Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best RPG of the year., November 12, 2002
This review is from: Suikoden 3 (Video Game)
The Suikoden RPG series has always been about people who get caught up in events far beyond their control, and how they rise up to that challenge. Hallmarks of the Suikoden games are the necessity of gathering 108 allies (based on an old Chinese legend) and building a castle headquarters where your main base (and source of mini-games) will be. Suikoden 3 is different from past games since it gives you the option of choosing from one of 3 initial heroes to play as. These include a female knight, a tribal youth and a mercenary, each of whom represents a different side of a dangerous, escalating war. To actually finish the game, you WILL have to play all the 3 chapters of each character; this is no problem however since each character's story is compelling and always intriguing. The great thing about this system, or Trinity Sight, is that you see the story from various viewpoints, so the depth and secrets that are revealed are really rewarding as you play through the game. And that is what Suikoden 3 is all about. Do not look for flashy CG and cinematics, since there are none (except for a magnificent anime movie 'trailer' of the game at the start screen), but that really shouldn't matter. It's the game's story and the characters you will grow attached to that will captivate you. Graphics are mixed; the art style is wonderful Japanese anime fantasy style, though the 3D in-game models are slightly cartoony in proportion but not too cutesy- the best part is that they express emotion better than any other game out there; this makes for entertaining cut scenes. The environments are detailed and wonderful. As for gameplay, this is still a turn-based combat system, with the requisite 'army' and one-on-one duels present. Overall though, the gameplay is easy, control is excellent and loading times are only a few seconds in length. No detraction from the fun. Finally, as for replay, there are hidden characters to play as, multiple endings, 108 allies to recruit, a castle with tons of fun stuff to do and the option to load save games from past Suikodens to unlock more secrets. In terms of story, replay, depth and compelling characters, Suikoden 3 is unquestionably the best RPG out there now. Fans of Suikoden MUST get this game, but I heartily recommend it to everyone who loves RPGs or at least a deep, involving story. What are you waiting for? Get this game NOW!
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Suikoden 3 proves it can play with the big boys., November 19, 2002
This review is from: Suikoden 3 (Video Game)
This third installment in the Suikoden series proves to be as good as its predecessors if not better. This game signals the series first time in 3D and first game on the PS2. GRAPHICS This game is completely in 3D and it couldn't look better. It's the second best looking RPG on the PS2(Final Fantasy X is the only game that looks better), and the characters and locations look great. Though some may shun the switch from 2D to 3D the change was really necessary and improves the experience. Afterall there were those who didn't like Final Fantasy going into 3D and Final Fantasy 7 is one of the series best. GAMEPLAY One of the keys to sustaining an enjoyable RPG is a battle system that doesn't get tired after hours of play, and Suikoden 3 succeeds. Once again you have six characters in your party, but this time you have to control them in pairs adding a new level of strategy and helping the battles go faster. STORY By far this games strongest quality is it's story. This is probably the best story for an RPG on the PS2 so far. It's compelling and thanks to the Trinity Sight System(A system that allows you to switch between 3 characters at the end of every chapter) the game has alot of varitie. There is also a big plot twist for those who played the first two games, though you don't have to be familiar with the first 2 installments to enjoy this game. OVERALL A must own for anyone who likes RPG's or even just enjoys the occasional Final Fantasy. This game is long, I clocked in about 70-75 hours playing it and it never once gets boring. There's also plenty of side-quests to enjoy and extra stuff to do. So go buy this game!
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
...?, October 22, 2002
This review is from: Suikoden 3 (Video Game)
I own the japanese version of this game, and it is quite impressive. Fans may or may not be disappointed by the 3D graphics from the 2D sprites. I will admit, though I love this game and the series to death, the graphics themselves don't compare to some of the earlier RPGS (Final Fantasy X comes to mind). However, facial expressions are done extremely well and accurately. The music is very nicely and correctly put together and it's not overly annoying (though I will say you might get irritated with the battle music after hearing 100+ times in the first 2 hours or so). The anime intro really gives the game a unique feel that can separate it from most other RPGs on the console. The most compelling of the game, however, is the story and the character development. Both of these dig much deeper than any of the previous Suikodens. Everything isn't as it seems and you'll be very surprised where this game leads you. After all, in war, who is really right? This game is for the people looking for intelligent, fun rpg that keeps you guessing and intrigued by the storyline. You'll get very attached to the characters. However, graphics wise or to a casual gamer, this may not be a good choice to choose. Square is much better for just picking up a game and trying it. One thing I cannot speak for is how people will like the Trinity System (I thought it was an interesting way to approach the story and very powerful). Also, I cannot say how well the translation is on the english version, since I only played the japanese version. From what I've seen, aside from some irritating name alternations from the translations of japanese to english, everything seems to have been quite nicely.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A JRPG Must-have!
Pros: Good story, memorable characters, decent music, good battle system, multiple protagonists, very satisfying
Cons: Graphics aren't spectacular, slow start,...
Published 13 months ago by W. Volckmann
3.0 out of 5 stars
A big step down from Suikoden 2
Although Suikoden 3 is still a fairly good RPG, it pales in comparison to Suikoden 2. In place of updated graphics also comes increased time for screen loads.
Published 19 months ago by Donald
4.0 out of 5 stars
A solid game in the series
Suikoden 3 was the first in the series to debut on the ps2. This game came with high expectations after the stellar second game in the series.
Published 20 months ago by Michael Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Impressive PS2 Debut!
For all of those Suikoden fans out there that are wondering how the series would fare in it's first installation for PS2... rest assured!
Published on May 20, 2008 by Joshua W. Cruz
4.0 out of 5 stars
Different Viewpoints, Same Story, Beautiful
The greatest aspect of this game had to have been its usage of the system which allowed the user to see the same scene from different points of view.
Published on April 7, 2008 by Timothy Lovett
3.0 out of 5 stars
Just doesn't work as a Game
Although the story to this game is awesome, I had to push through the annoying aspect of no real main charater for the first half of the game. A very tedious combat system.
Published on February 4, 2008 by Jesse
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
I've seen a lot of reviews here about all of the grievances people have with Suikoden III, comparing it to other games and saying that the story is not up to par.
Published on February 3, 2008 by Shin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quest with the 108 stars of Destiny!
Reviewed for Big Boss Games by: Eschneider6
This is the third part in a long running series from Konami, there's Suikoden and Suikoden II both worth checking out...
Published on July 23, 2007 by Big Boss Games
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best rpg ever up there with final fantasy
this is a great game if you like the suikoden and it have all new game plays and there are charaters from part one and part two
Published on April 7, 2007 by Suikoden108
4.0 out of 5 stars
a small step in the wrong direction
I was an avid fan of the Suikoden series going into this game (namely one and two), so i was teeming with anticipation with the series debut on the PS2.
Published on October 6, 2006 by Ethan Stinehelfer
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