Suikoden V

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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]

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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]

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]

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.

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]

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

The game is sure to be a classic with many Suikoden fans, especially those like myself who felt disappointment with how III and IV turned out.

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.

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.