[General Discussion] Regarding Suikoden...

Of all the major RPG series, there are two which I admire greatly and yet have not played the majority of the games. The less relevant of these is the Megami Tensei franchise. Of that series I have played only Persona 3 and Nocturne. The franchise in question which is relevant to this thread is of course Suikoden. I have played Suikoden, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. In fact I could honestly say that I wish more RPGs would take a leaf from Suikoden's book. There are so many things to admire about this game. It does of course fall short of being ideal, but by so little that I'm inclined to rank it among my very favourite gaming experiences.

I am able to borrow a copy of Suikoden II, and I own copies of all the PS2 Suikoden games. Having recently completed an RPG, I am inclined to pick up another, and the Suikoden series beckons most seductively towards my free time. I expect to pick up Suikoden II at some time in the very near future. From what I have read on the net, it seems as though Suikoden II is held in even higher regard than the first game, by many fans. I am therefore confident of an extremely enjoyable gaming experience. It is the latter portion of the series which makes me uncertain. I have not heard particularly good things about any of the PS2 Suikoden games except the newest, Suikoden V. What I'm curious to learn is whether they are merely poor by the high standards established in the first two games, or if they are actually poor when considered on their own merits. Since the storyline for all six games appears to be connected to a certain extent, it would appear that one should play through all the games in order to fully appreciate Suikoden V.

I'd like to hear what you all have to say about Suikoden III, Suikoden IV, and Suikoden Tactics. Do the games have any redeeming characteristics? Is the deficiency you perceive more related to gameplay or to the storyline? Are they still worth playing, or would I be best advised to pretend that the series has only three games?

Please keep spoilers tagged, since as stated I have only played the first game. I don't intend to read tagged spoilers, but the discussion should be allowed to go where it may.

Thank you all in advance.

How ya doing, buddy?

I'm glad to hear that some of you did have some fun playing Suikoden III and IV, and it was especially refreshing to hear so many conflicting opinions. I know now that the early PS2 installments in the series are not universally condemned. I intend to approach Suikoden III with an open mind, and I'm pleased to hear that the story is praised by at least some players.

I've got a weakness for the type of grand narrative that spans multiple installments. I tend to enjoy the growing richness of the setting, and I usually want to play, watch or read all available installments. I'm probably into Suikoden for the long haul, so I wanted to hear that there might be something to appreciate about the middle games in the series. I'll probably post my impressions of each game in the series in my hitherto neglected journal.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I'll probably be starting Suikoden II within the next few days. It was always on the list of things to play. I just wanted to hear what people have to say about the other games in the series.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.