Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation 2
US Release date: 21 March 2006

Description: This fifth instalment (or sixth if you want to count Tactics…) of Suikoden is a refreshing revival of the series, after poor reviews ever since Suikoden II this is clearly one to look out for. As usual, another new batch of 108 stars of Destiny features in the story of the mysterious ‘True Runes’. With the return of some former Suikoden II favourites such as Georg Prime & Lorelai are tempting enough for the former Suikoden fan. And of course the return of regulars such as Jeane, Viki & Leknaat will have all Suikoden fans knowing you’re in for something special.

In Suikoden V you play as the prince of the Queendom of Falena, learning about the tale of one of the most powerful True Runes in existence, the “Sun Rune”. With your very own sister on the verge of an organised marriage things sound rather simple? If you know Suikoden you’ll know that’s not the case, many twists & turns stand in the way of this fantastic story. Another thing noticeable feature of the game is the story length is massively increased, but with actual story and challenging fights & dungeons, not silly mini-games which extended the life of other RPG’s like witnessed in Suikoden IV.

Story Review: First and foremost the story is much longer then previously seen in Suikoden. But it’s not without quality, how can a series make such a longer story after its prior instalments and with its loose connection to “Water Gate” is a little surprising, but very welcoming. In all honestly, it’s one of the slowest stories to get started, but this will eventually provide a fantastic platform for the twists and turmoils you will later face in the game. If story is something you really crave in an RPG then you will not be disappointed with Suikoden V. One of the best stories in an RPG I have experienced, I find there is near nothing to criticise about it. 9.5/10

Stars of Destiny: Or otherwise known as you’re the bulk of your playable & associated characters. As with all Suikoden titles not everyone gets a great deal of back story. You have your main group and then essentially your ‘fillers’. Although I will admit the amount of fillers is far less then that of Suikoden IV and other Suikoden titles, every character has there own little story; just that’s it – at times there is little to know about some characters. While the main crop of characters are done quiet well, the return of Georg in particular is no doubt a redeeming feature of the game, just as his sword abilities are. Then with other interesting returnees like Killey and fresh faces such as Kyle you won’t be disappointed, at least with the main ones of course. 8/10

Graphics: Suikoden V has reverted to a more traditional style look, gone are the 3D movement and camera angles as witnessed in Suikoden III & IV. It’s back to the overhead fixed view where you can find things that are nearly impossible to see. The FMV’s are gorgeous, one in particular at Sol Falena castle a short way into the game featuring a number of the Knights is just mouth-watering, almost jaw dropping quality, probably boosted by the awesome story is presents as well. Normal views & battles are still very passable. Add that with an improved looking dual system and a nice simple battle system layout it’s hard to be disappointed; unless you expect graphics along the lines of new Final Fantasy instalments I guess. Overall it’s a great looking game, with an older style RPG touch to it. 8/10

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

Regular Battles: Standard battles take form of having up to 6 characters in a battle formation at once, which can be altered in many forms to suit your characters short, long or all range attacks. This adds a wonderful strategic element to the battles, not to mention the new ‘entourage’ feature. Entourage allows up to 4 characters to be ‘reserves’, these of which can be interchanged in battle; or provide you miscellaneous support abilities in battle like previously witnessed in the series; like been able to restore some HP at the battle end. The character swap feature in battle however is the most notable new addition, a system that those familiar with FFX will quickly understand; should one member struggle in a certain battle or be drained of quality Rune options you simply exchange them with another in waiting. Overall there is a greater flexibility on offer to better suit your preferences in battle.

Duals: The duals have come along way from Suikoden IV, the same anticipation of the others words/actions still take place, however now you have just 3 seconds to make each command adding to the realism and drama of the battle. Similar standard attacks also now result in ‘deadlocks’ where quick button pressing is the only way out. Certainly a far more realistic feel and enjoyable experience then witnessed previous versions of Duals earlier in the series. I found myself getting really involved into these battles and thoroughly enjoying them; makes you really feel like your part of it and provides an excellent action feel. The only thing that annoys me is I don’t feel there are enough duals in the game to indulge in.

Group Wars: For better or worse, this time around it basically takes form in a mini RTS style war, which takes place on either foot or water; sometimes both. With abilities such as heal, charge & barrage it creates a stronger action atmosphere and requirement to carefully move your units around the small battle field. As opposed to the more traditional style tactical movement in the past is now a greater action element, but I actually miss the slower more tactical style of wars.

The 3 forms of battle overall do not disappoint in Suikoden V, the duals in particular have being revamped into something far more involved then previously seen, I feel they are no doubt the stand out for improvement & enjoyment in the 3 battle types. 8.5/10

Difficulty: Its not as easy as some older Suikoden instalments, such as Suikoden IV. While regular visits to a blacksmith & equipping quality Runes certainly make life easier you’ll still have to keep your eyes peeled and think about your battles a little more then just that. The dungeons have clearly been made larger overall as opposed to prior titles. As the game goes on dungeons become quite tough to explore as well as the enemies inside them, balancing Rune usage, quality characters, formations are a number of things you will need to grip for success.

I’ve found while Dual’s are full of action they tend to feel more difficult then they are, just remain calm and watch closely and you’ll pull through. In fact in necessary turn the volume down during them can help as it’s designed to pressure you into them, although doing so will tamper with the excitement and difficult of them.

The group battles can be extremely tough and unforgiving in the game, there is also actually a small chance some of your characters will die permanently in battle, that’s only really witnessed in Fire Emblem games. It’s something you have to keep an eye on and try avoid fighting to the death to prevent it. If a character dies you may wish to restart the battle like with Fire Emblem titles; it can be rather frustrating – just try your level best to avoid having characters fill until death. Also later in the game these battles can be extremely tough, particularly if you don’t have a strong compliment of Stars of Destiny to choose from.

Overall, the difficulty is challenging and fits the game well; with the exception of possible deaths in group wars which can rather frustrating it’s tough and unlikely to be tagged too easy. 8.5/10

Replay Value: Outside of the absolutely outstanding story there is not a lot else you can do, bar a tough side quest late in the game via the “Big Hole”. Sometimes we are spoilt with an abundance of post game challenges, there is one but that’s it. Although it’s highly unlikely you will succeed in recruiting all 108 Stars of Destiny in one playthrough, let alone fully understanding the story and collecting all the rare items hidden away in the package. While you don’t get Final Fantasy like post game tests there is still much to benefit from replaying the game, Ranging from going through the amazing story again and picking up items/characters you missed on your first play through. 7.5/10

Final Thoughts: This game is overall of a very high standard, particularly if your after a more ‘old school ‘style RPG with today’s mechanics. With a rather sceptical story which turns into a brilliant 3 way empire struggle keeps you interested the whole way though. Add that with the tough and diverse battle styles, characters like the ‘ladies’ man Kyle for a good laugh & the infamous Georg makes it overall extremely enjoyable to play; and a must for Suikoden fans. Even those unfamiliar with Suikoden should find this a decent first taste of what the great Suikoden universe has to offer. Well worthy of at least a rental for RPG fans; just try to endure the first few hours for the story to open up which should then allow you to truly appreciate what it has to offer.

Rating: 8/10

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Yep, another long review of mine; this is one of the other RPG's I've truly enjoyed outside of my Koei games addiction. Comments are most welcome. :)

Loved it. It was such an awesome return for Suikoden after Suikoden IV (although I didn't mind IV).

Yeah, Suikoden IV wasn't that bad for an RPG, it was just bad for a Suikoden. :lol:

I still liked SIV, just no-where near as much as some of the others in the series.

Suikoden 5 has Miakis. Everyone should experiance Miakis. <3

I've just got my hands on number 1, and would say that it is a good game. 2 is still by far the best, in terms of story, 5 is great and returns it back to its roots, and 4 had tactics because it provided the story it lacked. Don't ask me about 3, Konami didn't see fit it releasing it away form the US.