Suikoden 2:
The Bonds of Friendship
Review by Chi Phan
There are so few direct sequels out there that Suikoden 2 by
it's nature is already deem a hit. LIke in a movie, the sequel picks up right
where the first one left off. Only this time it's 3 years after the first one.
War will once again break out but this time in a neighboring country next to the
Toran Republic called the Jowstan League of City States. The Highland States has
apparantly broken a peace treaty with the City States. Here is where the story
begins with a hero and his friend framed as traitors, by their own Highland country,
fleeing to the City States. This time around the hero is met by members of the
States mercenaries name Flik and Viktor. The hero is convince by these 2 mercenaries
to join the cause of the States against the Highland war. In doing so, the quest
for the 108 Star of Destiny begins.
STORY
The story in this game like with any sequels isn't as good as the first one. Not
to say it's bad but not as good. The problem with the storyline is that it doesn't
give you a clear reason for the search of the 108 stars. In the first game your
hero was told to go out and search the 108 stars for his rebel cause. In this
one you really don't get a clue as to why there's a need for 108 stars. Gamers
out there simply know that you have to search for the stars but for story purposes
it doesn't give you a clear definition for the role of the 108 stars in this game.
Another problem is the way the returning characters meet up with one another.
Sometimes you get very little dialogue interaction while other times there's absolutely
none. You would think there would be more dialogue other than "Flik! Viktor! You're
alive!". Hell, these characters went to war together so as a gamer you have to
expect some more emotion when old companions meet up with one another. Still,
these are minor errors that can be over looked. The story itself is very good
that provides plot twist and betrayals. You know it's going to be a good story
when you get a returning villian as a surprise.
Score 8/10
CHARACTERS
When you think about 108 characters in the game, you don't really think there'd
be much character developement. But you're wrong. True that most of the 108 members
don't have strong background but the ones that are more to the fore front of the
story are develope very nicely. Of course it helps when you are a returning character
in the game. The strongest points in this game are in fact the characters. It's
not so much as the new characters that draws you in as the fact it's so great
to see so many returning ones from the first game. Brings you memorys of when
you first met these guys in the first game that puts a warmness in your heart.
Also reminds you as to why you fell in love with this series in the first place.
Flik, Viktor, and how about McDohl. Kinda puts a softness in you heart doesn't
it. Too bad there's not much interaction between returning characters meeting
each other again.
Score 10/10
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay is basically the same as the first one. It's a traditional battle
system with 6 members each taking turn. The united attack is back as well as the
rune magic. Nothing really changes much here. Although there are improvements
in the fact that you can now equip up to 3 runes and the strategy part of the
game is put in the square by square movement like in FF Tactics. If it ain't broke
why fix it. Nothing cutting edge here.
Score: 7/10
GRAPHICS
"If it's not broken why fix it?", is the best phrase for the graphics here. Who
said that all rpgs have to have cutting edge graphics. Suikoden 2 uses sprites
in a 2-D world. Basically the graphics are the same as the first one except that
the sequel now have FMV added into the game once in awhile.
Score: 7/10
MUSIC
At a glance this game reuses some of the midis or sound from the first one. But
later on you're notice that there are quite a few new tunes as well. Now we all
know how great the music in the first one was. Now just add a few new tunes with
the older ones and you get an even better selection of rpg sound. A definite plus
in my book.
Score: 9/10
REPLAY
Unlike the first one, the sequel definitely has alot of replay value. Can you
say mini games, side quests, multiple endings, or even McDohl. Some side quests
alone can only be done by playing the game again. If you are a true rpger, you
definitely would want to play this game a second time.
Score: 9/10
Overrall, Suikoden 2 is truely one of the great rpgs out there that can call itself
a true sequel whereas other rpgs just borrow the name of it's predecessor. A game
I highly recommend but only if you've played the first Suikoden. Afterall, can
one really enjoy this game without playing the first one? That's like watching
Empire Strikes Back without watching A New Hope.
Final Score: 8/10
