Summary
Suikoden IV elevates the series with its oceanic adventure and strategic gameplay, challenging players to unravel the mysteries of the Rune and the 108 Stars of Destiny. Despite mixed reviews, its compelling story and character development cement its place as a classic in the JRPG genre.
- Release Year: 2004
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
- Developers: Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo
- Publishers: Konami
Introduction
Explore the high seas and uncover the mysteries of the Rune in Suikoden IV, a classic JRPG that combines strategic battles with an epic storyline. Join a young knight on his journey to recruit the 108 Stars of Destiny and fight against a destiny that threatens to consume him.
Synopsis
“Suikoden IV”, a role-playing video game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and published by Konami, is the fourth installment of the Suikoden video game series. Released in 2004, the game takes place approximately 150 years before the events of the first Suikoden game.
The game begins with a training session where the Hero and his best friend Snowe Vingerhut face off against their Commander and Vice Commander, Glen and Katarina Cott respectively, out at sea. After the training concludes, the Hero and his fellow knight trainees head home to Razril, where they are to be pronounced full-fledged Gaien knights.
After the ceremonial Kindling Ritual and a night of feasting, the Hero awakens the next morning for his first duties as a new knight, including the task of escorting a man named Ramada to the neighboring island of Iluya. During the trip there, they are attacked by Brandeau and his pirates.
Snowe abandons the ship after being fired upon by “rune cannons,” while the Hero decides to brave the attacks and stay, thus inspiring jealousy in his cowardly comrade. Brandeau then boards the Hero’s ship and challenges him to a duel, which the young knight unexpectedly wins.
As a last effort, Brandeau unleashes the power of the Rune of Punishment and attempts to destroy everyone, but a mysterious force shields the Hero from its might. Glen arrives to save his men, and in that brief moment, the Rune of Punishment is passed from Brandeau to Glen, after which Brandeau evaporates into dust.
Soon after, the knights retreat back to Razril. Several enemy fleets attack in succession, finally forcing Glen to repel them with the power of the deadly Rune. The Rune of Punishment governs both atonement and forgiveness, and is unusual in that it consumes the life of the bearer with use; once the previous bearer dies, it immediately jumps to someone nearby.
Meanwhile, the Kooluk Empire seeks to expand into the nearby Island Nations. The enemy nation of Kooluk is suffering defeat in a long brutal war with the Scarlet Moon Empire, and seek to capture the rune and hand it over to the global superpower of Harmonia in exchange for military aid against the Empire.
The game tells the tale of the Birth of the Island Nations and the story of the Rune of Punishment. It is set 150 years before the first Suikoden game. This was the first entry made without any known input from series creator Yoshitaka Murayama.
Suikoden IV is a tale of destiny, punishment, and the struggle for power. It explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the heavy burden of responsibility. The game’s rich narrative and complex characters provide an immersive experience that continues to captivate players even years after its release.
Characters
The game boasts a large cast of characters, each with their own backstories and motivations. Key figures include the young knight protagonist, his childhood friend Snowe, and other members of the 108 Stars of Destiny, ranging from skilled warriors to powerful mages, all of whom contribute to the game’s rich narrative.
Gameplay
Suikoden IV introduces players to a blend of turn-based combat and strategic planning, with the innovative addition of naval battles. The game’s recruitment system allows players to build a custom team from the 108 Stars of Destiny, impacting both combat effectiveness and story progression. Players also manage a base, upgrading facilities and interacting with team members to strengthen their forces.
Conclusion
Suikoden IV is a testament to the enduring charm of the Suikoden series, offering a unique blend of adventure, strategy, and narrative depth. While not without its flaws, the game’s expansive world, complex characters, and engaging storyline make it a memorable experience for JRPG enthusiasts.
Review Score
7.8/10
Art
Fan Art
Fan Art Style: Normal
Fan Art Style: Retro
Fan Art Style: Modern
