Suikoden 5 V FAQ

Suikoden Series fans can rejoice as Suikoden V rights many of the wrongs that the previous two installments made (especially Suikoden IV). The graphics are nice, storyline is much more fluid and interesting, and overall the game takes a turn towards the Suikoden's in the past that received most of the praise, notably Suikoden I and Suikoden II.

Party battles have returned to the 6 person format with rows (Short / Medium / Long ranged weapons). Formations have been added, and the unites are not learned like in Suikoden IV but are already there. Most of the bosses present a unique challenge although skilled users can find the best magicians (Zerase, Jeane, Viki, etc) to knock any enemy down a notch.

War battles are now fought in a real time of sorts, which can be extremely hectic and nerve racking when the enemy is on the offensive. The key of course is learning which enemy units are weak / strong against you and then manipulating the battle to exploit the enemies weaknesses. One of the tougher challenge with these real time battles is engaging the enemy with the correct units as when things get cluttered your ability to control the battle lessens.

The story is very heavy in the early going but is necessary to build up plot twists after Stormfist. Once you leave Falena things really open up as you change HQ's on several occassions and you can expect plenty of betrayals along the way.