Games - Suikoden

	Games - Suikoden

Suikoden (Japanese: Genso Suikoden, 幻想水滸伝), is a Japanese RPG series created by Konami.

Introduction

About Suikoden

The Suikoden games are based loosely on a classical Chinese novel, Shui Hu Zhuan (Outlaws of the Marsh), by Shi Nai'an. They take the idea of the "108 Stars of Destiny" from this novel, and the first game's story and characters are also very loosely based on the novel. The storylines of the first three games are based around revolution, politics, intrigue, and the capacity of an extraordinary, good-hearted hero to overcome any struggle with the right amount of allies and willpower.

The games are unique within the RPG genre, as they allow dozens of playable characters — most of the 108 Stars of Destiny in each game can be in the playable party. It does use features standard to most RPGs, such as random overworld & dungeon battles, saving the game at inns, a turn-based combat system in which you input the commands via command menu, but also introduces several unusual features such as turn-based strategic pitched battles as well as one-on-one battles, a headquarters that grows as the story progresses (and only develops fully if obscure characters are recruited) and several mini-games and side quests. Another unique aspect of Suikoden is that the entire series takes place within the same world and the histories are connected; so much so that some characters appear in more than one installation. Also, saved game data can be transferred from Suikoden 1 to Suikoden 2 and Suikoden 2 to Suikoden 3 (Suikogaiden Vol.1 can also receive data from Suikoden 2, and is transferrable to Suikogaiden Vol.2, but only in Japan).

Suikoden Development

The Suikoden series was created, written, produced, and overseen by Yoshitaka Murayama, who left Konami near the end of Suikoden III's development. Noritada Matsukawa took over as Senior Director of Suikoden III following Murayama's departure. Suikoden IV was directed by Matsukawa as well but was produced by Junko Kawano, who was the chief designer in Suikoden 1.

Suikoden Games

Current Installations

Genso Suikoden (PlayStation
: December 15, 1995, Japan; 1996, North America; April, 1997, Europe)
Genso Suikoden (Sega Saturn
: September 17, 1998, Japan)
Genso Suikoden II (PlayStation
: December 17, 1998, Japan; August 31, 1999, North America; July 28, 2000. Europe)
Genso Suikogaiden Vol. 1 - Swordsman of Harmonia (PlayStation
: September 21, 2000, Japan)
Genso Suikogaiden Vol. 2 - Duel At Crystal Valley (PlayStation
: March 22, 2001, Japan)
Genso Suikoden Card Stories (Game Boy Advance
: September 13, 2001, Japan)
Genso Suikoden III (PlayStation 2
: July 11, 2002, Japan; October 24, 2002, North America)
Genso Suikoden IV (PlayStation 2
: August 19, 2004, Japan; January 11, 2005, North America; February 25, 2005, Europe)
Rhapsodia (Playstation 2: September 22, 2005, Japan)
Suikoden Tactics (Playstation 2: November 8, 2005, North America; February 23, 2006, Europe)
Genso Suikoden I&II (PSP
: February 23, 2006, Japan)
Genso Suikoden V (Playstation 2: February 23, 2006, Japan; March 21, 2006, North America; Fall 2006, Europe)

Note: Suikoden Tactics is the English title for the Japanese Rhapsodia.

Coming Installations

Genso Suikoden V (Playstation 2: Fall 2006, Europe)

The World of Suikoden

Suikoden's world is distinctive amongst RPGs, both in a geographical and supernatural sense.

=== The 27 True Runes === Being the backbone of the Suikoden World that allows the existence of the universe, True Runes are the gods of the Suikoden world. Wholly sentient with its own will, each True Rune holds immeasurable power and has been the cause of many wars in the past. True Runes are often sought by those in power due to its power of granting agelessness to its bearer. All bearers of True Runes stop aging and become immune to disease and all other natural causes of death, although they could still die from physical causes, such as accidents or murder. All True Runes are equal in overall power, but some have abilities that are more suited to combat than others.

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