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Suikoden 3 proves it can play with the big boys.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 21 / 22
Date: November 20, 2002
Author: Amazon User

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!

...?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 20
Date: October 23, 2002
Author: Amazon User

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.

The Best RPG of the year.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 21
Date: November 13, 2002
Author: Amazon User

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!

A great game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 18 / 21
Date: November 19, 2002
Author: Amazon User

There are several instances in the RPG world where sequels are often disappointing and lack the charm in the original. However, Suikoden 3 is one exception. With a solid storyline and great characters, Suikoden 3 aims to please gamers just as much, if not more, as its predecessors.

While its graphics are not up to par with Final Fantasy X and various other games, Suikoden 3 makes up for this with the Trinity Sight System, an innovative idea that puts the gamer in the different characters' shoes. The characters are done very well, particularly the main characters, and within a few hours, gamers can find themselves growing increasingly attached to the characters. Some scenes are touching, others are filled with powerful storyline twists that will shock both old fans and newcomers to the series.

The music is nice, and fits the overall mood of the game. The tension can be felt as a war is played out; the peaceful setting of a castle can be experienced through the smooth music rolling out. The plays that the man Nadir hosts are interesting and fun to play around with. With about 100 characters to use in the place of plays such as Romeo and Juliet, William Tell and The Boy Who Cried Wolf, gamers can be kept laughing in their seats. The way some characters act also adds a certain depth to them.

Battles require a certain degree of strategy. The levelling-up system ensures that a challenge is present throughout the various major battles in the game. The challenge factor of Suikoden 3 is definitely better than average, since the battle system mostly disallows gamers from building their characters up to ridiculous levels and pummelling the enemies into pulp. Wars have to be played out correctly, or it may result in one or more of the 108 Stars of Destiny's deaths, which is very undesirable. Duels require correct guessing of the opponent's intentions, so that they may counter. Mess up, and the gamer might find himself in a precarious situation.

And there is, of course, the 108 characters to obtain. While some of them are gotten automatically, others have to found, and this adds to even more fun and hours of gameplay in Suikoden 3.

A minus factor of the game, however, is the removing of the freedom to traverse the world map. This restricts gamers' movements to merely within towns and dungeons, which can get very mundane after a while. Also, the world map in Suikoden 3 is tiny compared to Suikoden 1 and 2. There aren't many places to go, and there are no side quests to perform, unless defeating 'treasure bosses' are counted in. Navigation is removed here as well, since just about every location in the game has a map, which allows for easy navigation, thus removing the challenge in trying to find your way in a complicated dungeon. Camera angles are fixed, and more often than not gamers may find themselves growing frustrated that they are always going back and forth between two screens because of the sudden switch in camera angles. Hold the analog or directional button in a fixed direction, and the gamer might very well find himself getting out of a room, only to find himself running back in because of the directional switch.

However, on the overall, Suikoden 3 is still a very enjoyable game, easily providing 40+ hours of gameplay with its storyline and characters. Buy this game. You won't be disappointed.

Best Role Playing Game on any console since Final Fantasy 6

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 11
Date: August 17, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Since I was 8 years old I've been a fan of console RPGs like Final Fantasy. Now I loved a number of the Playstation 1 & 2 RPGs, but after getting a recomendation to play the Suikoden series, and playing this game, well, there are only a few that stand up to this game now.

If you're looking for a game like Final Fantasy or Xenogears/Saga, then this is not that game. If you want the high end graphics and music that accompany these games, then you'll be dissapointed. But if you're looking for something that has the depth and character development of the Super Nintendo-age Final Fantasy's then this game will come as a breath of fresh air.

I never realized how bad the RPG genre had gotten on the console until I played this game, but that's not this game's fault. Simply by comparing this game to all the others available (FF7 through FFX-2, Xenogears/Saga, previous Suikodens, etc) I was at once blown away by the greatness that was this game, and depressed by the mediocrity of it's competitors. And don't worry I'll tell you why I think this way.

This game has something that in my opinion all others from this series should adopt; the Trinity Sight System. One story is told from 3 points of view.

A war is being fought between two countries, the Kingdom of Zexen, and the Glassland barbarian clans, but the war is being perpetuated by a third kingdom, the supposedly 'holy' Harmonia.

You can choose one major character to act as a figurehead for the furthering of the story. You can choose from the points of view of the Captian of the Zexon Knights, the captian of a Mercenary group employed by 'holy' Harmonia, and the son of a clan chief of the Grasslands.

The Zexon POV: Chris Lightfellow was just named captian of the Zexon knights, after a battle saw the demise of the previous captian and vice-captian. She is given a parade to celebrate her heroism. But she's not having any of it. She doesn't feel like a hero and doesn't want the burdon placed on her. She is already something of a living legend being one of the elite 6 mighty Zexon Knights, and her fame continues to grow with every task she fulfils. She is a person bound to doing what she believes is right, and what is best for her kingdom. Until she finds out that the council is being bought by Harmonians.

Grassland POV: Hugo is the teen-aged son of Chief Lucia of the Karaya clan. Hugo is a bright-eyed, serious, and strong-willed boy who is sent by his mother to deliver a message to the Zexon Council in regards to a peace treaty. He is accompanied by a member of the Duck clan, Sargeant Jordi, and a childhood friend Lulu. They find that the council doesn't intend to read the message, and only want to detain the son of the clan chief as a hostage. Hugo and his friends escape to find his village in the midst of being razed and his best friend, Lulu is slain by the newly appointed Zexon captian.

Mecenary POV: Geddo is a mysterious man who has friends in high places, and no one knows why. Geddo and his mercenary group play witness to the assassination of the Lizard clan chief, and the razing of the Karayan clan. But Geddo also has ties to one of the mighty 6 Zexon knights, and while he can't deny what he's seen, he also knows that the Zexon Knights are not the type to ruin peace treaty negotiations nor assassinate a clan chief.

As time goes on this game gets so in depth with its cast of characters, that going about the task of recruiting many of the 108 characters that is among the hallmarks of this series, is a matter of simply learning more about the Fire Bringer, the Flame Champion and why the attacks on the grasslands were blamed on the innocent Zexon Knights.

To aid in this effort a new, lesser POV is opened up to the player which deals with the newly appointed master of a run-down castle on the border of Zexon and Grassland. It is his job to bring its habitants out of poverty and to revitilize the castle to its past splendor. Thomas comes up with the idea of leasing castle land for free trade between all lands, as he goes about his task of recruiting many (if not most) of the 108 stars, he is faced with the tasks of finalizing the paperwork on his ownership, fixing many of the dilapidated facilities on the castle grounds, and decorating the castle itself to act as a museum of culture featuring rare artifacts, paintings and sculptures as well as stocking an extensive library.

I very much enjoyed his two chapters because Thomas was no warior. Starting out at level 20 with the knights and mercenaries kind of shields you from the leveling aspect so that you can focus on the more important aspect that is the story. But when you start at level 1 and find creatures that the others found to be little more than nuisences a real threat it puts an emphasis on the dangers of travel around the world that most RPG's tend to overlook.

If you can successfully recruit all 108 stars then when you beat the game a 5 major POV opens up to you. This final point of view is from that of the antagonist of the story. There is very little in the way of gameplay (the game's already been beaten anyways) but it directly addresses all the questions that were raised during the playing of the 3 chapters from the 3 major characters earlier in the game.

This was a reward that as far as I'm concerned is unparalelled in video games. It truly makes the somewhat overwhelming task of finding and recruiting 108 characters well worth your time, as all discrepencies in the story, and questions raised are answered in a concrete way that won't disapoint. It has none of the end of the world 500 years later aspects that you see in other so-called great console RPGs .

Among the nicest things about this story is that the children, and there are a number of them, aren't the sort that are out to show their parents are ignorant fools, but rather they take on quests such as finding out what happened to one boys (Melville's) father. The characters in this game are adults, and they act like adults. Though the members of the duck clan are a bit hard to take seriously, you'll find no remote controled stuffed dolls thrown in as little more than an afterthought to satisfy the younger players.

All in all, I went in with little in the way of expectations, and left with such a high opinion of the game that I can only hope that Suikoden 5 goes back to the Trinity Sight System, as it was truly the great innovation and feature of this game.

Great Game..

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 13
Date: January 05, 2003
Author: Amazon User

It was very werid playing the 3rd game of the Suikoden Series since they switched to 3D graphics but game play was everything. It was a big risk but it became a success.

The Suikoden 3 lived up to be very good and interesting,(but i haven't beaten the game yet) but all the esstials were included into the game just like the Other Suikoden games, Hate, Romance, Beteraly, War, and everything to keep the game alive.

The new trinity sight system game was a bit boring to play but great to see all the points of the story from 3 (2 bouns characters! are hidden untill a point to the game and the other is that you require all 108 stars)
characters. Although i have played through i think 20 hours of Suikoden 3 and now iam just getting to the point where i choose my Flame Champion.

The Battle System is new and more challenging, unlike the clasic turn based fighting style, with the new chanting addition and skills option to boost your characters to what ever u like them to be. Also the new "mounted" attacks, example: Hugo and Fubar in the same Attack group makes them mounted and their attack power is more deadly than before.

I give it a 4/5 personaly since the story is kind of the same, but with more unique twist and turns.I recommend to buy this game if your a Suikoden Fan.

Also you can load your Suikoden data which supposeidaly give u 2 extra plays and iam not sure if there is any more

Great, but I had it with RPG's

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 9
Date: September 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This game was very good, It was very interesting. If you like RPG's you should play this one. I liked the graphics. It was enjoyable, but I became desperate to know how the story ended and 82 hours for me are like forever, it took me like seven months real time. So that's why I had it with RPG's. But the game is very good. The story is extremely good and keeps you interested throughout the game. I like the fact you play the game from three diferent point of views, one per main character. I was anxious to know the truth about the Flame Champion. Anyone can like this game because of gameplay, story, graphics, cutscenes, but this game is perfect if you like long games, and have time to spare. The only thing I would have liked different is that the characters actually talked, instead of making sounds and their dialogues being written.

Finally, a game that uses your brain

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 9
Date: November 07, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I'd just like to start this out by thanking the makers for the first ever RPG that made me think. I'm hours into the game and actually still consistently thinking. All of my life I've been sick of those boring, dull, just push a few buttons, everything's already done for you video games that they cleverly nicknamed RPG's. This makes any other RPG a disgrace. Never before have I used a brain cell in a video game, and I'm willing to guess 4 year olds have beaten many of the top named RPG's. You're probably thinking this guy is so full of it, but you know the truth. They are all so pathetically easy. Suikoden 3 offers a very sophisticated system with the Trinity Site System, which offers 3 main characters and 3 minor characters in the middle pedestals. It's amazingly done and involves a plot thicker than it's predessors. I will complain about the no alternating camera angles, the cheesy background music, and the lacking of noise during long dialogues. Everything has to have something wrong with it, otherwise all of us gamers would have no lives and constantly be playing that game!!! I give you my best recommendations for Suikoden 3, but some advice beforehand. If you didn't get Suikoden 2, you best do it, because Suikoden 2 makes things so much better!

Another feather in this series' cap.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: April 02, 2007
Author: Amazon User

This is another great one from Konami. I'll keep this review within the parameters for a game of it's time, and not present date. If you're an rpg fan in general this one is good, and if you're a Suikoden fan since the start, this one is a must buy.

Graphics - For it's time, the graphics are quite good. The characters are all sort of stubby, but after the first couple hours you get used to that look. The environments are pretty open, and in that respect lack some details we've seen in the 2D parts of this series. But keep in mind this game was the first 3D installment, and they were feeling their way through. Nothing ever feels overly long or drawn out to make the game longer or anything. The battle graphics are also quite good. Animations of people and monsters are well drawn, and the special effects for the time are top notch and what you'd expect from the series.

Music - It's great, plain and simple. It all fits the regions you travel. The tracks are varied but with an overall feel that you're in the same world and all that. The sound effects in battle are also quite good, and what you'd expect if you've played the series before.

Story - Some would argue the most important part of any good RPG. I agree. The story is very, very good. It centers around three characters for the first three chapters, and each of them have several supporting characters. It lives up to the Suikoden name in every way. War torn nations, politics, superstions, racism, underdog heroes that come from unexpected places, and the 108 characters you can recruit to gain all the power of the Stars of Destiny. Halfway through the title (or a little over) you will have played as FOUR characters with unique perspectives and interlocking storylines from the different nations, and then they will all come together. This is where the story and gameplay really pick up, and the stakes get very high as you form an alliance. You must forge brotherhood among one another and press on against a powerful and mysterious nation. You must unravel the secrets of an immortal fire magic wielding hero, and of the True Runes that govern the lives of all characters in every Suikoden title. From there, you'll discover another two characters to play as if you unlock all 108 stars. There are some great guides you can find out there that will assist you. The game is very long, for some lasting up to 80 hours (me) as you try to upgrade many of the character's weapons, armor, and skill points for the final battles. And yet, for an RPG, it's not overly complicated. Most areas and battles are fairly linear. How to gain most of your characters would also be interpetted as fairly simple by most rpg veterans of any kind. But the heart of the story, and the backbone of your characters, is what truly makes the title shine.

Gameplay - Another important part of an rpg title. The gameplay is slightly over average to the veterans of the series or of any rpgs. For new comers, it'll be just right to learn. Although, some newcomers may find a few spots overly difficult without leveling up and gaining alot of money first. But for most, this will be done with ease once you learn how the world works. See, you travel from story point to point (revealed by your characters of course) by traversing field maps and town areas. The field has random encounters with monsters of ALL kinds. They vary in power and look by region. In town areas, you can upgrade armor and weaponry, gain magic, and in some places upgrade physical and mental skills through bujutsu instructors and tutors. This is a new aspect of the game in this series. It won't be seen again until Suikoden V either. I liked it very much. As you battle, you can skill points. In towns or your fort, you can upgrade them via the instructor (physical power and abilities) and the tutor (magic abilities). Some characters have natural abilities in say, fire magic, or say, multiple hits with their quick blades. These characters can truly shine with the right training, and the game will tell you who is best at what. But you *can* just ignore that and upgrade whatever you want, if you're willing to gain the extra skills to do so. But some characters naturally cut off at certain areas, while in those they excel in they go way up in rank eventually. Basically it's the bread and butter of the gameplay, you do fields/dungeons, then you hit towns to buy items or what have you, and repeat. In between, and in most fields/dungeons, you'll discover powerful monsters that appear on screen rather than as random battles. These are another new aspect to the series, Treasure Bosses. They're usually at your level though near the end they'll be stronger for a time. You kill them for tons (and I mean, TONS) of money, and rare/good items for your level. And the best part is, they'll respawn within 30 minutes or an hour in real life time. So add that to your routine and you'll have found the meat of the gameplay. There are also one on one character duels, and large scale battles with armies, just like in the other games in the series. The duels are the same for you vets, as for the newcomers, you'll get the hang of it fairly quickly. An enemy makes a remark (usually hinting at the attack they'll use) and then you use a paper rock scissors system to figure how you'll retort. Attack beats defense, desperate (power) attack beats regular attack, and defense clobbers desperate attack. Also, a difference this time around, the battle can go with or against your favor depending on how well you start it out. Meaning you'll get "free" hits or no penalties for a mistake, if things go your way. If they go against you, you'll take extra damage and have no room for mistakes. In the battlefield stuff with armies, new things can be found for vets and newcomers alike. You basically shape the teams yourself, using the 108 Stars you gather. So in this game more than ever it's very important to have them all or as many as you can get at the time. You'll also want to level up EVERYone, and upgrade all the weapons and armor you can on these people, as they're ALL participating in battles, something new to the series. The early ones serve more as a learning mode, most of which you either can't win, or simply have to survive a certain amount of turns. They are advanced tactics the game can teach you (such as support on field), and then there are high stakes where if you lose no teams you gain special items at the end (war spoils). Don't expect anything major here (like Final Fantasy Tactics or Fire Emblem calibur stuff), but in itself the battles are fun and simple (usually). By the end game you'll have tons of powerful people, and you'll be expected to win all the battles, usually without a loss (seeing as a loss can sometimes get one of the people you have killed, meaning you won't gain the good ending or all the Stars).

In the end, this game relies heavily on the story. If you don't like it or the characters, you probably won't want to stick the whole way through. I heartily recommend playing the entire series in order. With Suikoden II save data you'll gain some neat extras. Anyhow, you'll quickly become addicted to spending skill points, killing treasure bosses, and progressing this wonderful storyline. There is a degree of customization here as well. I gave this game a five star rating for it's time. By today's standards it might have degraded to a four star. If you pick this up and a ready for a long haul, you'll get what you put into this beautiful title.

~lastfirstborn (writing for Shelia)

Best rpg ever up there with final fantasy

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 3
Date: April 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User

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

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