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[Patryn]

Can anyone explain why the game is so good? I read the first few pages of the thread and the announcement one, no one has yet to delve into specifics on what makes it "the best rpg ever". I know there are loads and loads of characters, and they're not entirely flat, but that's about all I know.

Is the combat amazing? Great story? Plot twists? What does this game have that really sets it apart? Does the game actually still hold up today or does nostalgia carry it?

Sell me Gaf!

Music, setting, story, characters, etc. Three different battle systems, 108+ characters to recruit, grand scope that is also grounded in that it's more about a conflict between two nations than a save-the-world plot.

It's like asking to explain exactly why Chrono Trigger is so beloved, because I rank it in that tier.

It's arguably the greatest PS1 JRPG.

Should I play Suikoden I first though?

Yes. Suikoden 2 does save import from Suikoden 1 to unlock some stuff.

 

[bigwinnerx]

Will wait on a sale now. Too much backlog anyway.

 

[PepsimanVsJoe]

I missed the pricing error? Weak.

Oh well, I'll buy it next year.

Not in a hurry to +1 my backlog.

 

[mdubs]

So what should I be naming my character in I since there is a name glitch or something?

 

[Novum_Veritas]

So what should I be naming my character in I since there is a name glitch or something?

Just McDohl, if you name him Tir McDohl, he will be called TcDohl in Suikoden II.

 

[NolbertoS]

Finally! I've been meaning to play this forever.

Should I play Suikoden I first though?

I heard the stories are intertwined, so it's recommended you play Suikoden I first.

 

[Tiu Neo]

So what should I be naming my character in I since there is a name glitch or something?

On II? Anything. The glitch is for the Suikoden I character's name on II, if you import your save.

EDIT: Didn't read the I. Name him... Mir? Or tir with all lower caps.

 

[Joei]

Will this game look any better if I download as opposed to playing the disc version? I've never downloaded PS1 classics so I don't know if they make the image quality any better with their downloadable games. (PS1 games never look too great on my TV when playing from the disc)

 

[Somnia]

That should also be unlocking today for Vita owners. All on Sony side right now, so my visibility on it is limited.

Do you know if Suikoden 1 and 2 will work on playstation TV?

 

[Eusis]

So what should I be naming my character in I since there is a name glitch or something?

In the second game? Don't worry about it.

In the first game for import into the second game? Either an all caps 6 letter name or something starting with a capital M like Mike, the thing is that it defaults to McDohl but overwrites with capitals, so you usually get something like TcDohl. Going with an M name results in it just being McDohl, and a six letter all caps name would actually make it work as intended.

 

[Xeroblade]

Hardly. It was about 30 hours for me, first run without all the stars then an immediate second run with all the stars (familiarity likely is why it still took about as long.)

Either way, I have no idea why i passed on this back in the day. I chose Breath of Fire over this. Avoided this game up till now. I think its time i played this.

 

[Xaero Gravity]

I'm gonna be honest, I feel kind of bad for buying it at $5.99. The series needs as much love and support as it can get.

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

So what should I be naming my character in I since there is a name glitch or something?

Mike.

 

[jackal27]

Will this game look any better if I download as opposed to playing the disc version? I've never downloaded PS1 classics so I don't know if they make the image quality any better with their downloadable games. (PS1 games never look too great on my TV when playing from the disc)

Yes, it will look better as a digital download than playing as a PSOne disc.

 

[Demigod Mac]

Finally! I've been meaning to play this forever.

Should I play Suikoden I first though?

Definitely. Direct sequel and you can import your save into 2.

1 is also a great game. Short but sweet 15 hours.

 

[Patryn]

So what should I be naming my character in I since there is a name glitch or something?

Anything that starts with a capital M, has no other capital letters, and isn't longer than 5 characters.

 

[Wereroku]

So what should I be naming my character in I since there is a name glitch or something?

If you want official go for tir then it will transfer properly. Otherwise choose a name that starts with an m like Mike. Basically whatever you capitalize will overwrite the name in 2 so Tir McDohl would be TcDohl in 2. Alternatively use what you want and just edit the save file after you import.

 

[Freedom = $1.05]

Finally! I've been meaning to play this forever.

Should I play Suikoden I first though?

yesyesyes. S2 is great, but it's made even better if you've played the first game. and the first game is also a terrific RPG.

 

[Sibersk Esto]

still can't find it in the store...

 

[Begaria]

Can anyone explain why the game is so good? I read the first few pages of the thread and the announcement one, no one has yet to delve into specifics on what makes it "the best rpg ever". I know there are loads and loads of characters, and they're not entirely flat, but that's about all I know.

Is the combat amazing? Great story? Plot twists? What does this game have that really sets it apart? Does the game actually still hold up today or does nostalgia carry it?

Sell me Gaf!

All of those things. Suikoden 1/2's battle systems are blazing fast, amazingly well done, and are second only to the likes of Grandia's battle system in my opinion. The story is heart wrenching, backed up by one of the most memorable villains in RPG history, with its fair share of plot twists. It's also a JRPG that has distinctive player choices in an era when very few JRPGs would actually have choices. The soundtrack is also amazing. The whole game is epic from beginning to end with very little down time in between those moments.

The only thing I'll say is that the emotional impact of Suikoden 2's story is increased a little bit if one has played Suikoden 1 as there are returning characters. Suikoden 2 takes place after Suikoden 1, and though you don't need to know the over arching plot of Suikoden 1 to get Suikoden 2, it helps to have played it for certain characters.

Edit: If one doesn't like JRPGs, Suikoden 2 won't make you rethink the genre. It is through and through a JRPG, but it's one of the best games in the category.

 

[Tiu Neo]

still can't find it in the store...

They'll put it up later, after they fix the price.

 

[gotstrangepowers]

Do you know if Suikoden 1 and 2 will work on playstation TV?

Suikoden 2 does. I havent tried 1 yet.

 

[mdubs]

Thanks for the answers everyone.

So I only need to input a first name, and if I put in "tir" it will work fine? I just want the canonical name to show up in the second game as well

 

[Novum_Veritas]

Thanks for the answers everyone.

So I only need to input a first name, and if I put in "tir" it will work fine? I just want the canonical name to show up in the second game as well

tir should be ok.

 

[Wereroku]

Thanks for the answers everyone.

So I only need to input a first name, and if I put in "tir" it will work fine? I just want the canonical name to show up in the second game as well

Yep tir will carryover right. Looks a bit silly but not a big deal.

 

[Tiu Neo]

Thanks for the answers everyone.

So I only need to input a first name, and if I put in "tir" it will work fine? I just want the canonical name to show up in the second game as well

Yep, tir should be fine. I also use Mir, sometimes, since the lower case t kinda bugs me.

 

[mjc]

Not seeing an option to buy either on Vita. GG Sony.

 

[orborborb]

Yes, it will look better as a digital download than playing as a PSOne disc.

How could this be true? What do they do? I've never noticed any difference at all between playing from a disc versus a download with PSOne Classics.

 

[LProtag]

Alright, if I'm going to play the first game first... do I want to use a guide to get everyone or does it not matter for the 2nd game? As in, do I get more bonuses if I have a complete playthrough?

 

[DJ_Lae]

I'm in. I hear it's better than 1, and I kind of enjoyed what I played of that. I also fucking hated Suikoden III with every ounce of my being, but based on everything I've read that game deviates quite a bit from the earlier two so I shouldn't use that as any real barometer.

 

[Galamauth]

For anyone who's now waiting to buy later or next year just remember:

Straight ports for now, but we'll see where it goes after the first 3 mo. of sales come in.

First 3 months are pivotal for this release, especially if you're interested in stuff like updates for bugfixes(which it really needs imo),upgrades like the psp re-release and possibly more. We have to show Konami our interest asap.

 

[PlayingKarrde]

One thing that might make a lot of people feel like this is a bit of a budget game is the lack of 8 way directional run (they included this in the PSP port though). Once you get used to it it isn't an issue, but probably some people who have never played a PS1 Suikoden game may find it a bit off putting.

Get over that though cause it's awesome.

-edit-
Oh and it's a fairly laughable translation too.

 

[th4tguy]

I have Suikoden 2 on my ps3 now but it wont give me the option to transfer to my psp. In fact it doesn't even show PSP in the box for the game. Just PS3, unlike my other PS classic games.

 

[jackal27]

How could this be true? What do they do? I've never noticed any difference at all between playing from a disc versus a download with PSOne Classics.

You know, I'm not really sure now that you mention it. I was thinking about playing PSOne games through my PS2 using a component cable. I'm not sure how much better they look through a PS3. My bad.

 

[Tiu Neo]

Alright, if I'm going to play the first game first... do I want to use a guide to get everyone or does it not matter for the 2nd game? As in, do I get more bonuses if I have a complete playthrough?

The scene on the extra sidequest for II is a bit different, and that's it.

That said, if you are the kind of person who likes exploring on RPGs, it's not that hard to get all the stars on the first game without a guide. Maybe search if you are having trouble with a specific recruit.

If the character has a portrait, it's probable a recruitable character.

 

[bananafactory]

Is this PS TV compatible?

 

[kimtish]

Where are you guya finding the game? i don't see anything Suikoden on the Vita store nor Suikoden 2 on the online store.

Im USA eastern btw.

 

[undecided]

Totally happy to pay $10, sitting here refreshing the store website waiting for it to go back up.. Hurry up and take my money!

Where are you guya finding the game? i don't see anything Suikoden on the Vita store nor Suikoden 2 on the online store.

Im USA eastern btw.

Cannot purchase it currently due to price mistake:
https://store.sonyentertainmentnetw...sic)/cid=UP9000-NPUJ00958_00-0000000000000001

 

[Tiu Neo]

Where are you guya finding the game? i don't see anything Suikoden on the Vita store nor Suikoden 2 on the online store.

Im USA eastern btw.

They took the game out of the store for a bit, since there was a pricing error.

It should cost 9.99 when it comes back... later today, hopefully?

 

[th4tguy]

Where are you guya finding the game? i don't see anything Suikoden on the Vita store nor Suikoden 2 on the online store.

Im USA eastern btw.

I did a search for it early this morning on the webstore. It was posted and for 5.99. Downloaded it to my ps3 and just a few minutes ago I went to transfer the install file to my psp and can't.
I installed it to my ps3 after that and it only shows the game being compatible with the ps3, not vita or psp.

 

[Scythesurge]

Since a bunch of people are asking I figure I'd throw in my thoughts about these games. I definitely think it's worth playing 1 first, as 2 is a direct sequel with story references, returning characters, and save data import. 2 can be enjoyed on its own, I think, though playing the first undoubtedly added to the enjoyment of 2 for me. There are some things about 1 which I prefer, namely the control speed of the player character and the army battles. Other than that, I think 2 is a major improvement, especially in terms of audio and visuals and challenge/balancing. The characters are a bit more endearing in two as well.

Last year I went through a bit of a Suikoden marathon where I replayed 1&2 to get all 108 stars in each (I also played 3 for the first time). Afterwards I considered speed running the games and decided that 1 would be more enjoyable and interesting to run for me. 2 has some neat tricks/glitches too, but is a little slower and longer overall so that's why I'd go with 1 for fast playthroughs. I generally enjoy faster RPGs and Suikoden 1&2 are definitely among my favorite PS1 RPGs. 3 is quite a different beast though..still enjoyable but different.

 

[PlayingKarrde]

The scene on the extra sidequest for II is a bit different, and that's it.

That said, if you are the kind of person who likes exploring on RPGs, it's not that hard to get all the stars on the first game without a guide. Maybe search if you are having trouble with a specific recruit.

If the character has a portrait, it's probable a recruitable character.

There's a few very easily missable characters, and you need 107 stars in order to get the last one before the last dungeon so a guide could be helpful if you're not interested in spending tons of time figuring it out.

I forget who the missable characters are now though unfortunately.

 

[Robert at Zeboyd Games]

Can anyone explain why the game is so good? I read the first few pages of the thread and the announcement one, no one has yet to delve into specifics on what makes it "the best rpg ever". I know there are loads and loads of characters, and they're not entirely flat, but that's about all I know.

Is the combat amazing? Great story? Plot twists? What does this game have that really sets it apart? Does the game actually still hold up today or does nostalgia carry it?

Sell me Gaf!

Great pacing, fun combat (fast, turn-based, and full of fun multiple character combination moves), good 2D art, some decent music, plenty of secrets, but mostly the story & characters are fantastic. Also, it has one of the best villains of all-time.

As far as Best JRPGs of All-Time go, Suikoden 2 easily belongs in the Top 10. It's a definite contender for Best PS1 JRPG period (competing against stuff like Grandia, FF9, and Xenogears).

 

[kimtish]

1 and 2? I already bought 1. Won't let me download it to my Viter

whatever. patience!

 

[JJD]

Guys I don't want to play Suikoden I again, and I don't have my old save.

Can I download a save file from the internet to play II?

If it's possible were can I find one?

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

I'm in. I hear it's better than 1, and I kind of enjoyed what I played of that. I also fucking hated Suikoden III with every ounce of my being, but based on everything I've read that game deviates quite a bit from the earlier two so I shouldn't use that as any real barometer.

3 has its moments, and the opening movie is pretty cool, but yea I'm not a real big fan of it myself. I don't necessarily hate it, but it's a game I've only managed to complete once the first time I played it. I've never managed to get too far on a repeat playthrough, I just get too bored with it.

 

[finalhour]

Ok I've bought 1 & 2! I was only going to pick up the second game but after lucking out on the pricing error I decided to support Konami and pick up the first one as well.

Can anyone tell me how important it is to find all 108 characters, especially in regards to transferring over saves from the first game to the second? Is it worth it to find them all or should I just play the games naturally and find what I find? I don't really want to walk through the game with a guide but if it drastically affects the endings or content of the games I may do so.

 

[Sibersk Esto]

They'll put it up later, after they fix the price.

ah ok

 

[PlayingKarrde]

Ok I've bought 1 & 2! I was only going to pick up the second game but after lucking out on the pricing error I decided to support Konami and pick up the first one as well.

Can anyone tell me how important it is to find all 108 characters, especially in regards to transferring over saves from the first game to the second? Is it worth it to find them all or should I just play the games naturally and find what I find? I don't really want to walk through the game with a guide but if it drastically affects the endings or content of the games I may do so.

I don't think finding 108 stars matters in terms of save transfer, but it definitely matters in order to get the proper ending.

Also finding the 108 stars is a huge part of what makes Suikoden games so fun. You should definitely make sure you get them all.

 

[Murdamonk]

I paid $80 for my copy a few years ago and that's still the best deal I've gotten on a video game.

I hacked my Vita (and PSP) just to play this game on a portable (I just upgraded my Vita since the PSN release came out)

Suikoden II isn't just my favorite RPG, it's one of my favorite games ever.

Are you my long lost brother?

I kept my PSV on a earlier firmware just for this game.... I upgraded it as soon as i heard the announcement Saturday at PSX.