Suikoden 1 & 2 Remaster

[Jaymann]

Now available on PS5 and PC. Downloading now.

[Skinypupy]

I remember trying one of these on PS1 way back in the day, but I bounced off it for some reason or another. I was very new to JRPG's in those days, however, so if it wasn't up to the (then) technical prowess of FF VII, I lost interest quickly.

Have always wanted to give the series another look but just never bothered. This one will be on my list, but probably not until after Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 next month.

[Jaymann]

Loving it so far. Graphics are great. You can auto combat for lesser mobs. Pretty linear so far, but you can explore the world map.

Yeah, Clair is on my wishlist as well - looking good.

[Jaymann]

You can't buy new weapons but you can upgrade the ones you have. None of this so far is even remotely familiar. Maybe I only played #2 back in the day.

[Hipolito]

Thanks for sharing your impressions. I've been wanting to try these games for a long time.

Actually I did try Suikoden V on the PS2, but stopped after about 5 hours as I thought it was sterile and boring.

[YellowKing]

I'm interested but hesitant given Gamespot's mediocre score. Their biggest gripe seemed to be that there were no meaningful quality of life improvements, which scares me off a bit. I'll probably wait for a sale down the road.

[Jaymann]

I'm interested but hesitant given Gamespot's mediocre score. Their biggest gripe seemed to be that there were no meaningful quality of life improvements, which scares me off a bit. I'll probably wait for a sale down the road.

Not a bad way to go. It seems to me like they got it right originally. If you've never played these and like the genre you are in for a treat. Of course I am following a detailed guide to avoid FOMO. You have to recruit like 118 characters so it's easy to miss some. And of course I found a spot to fight with free resting, so i am leveling up through the roof.

[Jaymann]

I have reached the end game in S1. I recruited the full 108 stars - glad I used a guide for some limited opportunities. I found out: If you MAX out their weapon (16 characters, big $$) in Suikoden 1 (reach level 16), they'll get a +3 starting bonus to their weapon level in the sequel. That's going to take some grinding (I already have some in my party), but at least I don't need to worry about upgrading armor.

I was scoffing at healing, but you need it for late game bosses. I don't see much replay value since I did everything. Certainly worth a look if/when the price comes down, especially if you have not played before.

[Baroquen]

I'm definitely picking them up sometime. Would probably grab them now if I wasn't in the middle of playing OG FF VII. I beat both S 1& 2 "back in the day" and had considered replaying the original versions before the remasters were announced. Now, it's only a matter of time. I also want to get to Suikoden 4 (generally poor reviews) and 5 (generally better reviews) via emulator some day too. Probably the Tactics game too. But I like the series more than a lot of other do. Not a superfan, but definitely a series I enjoy, quirks and all.

[Jaymann]

Well I finished S1 at level 61. It asks you if you want to save data to carry over to S2 so I did that and started it. Supposedly some armor carries over but I have not seen it yet. You start with a new character at level 1. I have reached the first save point.

[Jaymann]

Up to level 23 on S2. And I finally reaped some benefit from all that grinding in S1. When Viktor finally joined the party he came in with a level 9 weapon (6+ 3 bonus) while everyone else is capped at 6. Also S2 has an Optimize button for inventory which is a major QOL improvement.

I actually figured out a synergy. I could not figure out why Nanami was taking damage every turn even when not hit. It was because I had thoughtlessly equipped her weapon with a Fire Lizard Rune which gives 1.5 damage at the cost of fire damage. But I had an epiphany when I equipped her with a Fire Sealing Rune that negates fire damage. It's great when a plan comes together.

[Jaymann]

A warning and a major hint for Suikoden 2:

I borked a timed quest as follows: The guide told me early on to Stop the event timer under Settings. So I went there and hit the OFF button. Apparently that was a mistake as you need to hit the ON button to stop the timer.

Also you want to get Stallion (he's an elf wearing blue) in your party ASAP as he triples your run speed on the world map (including boats!). You see him running around a town relatively early. To recruit him you need to Run (or Let Go) from 50 battles. Grindy but easy.

[Jaymann]

Some late game info for S2 (mild spoilers)
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You should keep Nanami in your party and her equipment upgraded for the whole game to the extent possible. Though she is one of my least favorite characters, she will be required to fight a solo battle much later.

Your hero from game 1 will eventually be able to join your party. It is a long trek to get him, and you will have to retrace your steps every time he is removed from your party. But with his runes it is well worth it.

I was a bit disappointed that no one can upgrade their weapon past level 15. The only exception is Pesmerga (if you carried him over from the first game) who comes in with a level 16 weapon.

[Jaymann]

Finished Suikoden 2, again at level 61. Got the "True" ending. No intention of a replay. Solid 7/8 nunchucks.