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==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
As a sequel to the first [[Suikoden]], Suikoden II maintained and improved upon many of the mechanics used in the original game. Additional runes, skills and status effects were added to this sequel. The addition of multiple rune slots, depending on the character, opened up the possibility of greater character | As a sequel to the first [[Suikoden]], Suikoden II maintained and improved upon many of the mechanics used in the original game. Additional runes, skills and status effects were added to this sequel. The addition of multiple rune slots, depending on the character, opened up the possibility of greater character customization. A greater variety of character types also helped to improve gameplay. | ||
The war system was revamped, changing Suikoden's Rock-Paper-Scissors type field battles into a grid-based strategic style. These upgrades aside, the core gameplay remained the same. Instead the game is filled with more towns, side-quests, mini-games and other features in order to bring the world of Suikoden II to life. | The war system was revamped, changing Suikoden's Rock-Paper-Scissors type field battles into a grid-based strategic style. These upgrades aside, the core gameplay remained the same. Instead, the game is filled with more towns, side-quests, mini-games and other features in order to bring the world of Suikoden II to life. | ||
Along with graphical improvements, a party inventory system, and a "dash" button that allowed the player to move around the screen quicker were added. A transfer of data from the prior game in the series enables returning characters to enter the fray with higher levels and improved weapons. References to the original Suikoden are also added to this feel of continuity, which contributed to the game's popularity. | Along with graphical improvements, a party inventory system, and a "dash" button that allowed the player to move around the screen quicker were added. A transfer of data from the prior game in the series enables returning characters to enter the fray with higher levels and improved weapons. References to the original Suikoden are also added to this feel of continuity, which contributed to the game's popularity. | ||
==Plot Overview== | ==Plot Overview== | ||
Suikoden II told the story of [[Hero (Suikoden II)|the hero]], adoptive grandson of the great [[City-State of Jowston|Jowston]] hero, [[Genkaku]], now living in the [[Highland Kingdom]]. Serving in the Highland youth army, | Suikoden II told the story of [[Hero (Suikoden II)|the hero]], adoptive grandson of the great [[City-State of Jowston|Jowston]] hero, [[Genkaku]], now living in the [[Highland Kingdom]]. Serving in the Highland youth army, the hero's regiment is betrayed by Highland prince, [[Luca Blight]] in order to manufacture a war with Jowston. Escaping with his best friend, [[Jowy Atreides|Jowy]], and adoptive sister [[Nanami]], the three soon find themselves embroiled in Jowston's defence against Highland. | ||
However, Jowy becomes convinced that only one nation can safely protect the region and joins the Highland side, usurping it from within until he becomes King. Meanwhile, the hero, based on his heritage, becomes leader of the forces opposing the Highland advance. Bearing the [[Bright Shield Rune|Bright Shield]] and [[Black Sword Rune|Black Sword Runes]], the two are destined to oppose each other. The player's forces eventually emerge victorious but the war will not end until the hero and Jowy meet at [[Tenzan Pass]] for one final duel.... | However, Jowy becomes convinced that only one nation can safely protect the region and joins the Highland side, usurping it from within until he becomes King. Meanwhile, the hero, based on his heritage, becomes leader of the forces opposing the Highland advance. Bearing the [[Bright Shield Rune|Bright Shield]] and [[Black Sword Rune|Black Sword Runes]], the two are destined to oppose each other. The player's forces eventually emerge victorious, but the war will not end until the hero and Jowy meet at [[Tenzan Pass]] for one final duel.... | ||
==Demo== | ==Demo== | ||
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Battle Mode takes placed on a slightly edited North Sparrow Pass, now titled "Trial Road". In Battle Mode, the player is able to form a custom party from 16 different characters (including the hero, now named "Suikoden" as there is no naming screen in this mode), most of which are not available in the Story Mode, with varied equipment and runes. | Battle Mode takes placed on a slightly edited North Sparrow Pass, now titled "Trial Road". In Battle Mode, the player is able to form a custom party from 16 different characters (including the hero, now named "Suikoden" as there is no naming screen in this mode), most of which are not available in the Story Mode, with varied equipment and runes. | ||
A runemaster and item vendor are available on the pass and the random encounters feature different enemies from the full game. These enemies stats have all been recalibrated to sync better with the beginning [[Level|character level]] for Battle Mode; Level 14. A handful of extra treasure chests have also been added to the map. | A runemaster and item vendor are available on the pass and the random encounters feature different enemies from the full game. These enemies' stats have all been recalibrated to sync better with the beginning [[Level|character level]] for Battle Mode; Level 14. A handful of extra treasure chests have also been added to the map. | ||
At the end of Trial Road, [[Luca Blight]] makes an appearance to taunt the player before leaving them to battle the [[Double Head]]. After the boss is defeated, Luca will curse the player, vowing revenge. Your chosen party will then congratulate you before returning you to the title screen. | At the end of Trial Road, [[Luca Blight]] makes an appearance to taunt the player before leaving them to battle the [[Double Head]]. After the boss is defeated, Luca will curse the player, vowing revenge. Your chosen party will then congratulate you before returning you to the title screen. | ||
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===PlayStation=== | ===PlayStation=== | ||
[[File:Suikoden Means War.png|220px|thumb|left|Suikoden Spells War...ter Margin]] | [[File:Suikoden Means War.png|220px|thumb|left|Suikoden Spells War...ter Margin]] | ||
Suikoden II was released on December 17, 1998 in Japan. It had two TV commercials in Japan, a 30-second spot and a shortened 15-second variant. The game would be released in North America on September 29, 1999 with print advertisements in video game publications such as Electronic Gaming Monthly | Suikoden II was released on December 17, 1998 in Japan. It had two TV commercials in Japan, a 30-second spot and a shortened 15-second variant. The game would be released in North America on September 29, 1999 with print advertisements in video game publications such as Electronic Gaming Monthly and would be followed by a European release on July 28, 2000. | ||
The game would be re-released twice on PlayStation in Japan. First on December 9, 1999 as part of the KONAMI the Best series, [[Konami]]'s own re-release series, and again on July 11, 2002 as part of the PS one Books budget re-release series. | The game would be re-released twice on PlayStation in Japan. First on December 9, 1999 as part of the KONAMI the Best series, [[Konami]]'s own re-release series, and again on July 11, 2002 as part of the PS one Books budget re-release series. | ||
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The ''Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine'' would be more effusive, scoring the game 4/5, saying that while aspects of the game did come across as dated, it mostly succeeded at blending its classic style with innovative changes. Online reviews also trended more positively; ''Gamespot'' gave the title a 7.6, and both ''Game Informer'' and ''IGN'' would score the game at 9/10. | The ''Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine'' would be more effusive, scoring the game 4/5, saying that while aspects of the game did come across as dated, it mostly succeeded at blending its classic style with innovative changes. Online reviews also trended more positively; ''Gamespot'' gave the title a 7.6, and both ''Game Informer'' and ''IGN'' would score the game at 9/10. | ||
Positive comments centered around the size of the game's cast, the increase in graphical fidelity, as well as the reduction in loading times from [[Suikoden|its predecessor]]. The variety of gameplay and optional | Positive comments centered around the size of the game's cast, the increase in graphical fidelity, as well as the reduction in loading times from [[Suikoden|its predecessor]]. The variety of gameplay and optional minigames were also praised highly, as well as the quality of the game's plot and story. Criticism was usually directed at the game's sprite-based graphics, the perceived blandness of its environments, and a sloppy translation. Suikoden II's similarity in all respects to its predecessor was both cited as a positive and a negative from various review outlets but overall, it was felt that gaming had moved on from the style of RPG Suikoden and Suikoden II represented. | ||
Lauded by many fans as the best game in the series, Suikoden II spawned no less than three spin-off games before its next direct sequel, [[Suikoden III]], was released in 2002. It was also around this time than Suikoden publications began to be printed in earnest, including a quarterly magazine devoted to the series. Merchandise began to be produced and a collectible card game was released. The four years between Suikoden II and its successor saw the greatest concentration of merchandise and publications produced in the series' history. | Lauded by many fans as the best game in the series, Suikoden II spawned no less than three spin-off games before its next direct sequel, [[Suikoden III]], was released in 2002. It was also around this time than Suikoden publications began to be printed in earnest, including a quarterly magazine devoted to the series. Merchandise began to be produced and a collectible card game was released. The four years between Suikoden II and its successor saw the greatest concentration of merchandise and publications produced in the series' history. |