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Suikoden IV: Review; Score: 7/10
Topic Started: Feb 14 2008, 10:48 PM (543 Views)
Fayt
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Easy wins have never been my style
Suikoden IV Review
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation 2
US Release date: 11 January 2005

Description: This fourth instalment of the Suikoden series is a continuation of the new free movement style utilised in Suikoden III before it. Despite being the fourth Suikoden release, this actually takes place well before all the previous Suikoden’s timeline wise; in fact about 140 years before any of the other Suikoden releases.

Suikoden IV heavily takes place on the seas, which is also rather new to the series; where the gameplay and story mainly revolved around the land of the Suikoden World. The story here takes place on the Island Nations, which is referenced several times in Suikoden V as well.

The story revolves around young to be Razril knights finalising their training. And before long are encountered by a Pirate named Brandeau whom is using the power of one of the 27 True Runes “The Rune of Punishment”. As the name suggests, it’s destructive nature causes the young knights many problems. From here the newly names knights find themselves in a few problems of there own, blamed for crimes they did not commit; and are evicted from their own home. From here they quest to find a way back into the Razril knights while learning more about the powerful Rune of Punishment.

Story Review:. The story in the game is done quiet brilliantly, character interaction and events that happen in and around the Razril knights really get you interested into the game. The game has a few surprises and will keep you interested all the way through; unfortunately it seems a little empty towards the end. The story it offers is amazing, although feels a good 5 hours or so short of being an epic. 8/10

Stars of Destiny:. In this instalment it seems a lot of the 108 Stars of Destiny are simply “fillers” and have next to no back-story, although those familiar with prior Suikoden’s & Fire Emblems would be somewhat used to it. And being the first in the series timeline wise only two have being seen in other Suikoden instalments; although many referenced in others such as Suikoden V. 7/10

Graphics:. The game uses a rather free roaming 3D environment, where you can turn with the camera; as opposed to older style RPG’s with overhead views. The detail in the game isn’t amazing, but as always with Suikoden’s it’s adequate and detailed enough to be enjoyed. 7.5/10

Battle System(s):. As Suikoden fans are becoming used to is the 3 forms of battle systems, ‘traditional’ turn based, duals & group wars, they are broken up just below.

Regular Battles:. These feature 4 characters in a straight line, which commonly with Suikoden you make all your battle elections prior the round, and allow for speed and their abilities to handle the rest. A lack of quality formation options is disappointing as they are available in other Suikoden instalments.

Duals:. Duals are awesome, but I always find there are never enough. A quick one on one battle in a Paper-Scissors-Rock fashion where you much make a move based on what you think the enemy will do from their expressions or what they say. These are always a quick, challenging and enjoyable one on one battle.

Group Wars:. In Suikoden IV the group battles are very tactical, where your choice of Rune cannons and when to use them is paramount to success. With a careful setup you can either act rather offensively or defensively as certain Rune Cannon types are superior to others. The downside and one thing to avoid is your opponent nearing your boat and engaging in group combat, in these battles you don’t have the luxury of a number of your abilities, and rely only on level and weapon level. Making them nearly impossible to win without massive preparation; in other words it’s best to avoid close combat!

Overall, another great combination of 3 battle styles which is becoming a very unique and fantastic trait of the series. 8.5/10

Difficulty:. Early on you may find navigating tough, as the help in where to go isn’t 100% clear, although it never is in Suikoden. Some things are left to find yourself based on clues you receive along the way. Battles however can be rather easy with some simple preparation of Runes and Blacksmith visits. 8/10

Replay Value:. While the game is short, it’s great while it lasts and therefore makes it easy to replay; and try discover other hidden treasures and islands such as “Donut Island” & of course the other 108 Stars of Destiny is more then enough to give it another go once completed. 7/10

Final Thoughts:. Overall, another great instalment of the Suikoden series although unfortunately like most Suikoden’s a little short, for some this is a great thing; others like myself feel it’s just missing something to prevent it from being amount the best RPG’s of all time category. Still while it lasts it’s a very enjoyable and challenging RPG with a great story included, which gets even better with the more Suikoden’s you play.

Rating: 7/10
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