Suikoden V

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Mar 21, 2006
Suikoden V Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 133 Ratings

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  • Summary: Suikoden V, like its predecessors, features unparalleled in-depth gameplay, a riveting storyline as well as the series' trademark 108 Stars of Destiny. Thrust into a time of unbalance and unrest, a dynamic drama unfolds revolving around one of the 27 True Runes, the Sun Rune. Players areSuikoden V, like its predecessors, features unparalleled in-depth gameplay, a riveting storyline as well as the series' trademark 108 Stars of Destiny. Thrust into a time of unbalance and unrest, a dynamic drama unfolds revolving around one of the 27 True Runes, the Sun Rune. Players are tasked to explore the lands of Falena, gather allies and become stronger to ultimately bring back peace and prosperity. While on their quest through rich 3D environments, exciting new secrets of the Suikoden world will be revealed. The game features significant enhancements from all the previous installments of the series, including 6-member battle parties, multiple mini-games and the homebase system, where all of your allies gather together along with new features to create a unique gameplay experience like no other. [Konami]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 43
  3. Negative: 1 out of 43
  1. RPG Fan
    95
    The game is sure to be a classic with many Suikoden fans, especially those like myself who felt disappointment with how III and IV turned out.
  2. DarkStation
    90
    Suikoden has always been one of the underrated console RPG, and it really shines here with an engaging plot, solid combat system and stylish visuals.
  3. Just RPG
    82
    Another installment that will make fans of the series jump for joy. So is the game worth its $39.99 price tag? Heck yeah, it is! If you’re looking for an RPG with a large cast of interesting characters and a fun and exciting story, then look no further.
  4. GamesRadar+
    80
    Suikoden is mainly all about the obsessive-compulsive scrabbling for all 108 "Stars of Destiny" - which means yes, there are literally 108 characters to meet and recruit to your cause.
  5. Gamezilla!
    75
    The slow start and heaver tilt toward exploration may turn off some who need a steady dose of action, but for the rest of us find Suikoden V worth the time.
  6. GameCritics
    70
    At first glance, Suikoden V looks like just another turn-based RPG in which good and evil face off and destiny conquers all. But in a subtle, subversive way, it shows that we can't take our own goodness for granted. Learning that there is no absolute good in war is an important, and powerful, lesson.
  7. Times Online
    40
    The game becomes more strategic as it progresses, I am assured by fans of the ten-year-old series, but by then it is very hard to care.

See all 43 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. AlicD.
    Mar 23, 2006
    10
    I have to agree with Ben, that this game is perhaps the best Suikoden ever. It has fairly simple but at the same time extremely easy to look I have to agree with Ben, that this game is perhaps the best Suikoden ever. It has fairly simple but at the same time extremely easy to look at, beautiful, and stylish graphics, not unlike Suikoden 2 -- and it goes back to 2 in many other ways as well. However, it has its own style, much better music than 3 or 4, and a story that goes beyond even 2 in excitement and 3 in complexity. This is a great game, the kind that you can play for twenty hours straight after starting it. If this game gets an 82%, final fantasy X, on my scale, gets a 70% at the highest, and that may be pushing it. It's too bad hardly any RPG but the final fantasies get consistently high reviews, and, in my opinion, consistently fair treatment from all reviewers.… Expand
  2. QquinaU.
    May 24, 2006
    10
    One of the best RPG out there. If you are bored with RPG game with crappy storyline and nothing but graphic show like Kingdom Heart 2. One of the best RPG out there. If you are bored with RPG game with crappy storyline and nothing but graphic show like Kingdom Heart 2. Suikoden V is perfect for you! The graphic of the game is decent. The storyline is BEYOND superb. This is a must-have for every RPG player.… Expand
  4. BlakeG.
    Apr 15, 2006
    10
    The return of the world map was very refreshing. Very intelligent design as far as its use as well, I never had to run ridiculously long The return of the world map was very refreshing. Very intelligent design as far as its use as well, I never had to run ridiculously long (boring) distances to get to a destination. The battles were interesting, and customizing my formation and party was immensely fun. It reminded me a lot of Suikoden 2, when I saw that it used an army-style battle for the third battle mode... I was ecstatic, as Suikoden 2's army battles were my favorite of all. It was an awesome surprise to find out that not only are they army battles... but they're in REAL TIME! Wow. So ya, lovin it. My wife and I have to keep wrestling the controller between us, and just today at lunch we ended up discussing the inter-game politics for 2 hours, hah :)… Expand
  5. BenY.
    Mar 23, 2006
    10
    I played already 20+ hours and for me this is the best rpg in ps2 out now out of all the suikoden games this is the first and suikoden 2 is I played already 20+ hours and for me this is the best rpg in ps2 out now out of all the suikoden games this is the first and suikoden 2 is second, suikoden fans know what this means... Go grab a copy now!… Expand
  6. BrianK.
    Jun 13, 2006
    10
    And the award for "Making a great RPG by going back to the roots of what made the series so good" goes to Konami for Suikoden V. Hooray for And the award for "Making a great RPG by going back to the roots of what made the series so good" goes to Konami for Suikoden V. Hooray for Konami for ressurecting a wonderful franchise that became mired in mediocrity when it hit the PS2... unlike Squaresoft who takes a franchise that produced two of the best RPGs ever Final Fantasy 3(5) and Final Fantasy 7 and them makes garbage games that completely strip what makes an RPG great and disguises it graphical luster and polish, RPGs were never about graphics, but gameplay and story and characters, Suikoden 2 was the best in the series by far, 3 and 4 tried to destroy it bu luckily Konami, bless them unlike aome companies answered the angry and saddened fans cries and brought back the series to the old in Suikoden 5, just playing this game makes me feel at home like I was playing a polished and upgraded version of Suikoden 2, it has all the elements and themes that made 2 so appealing but adds more depth, more improved gameplay and a greater story even, I am 25 hours into it and finally have my castle which I am happy to see is an actual castle that lives and breathes and grows like the previous ones in 1 and 2, I am also very impressed with the new Duel and battle systems which have undergone major upgrades, the real time battles are great and exciting, I wish all companies would go back to the roots of gameplay and story like Konami did, Suikoden 5 and Dragon Quest 8 are the two best RPGs out right now and they both have the gameplay and story that us RPG baby boomers remember form the good old days, If it ain't broke don't fix it. Suikoden 2 was a classic masterpiece and now Suikoden 5 compliments what made it so great but now stands out as another masterpiece ready to stand the test of time!… Expand
  7. cnekans
    Dec 24, 2012
    9
    I have loved all the Suikoden games; I have the first thru the fifth. And especially like the game play and the characters in THIS one. LikeI have loved all the Suikoden games; I have the first thru the fifth. And especially like the game play and the characters in THIS one. Like that you can make orbs and build your skills(great touch). There really isn't anything i don't like about this game. The characters have personalities and a great range of individuality. Enjoy the battles too. Rune archers, infantry, calvary and lots more. Sea and land battles that you have to use your head to win.

    Shopping, treasures, trading, prizes for winning battles and alot more pleasant surprises on your journeys, this games the game worth it. If you decide to get this game in my opinion you won't be disappointed.

    This game has the old school charm of Suikoden 1 & 2. Unfortunately it has the old school camera angle. It's not that the graphics are bad, it's just that at the 3/4 angle view It's kind of hard to see the detail. You can zoom up, but then it's hard to get a view of your surroundings. Plus the non-cinematic cut scenes are in the wide angle.

    My biggest compliment: Replay value

    After obtaining all 108 stars of destiny and playing around with some of the more interesting characters, I clocked in about 62 hours with this game. However, it should be noted that I played 40 of those hours in the matter of one week (and i'm a guy who played Persona 4 for a year)! Suikoden 5 is INCREDIBLY addicting and if you are in the middle of a relationship or attending school at this time, I DON'T recommend you dive into this game right now. Just make sure you get copy though! Who knows how high the price may inflate in the future? PS2 games are hard to find because Sony still doesn't want to bring them out on PS3 or higher systems.

    Drawbacks:
    Tons of cutscenes (like the first Xenosaga)
    Some of the areas have bad music
    Load times can be bad (I guess this might not be a problem in the future with a digital version not on DVD)
    The story takes some time to pick up

    Conclusion: If you are tired of Final Fantasy and all the clones, gives Suiko5 a try. It's not a dungeon crawler; it's not an anime music disguised as a game (looking at you, Xenosaga 1). btw, please leave a review once you play this and please DO give the 108 stars of Destiny a try. That's 70 solid hours of gameplay right there.    … Expand
  8. JordanM.
    May 26, 2006
    3
    If you would call yourself a hardcore anime fan before you'd call yourself a hardcore gamer, then this game is absolutely for you. The If you would call yourself a hardcore anime fan before you'd call yourself a hardcore gamer, then this game is absolutely for you. The cinematics and voice acting are pretty impressive for an RPG of this style, and the characters and plot points will be comfortable to those familiar with japanese cartoons in general. If you want shocking twists and turns in your story, or engaging gameplay, this game is definitely not for you. Combat is laughable; I played for 3-4 hours and never once was in a fight that required anything more than auto-attacking... and this is with no items or visits to the inn! The game's menus hint at further depth, but people that don't find themselves engrossed by the clichéd characters will wish they hadn't wasted so much of their time waiting for the "game" to start. Still not sure? Rent it, and if you like it, buy it and continue on your rental save-game. The extra few bucks for the rental are well worth it.… Expand

See all 21 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best PS2 Game of 2006
25
#25 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
41
#41 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006