Suikoden V

Those new to the Suikoden series and RPGs in general, you could choose no better series or game to start playing, this one has it all.

If you can handle slight annoyances every now and then and can stomach a prologue sequence that makes the beginning of "Kingdom Hearts 2" seem brisk and concise, Suikoden V is most certainly one of the best RPGs on the PlayStation 2, bar none.

The people that made the game really want you to feel like you're chosen by destiny, fated to be a hero; and they've put a lot of effort into it. Being completely solid doesn't hurt, of course.

Suikoden V is damn good. The story is one of the very best in all of gaming, even surpassing some of the previous Suikoden titles in its intricacy and brilliance with its complex, realistic characters and motives, and a plot that draws you in like a good book.

Suikoden has always been one of the underrated console RPG, and it really shines here with an engaging plot, solid combat system and stylish visuals.

With multiple endings, different paths to choose, hundreds of characters and lots of environments to explore, Suikoden V, can take its place at the top shelf among classic PS2 RPGs.

In the end does the Suikoden series proud, as it had seemed to be drowning, this puppy has been brought back to shore, and resuscitated.

Overall the game is very good, the story is intriguing with enough twists and political intrigue to keep most anyone glued to their TV while playing this game.

The storyline and level of characterization definitely saves the whole package, while the search for 108 Stars of Destiny, assorted mini-games, and return to old-school combat isn't without its fun.

Another installment that will make fans of the series jump for joy. So is the game worth its $39.99 price tag? Heck yeah, it is! If you’re looking for an RPG with a large cast of interesting characters and a fun and exciting story, then look no further.

In the final analysis, Suikoden V brings the series back to basics in terms of what made past titles appealing, after a radical departure in Suikoden IV.

Suikoden fans will enjoy the resurrection of the core parts of the series, and shouldn’t hesitate to pick this game up.

Suikoden V marks a complete return to the roots that made Suikoden such a great series during its tenure on the PSOne. Both Suikoden and RPGfans will find themselves absolutely enthralled with the story, despite the number of issues presented in the game. If your looking for a traditional RPG experience with just the right amount of tools: look no further than Suikoden V.

Suikoden V revives the series' spirit with a great cast, narrative, and gameplay, minus a few snags here and there.

While it certainly isn’t the best RPG to be released this year, it is the best Suikoden game in a long time.

The first eight hours are pure boredom but when the storyline picks up, things start happening. The plot and the characters are both excellent and the fighting-system works well. Without the slow start, this might have been the best in the series. [Dec 2006, p.82]

A welcome return to form for the series. Even the plot revolves around minor characters from "Suikoden II," and the loading screens show the game's characters as they would have been rendered in a 32-bit sprite style, as if Konami is apologizing for the turns taken after that era.

Suikoden V is easily twice as long as the next-longest title in the series, a length it achieves not with filler dungeons and needlessly frequent battles, but by sheer weight of story. [Apr 2006, p.57]

In a refreshing change of pace, the story in Suikoden V is what kept us playing; typically it's the best reason to quit an RPG.

The battle system has some merit to it, as does the story, which has sagged a bit in the last couple of chapters.

Suikoden is mainly all about the obsessive-compulsive scrabbling for all 108 "Stars of Destiny" - which means yes, there are literally 108 characters to meet and recruit to your cause.

Suikoden V by and large shines if you can get through the sticky parts in the beginning.

Once you break through that long, sleepy quagmire of a start, the game really opens up and delivers an engaging storyline, incredibly memorable characters and a trio of solid combat systems that will keep you on your toes. [Jun 2006, p.83]

It’s definitely better than most of the role-playing games out right now, but due to the Suikoden V’s quirky nature, I’d recommend trying one of the previous installments before picking this one up.

Suikoden V isn’t a bad game, but it is disappointing. With all of the promise shown with the graphics and damn-near perfect battles, I’m bewildered thinking about the blunders.

The slow start and heaver tilt toward exploration may turn off some who need a steady dose of action, but for the rest of us find Suikoden V worth the time.

There are plenty of RPG's that manage to be consistently solid without dragging the player kicking and screaming through the first 25 percent of the story. [May 2006, p.101]

Far from a perfect game, and far from being one that pushes the genre in the right direction. Suikoden V does however showcase some fascinating features and is worth checking out if you can tolerate some of the game’s shortcomings.

A very average to mediocre game that’s held together by a good story and cast. [JPN Import]

While there are giant leaps towards putting things right this is a game that seems to be grasping for what once was rather than setting its paths straight into a bright and engaging future.

At first glance, Suikoden V looks like just another turn-based RPG in which good and evil face off and destiny conquers all. But in a subtle, subversive way, it shows that we can't take our own goodness for granted. Learning that there is no absolute good in war is an important, and powerful, lesson.

A move in the right direction in terms of gameplay elements, but the series needs to completely revamp the visual and technical engines backing it next time around. This is far from the best RPG you can find on the PS2, but easily the best Suikoden in a long while.

It feels like nothing has changed since Suikoden 3; actually, Suikoden 3 probably looks better than 5. Grandia 2 looks better than this. If I had to be a stickler, Chrono Cross for the Playstation was more visually impressive.

The series needs a major shot in the arm, as it's starting to show its age more than ever. [May 2006, p.103]

Suikoden V doesn't remind us of the past, it reminds us how much games have grown since, which is something this franchise seems intent on not doing. [Issue 145, p.90]

It does little to update the series' aging formula, but Suikoden V is still an enjoyable experience with a compelling story. [May 2006, p.81]

Instead of picking where to go from a menu on the screen like you were searching for Carmen Sandiego, you actually get to roam around the various cities and other places on the map.

A great Suikoden game, then, but only a fair role-playing game by today's standards. [Sept 2006, p.128]

Although by no means a perfect RPG, Suikoden V is an enjoyable game, but more so for connoisseurs of the series or RPG fans. Those new to the genre might wish to go for something which is more accessible and moves at a faster pace.

Long loading screens and some bad design decisions make this game a tougher sale than it should be, but a great story and excellent voice acting make for an easy rental.

Its intelligent plot and great looks could have made Suikoden V spellbinding - if only it wasn't so tedious. [Nov 2006, p.106]