similar rewards for long time fans of the series who have played multiple games?
Konami: While we have not made any announcements regarding future Suikoden titles we always try and take advantage of all the technical advancements in the new platforms. We did this in Suikoden Tierkreis by utilizing the Wi-Fi connectivity of the Nintendo DS to create a new and unique addition to the series and we hope to continue this sort of growth in future games.
Question #2: Many Suikoden fans fell in love with Hugo, Geddoe, and Chris Lightfellow of Suikoden III for their expressive personalities. Can we expect to see more talkative main characters, or will we see more silent heroes?
Konami: The main theme of Suikoden Tierkreis is the infinite probability of future, so the Hero has to have his own will to work towards the future. If he didnt speak, he wouldnt have conviction in his beliefs. If the series continues the attitude of the next games Hero will depend on what the theme is and how it effects [sic] the Hero.
Vextor: I think the hero in any Suikoden would need to have his own will to work towards the future. So is Konami saying Tir McDohl didn't have his own will? Riou didn't have his own will? Prince Freyjadour didn't have his own will?? As for Lazlo... well, he didn't really have his own will did he (but that's more of an issue with the overall plot, or the lack thereof).
Question #3: Many Suikoden fans like Fumi Ishikawa's artwork but do you plan to use her as an artist in future Suikodens? Why isn't her great talent being utilized by Konami (her last work was for Oz)?
Konami: She is now energetically working on other projects.
Vextor: Which project? We haven't seen her work at all since Oz, which was released YEARS ago!! I love her artwork! I want her back on Suikoden (and many fans also agree)!!
Question #4: Chris Lightfellow was a very popular female lead in Suikoden III, Do you think that a female Tenkai Star is possible in the future and what do you think are the challenges to using a women as the main character?
Konami: The main character does not necessarily have to be male. If we decide to create another Suikoden title, theres a possibility that the main character could be female the next time around.
Vextor: Which also means it's possible to have another teenage boy as the hero for the 5th time!
Question #5: If Suikoden Tierkreis is the future of the series can we expect to get any form of resolution to the unanswered questions of the old series?
Konami: It is too early to say but it will depend on how the games progress in the future, but we would like to resolve many of Suikodens mysteries.
Vextor: How can it bee too early to answer questions that was posed more than a decade ago? (such as, "what the heck is Jeane" and, "where does Viki come from?") If it's still too early after a decade, will my grandkids be the ones hearing the answers??
Question #6: Why did you choose to set Tierkreis in an alternate and seemingly unrelated world when one of the major reasons fans appreciate the series so much are the connecting stories, characters, locations, etc. Is it just to attract new fans? And if so, why would you want to use an unrelated game (story wise) as an entry point to the series for new comers, when, if they decide to become more involved in the series they'll have to immerse themselves in the original story line and locations anyway? And are you not worried that this will just drive away old fans?
Konami: The earlier Suikoden games were all in the same world and same timeline. Its true that this is a large attraction for fans of the series, but it also can be a barrier for players who are new to Suikoden. The development team had some trouble with moving the story forward due to the long 14 year history, that we think wouldnt be resolved by remaking the former games. In Suikoden Tierkreis, we wanted to focus on the Infinity, where we can look at many different Suikoden worlds, and develop a completely new story for each. Weve expanded new Gateways and new Possibility for the future of Suikoden. Its a bit too early to say exactly how the series will progress but please look forward to future announcements.
Vextor: I'm glad Konami is finally leveling with the fans and saying the past history of Suikoden has gotten too complex that they have difficulty moving forward with it. However, that complex history is precisely what sets Suikoden apart from the other dozens of RPG titles. Fans of the series are able to understand the complex history of Suikoden, and many fans have created their own stories, such as their own versions of the Succession War (taking place before Suikoden 1) or the Higheast Rebellion (which supposedly takes place after Suikoden 2). If fans can do this, why can't the development team do the same?
Also, it's good you're trying to cultivate new fans, but you also end up tossing out your old fans who supported the series for the past 14 years. I'm not saying "cater to us old fans," but do understand that completely alienating fans from previous suikodens comes as a slap in the face.
Further nitpicking, is that the "Infinity" as defined within Tierkreis was originally translated as the "Million Worlds," how these worlds are described more as a "Parallel World" in Tierkreis, instead of as a totally separate world (such as the World of Wings and Scales and the World of Emptiness) ends up being inconsistent from previous Suikoden installations.
Generally, this answer is quite disappointing, but thanks for the honesty.
Question #7: In the official timeline, it says that Crowley and Mazus had a duel before when they're supposed to have been born. Did they reincarnate? What is the story behind this, or is it an error?
Konami: Other story developments, like this one, may become clear in the future.
Vextor: Why not clarify it now? I severely doubt Konami will revisit the whole Crowley / Mazus deal based on the answer to question #6!
Question #8: Many fans have heated debates over what makes a Suikoden game Suikoden, and often refer to to the "Suikoden feel" of a game. Depending on who you talk to it can be the story, the 108 stars of destiny, the true runes/rune system, 6 person battles, or any number of things. What would you consider to be the core qualities of Suikoden? What gives a game that "Suikoden feel?"
Konami: The grand story of 108 people is what makes a true Suikoden game. Not only 108 allies, but also enemies, who have their own drama, and live in the Suikoden world. This is what makes the games so interesting.
Vextor: Well, in Suikoden III the 108 stars included enemies as well, but I understand that Konami's understand of what a "Suikoden Feel" is, is that as long as the game has 108 allies, the game can be labeled as a Suikoden.
Question #9: How does fan feedback factor into the development of the Suikoden games? Is it something that is seriously considered and actively looked for, and if so, has such feedback resulted in tangible changes in game development (examples would be appreciated)?
Konami: We try to read all letters and messages from our fans about the former games in the Suikoden series. We have paid especially close attention to things people have pointed out as faults and referred to them as we have tried to develop a better game.
Vextor: Unfortunately, Tierkreis still has translation errors and spelling errors, etc! There also seems to be no clearly defined way for fans to give feedback to the development team. Please clarify!
Question #10: Was there any reason behind characters and other objects being named after Zoroastrian mythology in Suikoden V?
Konami: Suikoden V is a story of the Sun, so Zoroastrian mythology, which often uses the images of light and fire, was a strong influence in some parts.
Vextor: Very understandable! Of course, the True Fire Rune is probably closer in meaning, but I'm just being picky here.
Question #11: Are you considering remaking Suikoden I and II? Suikoden I and II would look pretty amazing in HD, with crisp and sharp graphics (keep it in sprites), bright and exciting colours and of course HD size.
Konami: That is an interesting idea; we will consider it in the future.
Vextor: I hope it's interesting! A used copy of Suikoden II sells at over $100 on ebay, which is also very very interesting! Should be a no-brainer, really.
Question #12: Why was Suikoden III not released in Europe (PAL) and is there ever going to be a chance for European gamers to play the game?
Konami: Unfortunately the game can only work with NTSC so the probability of it releasing for PAL is very low.
Vextor: That doesn't really answer the question of "why." Suikoden 1, 2, 4 and 5 were all released for PAL, so this answer makes no sense to anybody. However, I do understand Konami doesn't plan to release Suikoden III in PAL regions, which is disappointing to say the least.