Suikoden 2

The first Suikoden game was an underground hit. So much that Konami finally decided to release it's sequel in the US. Though I can't say I was one of those people that originally enjoyed it, I am happy to announce that Suikoden 2 is a much better game than it's prodessesor. Though not much has changed, what's in it is very enjoyable. Such as the War Strategy bits that occur between clans. And there's still a load of Dice Games & other events to keep things interesting. Remember, the "Build your own Castle" gimmick. Well this time around you aren't resticted to a dank cave. Your Castle actually has an architectural structure & is quite lively with the wild cast. The big seller of this game though is the fact that there is over 108 characters to collect & use. Yep, you heard me. More than 108 characters (I think around 110 to 120). Though not every character can be deployed in combat, certain ones do have special jobs. Such as setting up shop, getting info on other characters, & taking care of the castle. Along with these enhancements you get everything else you would normally expect out of an RPG such as "the Epic Story", "Building Experience", & "Fighting an Endless Wave of Enemies". You know the basic elements of a role playing game. However with the improved graphics it still looks like a SNES game & the CG bits seem out of place with the game's graphic style. Other than that it doesn't really break any new boundaries & gives Suikoden fans exactly more of what they want. If anything the best way to describe this game is a more polished & fuller Suikoden. Good, but not Outstanding.

Overall 8.2