Suikoden 3

by Konami

Product Features

• Trinity Sight System, which enables players to experience events from the viewpoints of three different characters.
• recruit from over 100 characters

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006LEMK
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches ; 8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: October 22, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,209 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

Suikoden III is the deepest and most innovative installment in the series’ rich seven-year history. With multiple endings, three styles of combat (party, army, and one-on-one battles), and the ability to recruit from over 100 characters throughout your quest, Suikoden III raises the bar for RPGs everywhere. Also new to both the series and the RPG genre is the Trinity Sight System, which enables players to experience events from the viewpoints of three different characters.

Product Description

Suikoden III is the deepest and most innovative installment in the series’ rich seven-year history. With multiple endings, three styles of combat (party, army, and one-on-one battles), and the ability to recruit from over 100 characters throughout your quest, Suikoden III raises the bar for RPGs everywhere. Also new to both the series and the RPG genre is the Trinity Sight System, which enables players to experience events from the viewpoints of three different characters.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suikoden 3 proves it can play with the big boys., November 19, 2002

By 

GM Hart "Pluto Guy" (Modesto, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suikoden 3 (Video Game)

This third installment in the Suikoden series proves to be as good as its predecessors if not better. This game signals the series first time in 3D and first game on the PS2.

GRAPHICS

This game is completely in 3D and it couldn't look better. It's the second best looking RPG on the PS2(Final Fantasy X is the only game that looks better), and the characters and locations look great. Though some may shun the switch from 2D to 3D the change was really necessary and improves the experience. Afterall there were those who didn't like Final Fantasy going into 3D and Final Fantasy 7 is one of the series best.

GAMEPLAY

One of the keys to sustaining an enjoyable RPG is a battle system that doesn't get tired after hours of play, and Suikoden 3 succeeds. Once again you have six characters in your party, but this time you have to control them in pairs adding a new level of strategy and helping the battles go faster.

STORY

By far this games strongest quality is it's story. This is probably the best story for an RPG on the PS2 so far. It's compelling and thanks to the Trinity Sight System(A system that allows you to switch between 3 characters at the end of every chapter) the game has alot of varitie. There is also a big plot twist for those who played the first two games, though you don't have to be familiar with the first 2 installments to enjoy this game.

OVERALL

A must own for anyone who likes RPG's or even just enjoys the occasional Final Fantasy. This game is long, I clocked in about 70-75 hours playing it and it never once gets boring. There's also plenty of side-quests to enjoy and extra stuff to do. So go buy this game!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best RPG of the year., November 12, 2002

By 

Marc D. (Manila, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suikoden 3 (Video Game)

The Suikoden RPG series has always been about people who get caught up in events far beyond their control, and how they rise up to that challenge. Hallmarks of the Suikoden games are the necessity of gathering 108 allies (based on an old Chinese legend) and building a castle headquarters where your main base (and source of mini-games) will be.
Suikoden 3 is different from past games since it gives you the option of choosing from one of 3 initial heroes to play as. These include a female knight, a tribal youth and a mercenary, each of whom represents a different side of a dangerous, escalating war.
To actually finish the game, you WILL have to play all the 3 chapters of each character; this is no problem however since each character's story is compelling and always intriguing. The great thing about this system, or Trinity Sight, is that you see the story from various viewpoints, so the depth and secrets that are revealed are really rewarding as you play through the game.
And that is what Suikoden 3 is all about. Do not look for flashy CG and cinematics, since there are none (except for a magnificent anime movie 'trailer' of the game at the start screen), but that really shouldn't matter. It's the game's story and the characters you will grow attached to that will captivate you.
Graphics are mixed; the art style is wonderful Japanese anime fantasy style, though the 3D in-game models are slightly cartoony in proportion but not too cutesy- the best part is that they express emotion better than any other game out there; this makes for entertaining cut scenes. The environments are detailed and wonderful.
As for gameplay, this is still a turn-based combat system, with the requisite 'army' and one-on-one duels present. Overall though, the gameplay is easy, control is excellent and loading times are only a few seconds in length. No detraction from the fun.
Finally, as for replay, there are hidden characters to play as, multiple endings, 108 allies to recruit, a castle with tons of fun stuff to do and the option to load save games from past Suikodens to unlock more secrets.
In terms of story, replay, depth and compelling characters, Suikoden 3 is unquestionably the best RPG out there now. Fans of Suikoden MUST get this game, but I heartily recommend it to everyone who loves RPGs or at least a deep, involving story.
What are you waiting for? Get this game NOW!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...?, October 22, 2002

By 

"nash_latkje" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suikoden 3 (Video Game)

I own the japanese version of this game, and it is quite impressive. Fans may or may not be disappointed by the 3D graphics from the 2D sprites. I will admit, though I love this game and the series to death, the graphics themselves don't compare to some of the earlier RPGS (Final Fantasy X comes to mind). However, facial expressions are done extremely well and accurately. The music is very nicely and correctly put together and it's not overly annoying (though I will say you might get irritated with the battle music after hearing 100+ times in the first 2 hours or so). The anime intro really gives the game a unique feel that can separate it from most other RPGs on the console. The most compelling of the game, however, is the story and the character development. Both of these dig much deeper than any of the previous Suikodens. Everything isn't as it seems and you'll be very surprised where this game leads you. After all, in war, who is really right?

This game is for the people looking for intelligent, fun rpg that keeps you guessing and intrigued by the storyline. You'll get very attached to the characters. However, graphics wise or to a casual gamer, this may not be a good choice to choose. Square is much better for just picking up a game and trying it.

One thing I cannot speak for is how people will like the Trinity System (I thought it was an interesting way to approach the story and very powerful). Also, I cannot say how well the translation is on the english version, since I only played the japanese version. From what I've seen, aside from some irritating name alternations from the translations of japanese to english, everything seems to have been quite nicely.