Suikoden IV.(evaluation of video game)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)

PS2 * Konami * Fall 2004

This fourth installment finds Konami's flagship RPG franchise at a crossroads. Back on PS1, Konami's distinctly old-school Suikoden series lurked beneath the radar of most mainstream RPG buyers. (Though they're paying the price now...just try to find a copy of Suikoden II on eBay for less than $100). Recently, Suikoden III (PS2) garnered new fans, thanks to its better-late-than-never 3D visuals, but it actually managed to turn off series vets with its confusing interlocking scenarios and tedious pacing. Thankfully, Suikoden IV appears poised to combine what was great about the old games with what fans expect from a modern role-playing epic. …