It's funny to see the classic Konami role playing game "Suikoden II" trending on Twitter today. The game originally came out in 1999, and was essentially overlooked at the time, but it established a reputation over the years since its release as "one of the best RPGs ever made" and now routinely sells on eBay for exorbitant sums.
Well, all that is about to change because it was released today on the PlayStation Network for the PS3, PSP and Vita (PS4 owners get left out, it seems) for the most reasonable price of $9.99. Sorry auction site scalpers.
I myself never played the game, but was certainly intrigued by its reputation. The crazy prices it was selling for on eBay always deterred me from picking up a copy to see what all the fuss was about. Now, I certainly will be picking it up... as I'm sure many others will be as well. At least, that's what the trending tweets seem to indicate.
Since I am relatively unfamiliar with the game, a piece over at IGN gives some excellent information and background on "Suikoden II" and what makes it so special.
"'Suikoden II' remains a masterwork, a crossroads of storytelling, art, music, and mechanics," the IGN article states. "We're still seeing its effect in modern RPGs like 'Dragon Age: Inquisition.' It's not perfect, though. The localization is awful. But this doesn't compromise the phenomenal characters, relationships, and narrative, an unpredictable, engaging intrigue worthy of 'Game of Thrones.'
"When you first start your journey through 'Suikoden II,' there's very little to indicate that you're headed into anything but a stereotypical Japanese RPG. Many of the troupes are glaringly present: a plucky young hero, cute animal sidekicks, and burning villages. But 'Suikoden' quickly and refreshingly veers into unexpected territory.
"It's pretty much 'Dragon Age: Inquisition' meets 'Game of Thrones.' As an added bonus, you don't need to have played the original game to understand anything. 'Suikoden II' is a terrific standalone sequel story, though you're certainly free to visit or begin with the enjoyable and brief first installment in the series if you wish," the piece concludes.
"Suikoden II" is now available on the Sony Playstation store for $9.99, and you don't have to bid on it or anything. If you dig old-school RPG's you should certainly check it out...I know I am.
