Doesn't have the foundations that you see in your average suikoden game... But it makes up for it with a solid story.
User Rating: 9 | Gensou Suikoden Tierkreis DS
Suikoden Tierkreis is a major deviation from what fans of the Suikoden series have come to expect in a suikoden game. For the most part it tries to keep things similar with giving the main character a base of operations that grows as you recruit more characters. It also brings in the concept of stars of destiny but changes the name to "Starbearers." The combat system will feel very similar even with the many changes to the game mechanics. But The weapon system leaves you missing the traditional upgrade weapon system that has existed in every other major iteration of the series. The new magic system that gives you spells that vary for each character allows you to swap out spells once you gather more tomes for a degree of customization. However, doing away with the rune system hurts the game moreso then it helps it, it limits the customization that existed with the rune system in previous games and leaves you feeling cheated.
All in all there are a lot of things that scream that this isn't a Suikoden game, but overall it still ends up feeling like one once you progress through the story and get attached to the characters. Although I hope that our suikoden foundations of old come back in the next major game (hopefully not on a handheld) it is nice to see that the suikoden team is open to trying new things. The voice acting is pretty good once you get over the initial shock of the main character's voice actor and begin to see how he attempts to convey the character. Overall the game is very well put together and has an amazing story that would make me recommend this game to any rpg lover. If your a hardcore Suikoden fan... don't hate the game for being different, just hope this isn't how they intend to continue the series and enjoy the game.
