Recommendations for a Suikoden fan?

[JoeOsborn]

I've been jonesing for a 2D overhead RPG lately, and I was wondering if anybody had any "must-plays" in the same vein as Suikoden 2 or 5, the two entries in that series I've played. I loved their approach and their story, and if there are any reasonably obtainable games in that style I'd love to hear about them.

What I liked about Suikoden games:
* Strong cast of characters
* Large cast of characters
* Intricate plot
* Tactician who actually knows some tactics
* Good guys who aren't stupid and don't fall for tricks(much of the time)
* Bad guys who aren't stupid and don't fall for tricks(unless they're really satisfying)
* Bad guys who felt evil and acted according to logic, not arbitrary "evilness"
* Bad guys who broke the "pretty boy with long grey hair" mold
* Loved the 'home base'
* Loved the turn-based strategy sections. LOVED

What I disliked about Suikoden games:
* Crazy money grinding for outfitting the characters
* Large numbers of characters can be very easily missed if a fairly nonobvious cue is missed
* Virtually require GameFaqs to avoid feeling of dread at missing something/someone


I realize it's poor etiquette to make a request in one of my first posts, but I'm desperate here. (: Any ideas?

[ott0bot]

Dragon Force for the Saturn has much more of the turn based strategy aspect, but it's definately an RPG in the same sense as Suikoden. You choose a 1 of 8 characters and use your castle as home base. Then you war with other castles in really awesome strategy battles, much more in depth strategy than the Suikoden battles. Plus really nice story line and great cutscenes. Every game can be different because you can choose different characters with different agendas. the kicker is that in will run you between 60-100 bucks.

If you want a more conventional RPG, I highly recommend Tales of the Abyss. i know, it's 3d. but i'm a huge 2d fan and I got hooked on this game. I went on about it in several forums....
"Tale of the Abyss is an awesome RPG. Really well developed world and story line. The battles are actually fun. You see the enemies like Chrono Cross, and then you actually have a real time beat 'em style 3d battle. You even have a 2 player option during battles and a friend can play one of your sub characters. The dialog can be really hilarious and there are tons of side quests, that are actually worth doing. I really got addicted to this one. I liked it better than all the Ps2 final fantasy games."

ok i'll make a couple 2d recomendations.

Lufia and the Fortress of Doom for SNES. It's a bit dialoge heavy, but the story is great and it really feels like you're saving the world. Lufia 2: Rise of the sinstralls is also great. Two of the best snes rpgs most people dont know about.

ok my last, and favorite selection.
Shining Force 1 and 2 for Genesis, and if you've got the cash 3 for the Saturn. All three games have great characters and plots. The thing that most reminds me of Suikoden is the character recruiting. You build an army, and you've got a base. Here's the kicker. It's a strategy game, in fact the first of it's kind. You have a battle and manuver you players like Final Fantasy Tactics, however when you attack you get a cool sprite amimated view of the attack or spell. I love Shining Force 1, and 2 soo much it hurts. Seriously do your self a favor and pick them up.

ok some some of these games violate you're rules in places, but all of them contain some of the elements your looking for. good luck

[JoeOsborn]

Thanks a lot, I'll definitely keep an eye out - I liked Lufia 1 & 2 a lot, but never beat the final bosses in them. I started Tales of the Abyss but got sidetracked, and I never had a chance to encounter any Saturn games, unfortunately. But I have Shining Force 1 and 2 kicking around on GBA, so I'll go ahead and give those a shot.

Thanks for the recommendations!

[General Chaos]

I have to agree on both the Dragon Force and SF suggestions. I really enjoyed Suikoden 1,2,3 (haven't played any past that) and also love the aforementioned.

Since you mention both loving the turn based strategy and owning a GBA, might I also suggest Rebelstar for the GBA. It's essentially a clone of x-com, but a damned good one, and in fact was designed by the original x-com designer. I can't say much for the story but the tactics are unrivaled on a handheld to this day.

[ott0bot]

Maybe you could also try Growlanser Generations. It's two 32-bt era tactical rpg's in one set. They are a bit on the anime side, but they are pretty solid games when it comes to gameplay.

[JoeOsborn]

Much appreciated (: I borrowed Growlanser Generations at one point, but I didn't get a chance to play it before having to return it. I'll try and track down a copy.

[ott0bot]

Much appreciated (: I borrowed Growlanser Generations at one point, but I didn't get a chance to play it before having to return it. I'll try and track down a copy.

I found one at gamestop for 25 bucks.

[disorderlyvision]

skies of arcadia has a bit of the team building aspects, though you dont get to use the characters in normal battle, they raise your ships stats, and some do special moves during ship battles. you also get your own base like in suikoden and get to add additions and remodel buildings. might be up your alley.

also i noticed a lot of people mention tactics type rpgs. you could try disgaea or lapucelle tactics

[lisalover1]

If you like layers of character customization/different characters, I reccomend Final Fantasy III and V.

[glynnahab]

If you like layers of character customization/different characters, I reccomend Final Fantasy III and V.

If you like getting your ass handed to you, I'd also recommend FF3. That game is brutal - old school brutal.