Suikoden II | Retrospective Review

Today I'm taking a look at Suikoden 2, Konami's classic RPG released on the PlayStation in 1999. For many years it has been commonly believed that the story for Suikoden 2 was actually written before the first game, but after finding conflicting accounts regarding this rumor, I decided to reach out to Yoshitaka Murayama (the series creator) to get some clarification on this point. Not only did he set the record straight, but provided some other great insight into how Suikoden 2 was made.
HUGE thank you to ZenmenZ for translating my emails with Mr. Murayama, and to Hian for helping me find his contact info as well as providing feedback on translations. This video would not have been possible without them.
Suikoden 1 Review: • Suikoden | Retrospecti...
Sources:
1. Emails With Mr. Murayama: docs.google.com/document/d/1T...
2. Game Informer Article: www.gameinformer.com/b/featur...
3. NeoGaf Forum: www.neogaf.com/threads/why-is...
4. The Untold History Of Japanese Game Developers: www.amazon.com/Untold-History...
5. Suikoden Revival Movement Interview #1: / 966367783459406
6. Suikoden Revival Movement Interview #2: / 619511931478328
7. Miki Higashino Profile: www.vgmonline.net/mikihigashino/
8. Miki Higashino Interview #1: web.archive.org/web/200809020...
9. Miki Higashino Interview #2: www.vgmonline.net/mikihigashin...
Join Our Discord Server: / discord
Patreon Page: / resonantarc
Twitch: / resonantarc
Twitter: @resonantarc
Facebook: / resonantarc

[@ResonantArc]

I just want to say thank you again to ZenmenZ for translating my emails with Mr. Murayama, and Hian for helping me get in contact with him. This video contains info on Suikoden 2's development that has never been seen before, so if you found it insightful please share and spread the word! Also, I have provided my sources in the video description, so if you'd like to read Mr. Murayama's response for yourself feel free to do so. Thanks for watching everyone!

[@enjirube1]

Resonant Arc great video and research! I would be interested to ask Muruyama San a hypothetical question as to what he would do if he could reboot the series and perhaps create a story that builds on Suikoden 1 and 2 and their worlds rather than moving it to a new area as he did with 3.

[@thefrozengoat]

what an awesome contribution to game history - thank you! I loved this game when I was younger, but I was so young that I don't remember much of it. I am going to give it another spin now.

[@jdtug8251]

I am amazed that you would put such a quality review with exclusive content for us fans out there where you yourself originally struggled to see what makes this game so special for us, from what I can see in your community feed. Mad props to you mate!

[@Handsomeartist]

This is unbelivable! Thank you for all this hard work it is very appreciate!

[@josephmarino310]

What is your thoughts on prince of persia 2008?

[@chrisjones4771]

That line about shaving years off his life hurts more than ever today. RIP Muriyama san and thank you for these classics.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

You actually went ahead and asked Muriyama and dispelled any rumors or false info. That's why any Resonant Arc review are worth the wait. Great work!

[@acidwizard6528]

These guys are serious about their RPG fandom and it shows. I wish they were able to make more frequent videos like they did in the past, but I'm sure there's a good reason for the slowdown in new content.

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

FYI: Suikoden 1 & 2 are getting a remaster!

[@mahikomajickku]

Sayonara Murayama san~ We are grateful for your creation of the best JPRG we played!

[@gacktsan1]

RIP Murayama an absolut legend and you Will be missed 😢

[@cronoesify]

Reaching out to the man himself to get answers on such a gem? Holy shit, dude. It drives me crazy how good you have been, and continue to grow and get better. Digging deeper, asking the questions, and producing top quality, in depth vids year after year. You guys keep rocking.

[@ResonantArc]

Thanks, cronoesify! It means a lot when people take the time to reach out. Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@ijbakhtawar2696]

@@ResonantArc resonant arc that is really awesome that they replied and answered, I know some japanese and wish I had a chance to do some work with you guys

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

FYI: Suikoden 1 & 2 are getting a remaster!

[@Kris95x]

Here after Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has been announced. Literally the new Suikoden! ❤️

[@1RacerXer]

Lets hope anyways! 🤞

[@SoggyShmuffin]

Newkoden

[@48cxy2]

WHAT!?

[@Kris95x]

@@48cxy2 Yesss It's true! Google it! :) Coming out October 2022!

[@48cxy2]

@@Kris95x YES!!! Looking forward to it in 2022🤩

[@dutchchairman]

Every few years when I'm feeling down, I pop in this game and spend maybe a week in it, going from start to finish. Finding all the stars, shedding tears at the same scene's, releasing a lot of anger at other scene's (screw you Gorudo) and at the end, I just feel better, like something heavy has been lifted from me.

[@Almedan2011]

I do the same propably played it about 22 times so far and still get the same joy every time

[@rickzantua7]

I can no longer count how many times I have played this game. This is also my very gateway into the world of RPG.

[@mo_musashi_284]

DutchChairMan very cool , I going to play through Suikoden and Suikoden 2 again soon.

[@StargazingCeres]

It's been 20 years now and that one Nanami scene hit me just as hard on my playthrough a few months ago as it did back then, even knowing how it all works out. Truly one of my favorite RPGs of all time.

[@OoogaBoog]

@@rickzantua7 Holy crap....the game is awesome enough, but Suikoden II was your entry into RPGs?!? Dude....you're screwed. Nothing will compare.

[@kelvinlee8919]

Even Luca Blight himself cannot unlike this video.

[@nakedbeekeeper9610]

Ah, the good old days when the Konami logo was a seal of quality. I remember picking up games based on that logo alone, and I was never disappointed.

[@ResonantArc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGeuZaJ3m61sd5Y

[@1989Zealot]

Suikoden and Vandel Hearts greatest games of all time.

[@rabbyd542]

Wasn't Azure Dreams also Konami?

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

FYI: Suikoden 1 & 2 are getting a remaster!

[@ericschauer5950]

@@rabbyd542 pretty sure it was boy I miss Azure dreams alot these days

[@bennybeck]

This game probably has the best sprite animations I’ve ever seen in a 2d game

[@AppericateGamer]

I do like look of legend of mana, ff6 and breath of fire 3 and 4 sprite animation in JRPG

[@nakedbeekeeper9610]

Indeed it's an easy contender, along with the SNK classics.

[@khdayskh1314]

Mother 3 is also a gem

[@Tenpouin]

It did impress the hell out of me back then as well. Picked the game totally at random

[@Guts_Brando]

Sotn, blasphemous

[@mo_musashi_284]

There should be a forum or something to let the Suikoden 2 staff know how you feel about this masterpiece and tell them your appreciation on their hard work.

[@LICOnlineteach]

no game in our current time has ever came close to my heart other than suikoden 2... gosh I miss this game

[@JanSuing]

Same.

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@Daniel-Unmeiten]

Same...i learned SOOO much from the game...cheesy but, is not a game anymore, is a part of me. I still playing it and always will.. (and even tho i keep telling myself to play more with different characters, i end up with the same party: nanami (sierra/ayda/ellie/tomo or tengaar), millie, mcdohl, camus and miklotov :V

[@sunrevolver]

Now I'm replaying this game in emulator.. Along with Chrono Trigger..

[@rabbyd542]

DQ 11 was up there for me

[@rjricasata6214]

Thank you for the Suikoden content, this is still one of my favorite RPGs of all time.

[@profoundpro]

That battle with Luca is one of the greatest boss fights of all time. When I think of villians that I loved to hate, Luca is the first one that pops in my head. "Die, pig!"

[@ResonantArc]

Loved that sequence. Amazing boss fight.

[@retrogeneric5687]

Yeah. I'm sometimes baffled why they placed such an epic battle and luca's death halfway through the game, but at the end of the day it worked just fine

[@galihjati443]

I still hate that guy.......

[@cedric7751]

@@galihjati443 Luca's backstory is actually a very tragic one. When he was young, he, his father and his mother got captured by ruffians of the state. His father used Luca and his wife as baits to escape alone, leaving his wife and child behind. Luca was beat up by the ruffians and his mother was raped in front of him before being rescued by Han Cunningham. Julia's birth is the result of the rape of Luca's mother, who committed suicide soon after giving birth. This was explained in one of the suikoden books (only available in Japanese) and i think it was also mentioned in one of the Suikoden gaiden.

[@michaeldychiao13]

Luca Blight is definitely a horrible person, but, in the end he ended up a pawn in Jowy and Leon Silverburg's bid for power. Although Luca is the obvious foil, Jowy I find is incredibly compelling as a villain. He's you on a different albeit more ruthless path.

[@JanSuing]

I can't help but feel sentimental each time someone talks about Suikoden II. It is such an important part of my teenage years. I will never forget it ever. One of the greatest games of all time.

[@user-zr8tf5ze2r]

I played it this year for the first time on psvita. So beautiful game. It has the magic of nostalgia. The best rpg i have ever played.

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@Zealyx]

Agreed! I had just started high school the month it released August 1999. I was busy with football and marching band so it took 14yr old me until almost November to earn enough money to buy it and FFVIII. $39.96 at the local Walmart and $14.95 for the strategy guide, some of the best spent money I have ever earned, and I absolutely fell in love with everything about it from story and gameplay to the epic musical score. In fact, I loved the music so much (and this is 99-00 mind you, I begged my parents to buy the import soundtrack of it and Chrono Cross for Christmas. They were so expensive, that I could only get Vol. 1 and I couldn't read a thing on the CD case, but it played just fine. I look up the going rate for Suikoden II and the strat guide from time to time, and I am very grateful I worked my teenager ass cutting firewood to get it like I had Suikoden I at the very beginning. It's in my Mt. Rushmore of video games always nand forever.

[@hian]

Knocked it out of the park. I think every retrospective you make manage to capture the melancholia of returning to stories that have impacted us deeply, and therein lies their greatest value. Once you've experienced a great story you can never truly get back your virgin response to it - the teacup is broken and you can't will it back together again. That being said, your reviews draws out and condense the core of those emotions, and allow me to remember the older me. They're a shortcut to the payoffs stored in my memories, with a side-dish of additional insights or perspectives that add new layers of appreciation to those cherrished memories. For that, I'll always be grateful. Never stop doing what you do, for you do it excellently.

[@faidou9954]

Still sucks that we might never get RPGs like this anymore...

[@nakedbeekeeper9610]

yep. Never again. Closest experience I can think of is Nier - not exactly and rpg - on Ps3 but it's still leaps and bounds behind in terms of scale and intensity. (and I played Automata, Eternal Sonata, Tales series, Xenoblade series, and the last two Dragon Quests )

[@mogwai_for_sale]

thankfully we already have more jrpgs like this than you could ever complete in a lifetime... the snes/ps1/ps2/psp/ds and to a lesser extent vita/3ds have TONS of quality jrpgs that you can play... and they are better than anything (from the genre) that has come out in the ps3/ps4 era for the most part. so what does it matter if we don't get games like suikoden 2 anymore? there are at least 200+ quality jrpgs waiting to be played but i doubt you have the time anyways :D

[@faidou9954]

@@mogwai_for_sale well, Trails of Cold Steel does have Suikoden vibes.

[@mogwai_for_sale]

@@faidou9954 personally, i have given up on moden jrpgs since they don't appeal to me... there are a few exceptions such as persona 5 etc... but generally speaking, i play jrpgs from the the period prior to the ps3 era (as that is when they started to go downhill in more ways than one). what i miss most about "clssic" jrpg's though is the mature storytelling and quality music... that has greatly been lost with modern jrpg's, especially when it comes to the generic anime tropes and pedestrian writing. it is as lazy as it gets. again, there are a few exceptions to this critcism i am making, but you can clearly see a dip in quality beginning in the ps2 era when it comes to home console jrpg's... most of the good ones made their way to handhelds before eventually falling by the wayside -- we got an onslaught of games from the tales series in addition to smaller budget jrpg's that pander to anime fans first and foremost. even though i consider myself an anime fan, the stories we typically get in jrpg's today is "bad" anime with little to no redeeming qualities.

[@hian]

@@mogwai_for_sale There's a theory I hear kicked around here in Japan a lot which is an idea of "storytelling entropy". Simply put, the reason you see this weird decline into a kind of compounded or crystallized form of "anime trope writing" is because when the medium was young you had young hopefully storytellers taking inspiration largely from the movies, books and bed-time stories they grew up with (IE storytelling backed by some level of media and art literacy), you now get content creators tracing those works again rather than the source, which not only slowly "fades the print" as it were, but centralizes the stories around a few concepts and tropes that have proven successful. It's like feeding a drawing through a copy machine, then copying the copy, then copying the copy of the copy etc. Ultimately, the nuances and finer details are lost, and only the blurred outline and the strongest colours remain. A work like Xenogears was based in a lot of literary, academic and religious works. Now imagine copying Xenogears without knowing those works, and then somebody else copying that again. It's bound to lose both essence and quality over time.

[@garrtrigger]

This game was my childhood. Helped me survive years of bullying and solitude. Hope it makes a comeback soon!

[@matinazadeh6870]

We're with you mate

[@tazmanceltic]

@@matinazadeh6870 the community on this channel is amazing

[@Cordellium]

This was such a thoughtful review with more details and information brought to light than any other on Suikoden II that I've heard. Thank you for making this video Resonant and the others involved. Truly a wonderful reflection on this classic.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

FYI: Suikoden 1 & 2 are getting a remaster!

[@FilmonGEMZ]

Who's here because of the ReMaster Announcement?!

[@nakedbeekeeper9610]

Thank you for this retrospective it brought up so many warm memories of my teenage years. Hearing that orchestral intro and seeing part of that fmv brought tears to my eyes.

[@robthebobz]

God I love the Suikoden games. I remember reading about the 1st in CVG magazine before it was released, then buying it straight away on release. I loved it so much, and immediately got Suikoden 2 when that was released. Being in the UK we missed out on 3, even though I imported the US edition and tried fruitlessly to get it to play on my pal ps2 to no avail. I bought 4, 5 and Tactics too when they were released. I still have my collection, even though its worth alot of money it's worth so much more to me, so I wouldn't sell it. Parts 1 & 2 are without a doubt my favourites, the music, the characters, the lore, the story, the gameplay just all came together. Suikoden remains to this day my favourite game of all time - I don't think it will ever change. I love watching videos about the games, thank you so much for this insightful review.

[@PratzStrike]

This game is still the gold standard for JRPGs for me. Nothing else has ever come close. In a time period where when I said 'RPG' people thought I was thinking of Final Fantasy, or even Breath of Fire or possibly even Dragon Quest, Suikoden II was always on the tip of my tongue.

[@Alhapra]

It's so underrated 😢

[@tylerclark7787]

To be fair games like Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Phantasy Star etc, are the reason Suikoden exists.

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@michellekristolia3758]

I'm really happy to see more people playing and talking about this specific title.. I get goosebumps whenever I remember a scene of it, it really touched my heart and I simply cannot change it's position as my top #1 jrpg no matter how many games i played afterwards

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@jagatheeldest5786]

I've been retro gaming since the lockdown...playing classics I missed over the years. This game by far has been my greatest find. Absolutely amazing title. Omega Army for life!

[@hupyrbyut4746]

Resonant Arc, thank you for such wonderful content. I love these mini-doc reviews. You do a fantastic job. Keep it up!

[@Bacher108]

This is a great video. Well done. I will always remember this game because of my best friend who is no longer with us. We loved to play JRPG's together, sometimes with 2 TV's in the same room. Suikoden 2 was probably his favorite and I remember looking over at his screen while he was in a major battle or an epic scene. Such fond memories. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@Kamuyy]

Thank you for this video. You always put well-researched and well-edited videos and to have one on my favorite game of all time is amazing. I learned a lot of new information and getting some info about Miki Higashino’s music made me love the OST even more. It was in your Suikoden 1 video where you talked about a piece of music, that when heard, can transport people into a certain place and time, and Suikoden 2’s music does that for me. It really is one of my favorite soundtracks up to today.

[@Vanz_games]

This has to be the most in depth review I've ever seen, and the fact that it's about my favorite game of all times makes me extremely happy. Thank you for putting so much effort Mike, Resonant Arc keeps on delivering the best content to date in terms of breaking down story based media. You guys rock!

[@Uaitdevil]

i can't deny that seeing characters, hearing music and remembering parts from the story made me tear up a bit. i played tons and tons of rpgs, but, oh boy... suikoden 2 was so good that everytime i think about it, i'd really want to hug every one of the developers involved, in particular to Higashino-san

[@thoseshitufind9256]

Im so glad & blessed to have come across this channel. Your choice of words and the way you reviewed those games are......insanely well structured & beautifully presented. good job.

[@Jimmy-ph8xn]

Hearing this music again stirs many memories for me. I found the story to be quite an adventure and heart wrenching the first time I played it in my youth. It pains me now to know that some of the creators suffered so greatly to produce something so beautiful.

[@edcap8029]

Miki Higashino's composition is one of my fave. I often play the game in an emulator just to hear the soundtrack. The Greenhill theme is my fave, and Neclord's theme a very close second. :)

[@1DarkCloud1]

We are getting a final fantasy 7 remake after so many years of praying. Now it’s time for a new Suikoden game! Absolute masterpiece!

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@xainudin108]

Great video! Suikoden II holds a special place in my heart, and your retrospective review captured the essence of the game beautifully. It's fascinating to learn about the origins of the story and how it ties into the overall experience. Keep up the fantastic work, looking forward to more content like this from you!

[@rjsmangitruns]

This is the first review I've ever watched from you and I'm blown away. I'll definitely be looking into more of your reviews. Amazing work!

[@kharismas6825]

This rpg is timeless. I loved it in the past, I love it now, and I'll love it in the future.

[@Namorat]

Just another addition (perhaps good for the youtube algorithm): The German translation is even worse. Almost the whole of Gregminster isn't in German (or English), but French... And some of the most emotional scenes are botched by repeating a previous line... And I still love the game so much despite its flaws.

[@the8wave]

I’d just like to say how clear it is of how much work you put into these Retrospect videos and how enjoyable and informative they are. Honestly it reminds me of ClanOftheGrayWolf’s 16 bit gems (quite an old video series). Good job

[@Ruko]

Excellent work guys, this Retrospectives are always so well made. Props for actually contacting Murayama to clear out those rumors. Btw seeing the spritework again i really wish we could've gotten a FF like this back then, like maybe VII and then do the switch for VIII.

[@ronniechan8035]

you did a great job on doing a review for this massively underrated but so beautiful game. it's the game that will makes you feel and experience everything that the rpg can offer before. this is my first ps1 game and probably the best for me.

[@FerreroMan]

I played this game in 2009, I was 17 and I absolutely loved every bit of it, my favorite RPG ever!

[@Cincelia]

this is a fantastic video and all the work and effort in actually asking Muriyama that went into it this is so impressiv, I love this so much

[@JustADancerOnFire]

Holy Moly Mike! Thanks for such a strong retrospective on the game. Always love the content!

[@renancza]

I am a massage therapist, and one of my relaxation playlists has some of the music from this game.

[@kelvinlee8919]

well.. good choice!

[@alvinchua6284]

You have great taste.👍

[@rabbyd542]

That's really cool

[@Cecilkw]

I have played a lot of games in my life. This is the best game I have ever played in my life. My favorite.

[@owlwolf4043]

Had very little knowledge of this franchise until you covered it. My love for JRPGs has been vastly re-emerging recently and am more than excited to play this classic because of the quality and heart behind this review. And now, with Eiyuden Chronicle on its way, I'm honored and ecstatic to be part of the process of making a game in a genre I adore dearly.

[@gregr28]

Thank you so much for this retrospective and the interviews on the greatest JRPG ever made. That was some great knowledge to get!

[@djblaklite]

your videos are crafted in excellence good sir. i love them all.

[@lionheart2639]

Man that final image really hits you how jowy is waiting for you. I would much prefer the one where the 3 of them set off on a journey but jowy image is powerfully enough to make a person feel nostalgic and sad

[@meizanmestech]

This is a very good video. I search for Suikoden to learn more since there's a spritual successor coming. While watching this video, i have strong urge to play a game i never heard of 10 minutes ago. Great job. Excellent work.

[@Kanoa99]

Thanks for the nostalgia fix, I get goosebumps whenever a piece of ost begins throughout the video, tonight's gonna be a good night sleep :)

[@TowerBooks3192]

Best game ever. That Luca Blight fight was intense. I just wish Konami will rerelease the series on the Switch.

[@farhanmuzaki6364]

Why there is tear in my eyes? Damn its so f touching

[@tainasmc]

Wow great video! I remember that I spent so many hours just pacing around the castle and noticing the changes. Everything about this game made an impact on my life, the story, the characters, the different kind of battles. I was born in Brazil so the the plot was a bit hard for me to understand, so me and my cousins would spend hours on the internet searching translations. This game means so much to me and I can't even describe the many emotions I have experienced while playing this game. It is sad that the developer team suffered so much during the elaboration of the game. Nowadays we talk more about this topic but I believe the conditions didn't improve all that much.

[@TheSpectacledOwl]

Fantastic episode. The effort and quality you put into your videos is more than admirable - they are a breath of fresh air, especially in today’s world. Kudos.

[@Senyuno]

4:30 And it was such a tragedy when SIII and especially SIV felt like an artistic DOWNGRADE because of their smoothness, their expressionlessness, and the loss of just overall stunning art the game was known for.

[@usaskjock]

I had to stop playing Suikoden III because it was so fucking ugly

[@chietattoos]

A REMAKE THAT EVERY 90'S GAMER NEED!

[@23Scadu]

What would be the point of a remake? Suikoden II is pretty much perfect as it is. I certainly wouldn't want it in 3D, and higher resolution graphics would add nothing of value. Maybe a touch-up on the translation, but that's it.

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@caaltaes732]

A collection would be better

[@rockk9753]

I want an ogre battle remake

[@sunrevolver]

Yes I too would love to have Suikoden remake.. Another would be Chrono Trigger..

[@jony2786]

Thank you so much! The insights into the effort on the story, character development and soundtrack are invaluable.

[@aozgolo]

One of the really cool things you can do in Suikoden II is right at the beginning during the prologue you have an option to run from your pursuers or fight them, you are meant to run as this is the only way to progress the story, however if you choose to not run a total of 108 times and repeat the early battle then the opening flashback cutscene is actually in color instead of Sepia. Such a cool little easter egg.

[@Namorat]

Man, I love this game... Got one of my tattoos from this series and I met some awesome people thanks to it.

[@LucaBlight_7]

this brought tears to my eyes. the nostalgia is too strong

[@Thallod]

DIE PIG!!!!!

[@LucaBlight_7]

@@Thallod I am sublime! I am the true face of evil!!

[@andresuharman4961]

Victor: Bah, You're still alive?

[@fannyramadhan21]

I am enjoying the video huge thanks to for Resonant arc,ZenmenZ,and Mr.Murayama(writer suikoden best scenario) feels great having news to murayama about suikoden 2!

[@thyagobrod]

Thank you so much for this video. So humbling.

[@alvin081988]

Everything in this game is likeable ....The Characters, Villains, Story and most of all is the Music

[@EthanLesley]

Everyone I know pronounces Jowy as Joey, and this review is putting my life under question.

[@didgeridont4918]

Marvellous video. Keep it up! The extent you went to show your appreciation of this game is really inspiring.

[@LotusBlade27]

Thank you for taking the time for this in depth review. Suikoden II is my favourite JRPG of all time, and I always say that if I were to play just one JRPG in my lifetime, it would be Suikoden II. Thank you. so much.

[@Mugenmush]

The music in the intro gives me goosebumps and gets me a little choked up even to this day. Suikoden II is my favorite RPG of all time and I can't foresee that changing anytime soon. While not really a criticism, I wish you had gone into more detail about the relationship between Riou and Jowy and how that evolves/plays out over the course of the game. SOME SPOILERS AHEAD: For me, a major part of what makes the game special is how the game plays with the player's expectations of an antagonist - here you have a character that's every bit as brutal and maniacal as Kefka (or take your pick of any famous JRPG villain) and, while admittedly shocking, is extremely one-note. I kindof hate villains that are "evil because evil". It's just not very interesting or particularly believable. There's not even a hint of empathy to be found there. They're like a force of nature. So many games have taken this approach, some with more flair than others, but the evil because evil villain isn't particularly novel. But Suikoden II does something different. It kills that villain... but then the game keeps going. Now you have a new character that fills that role that's very different from Luca. He's not evil because evil, he's doing what he thinks is right but that puts him at odds with you and yours. You can understand _why_ he's doing what he's doing, even if you disagree, even if it's misguided. The same could be said for a number of the characters under his command, and it gives some of the ending moments a very bittersweet quality. They're doing what they see as the best course of action for their people, but those plans and yours are diametrically opposed. It's easy to see how, from their perspective, _you're the villain_ . But you're the victor, and history is written by the victors. It's a great take on the horrors of civil war, the death of innocence, and lifelong friendship. It's a simultaneously brutal, beautiful, emotionally draining and exhilarating story. I try to proselytize on this game's behalf any opportunity I get, and it's difficult to explain what makes it so special without delving into spoilers, but the evolution of Riou and Jowy over the course of the game, their narrative arc, is something truly special.

[@SonGokuroth]

I agree with the Riou and Joey analysis. Unfortunately the reviewer did not get the concept behind Suikoden 2 and therefore didn’t like the game. He’s too much into the technicalities and nitpicks every little detail instead of feeling the experience of the game if you know what I mean.

[@Daniel-Unmeiten]

i can feel your love for this game...i love it too...riou and jowy,friendship/enmity, then friendship again...paths, decisions, really big consequences, and the maturity to face them...no other game or tale have this epic and emotional story..i can even tell that just a few movies out there can compare to the story of suiko 2

[@docholidayproductions]

Suikoden 2 is the G.O.A.T of rpg games.

[@ordep2pucci]

This is my favorite game of all time. It´s been ages since I heard somebody talking about it. Brings so much memories. Thank you for that review, it really touch me. Dont really have words to describe it...

[@davidemanrus4582]

Always look forward to these reviews!

[@aboller319]

RIP Murayama-sensei

[@AdeptScholar]

Unquestionably my favorite r.p.g. on the system. For those who haven't played it, be sure and play the first one beforehand to get the most out of the experience.

[@thunter992]

Waited a while for this. Thank you

[@tHeWasTeDYouTh]

Thanks for this video. Plan on buying this game again and playing with my brother after Thanksgiving. It has been almost 20 years since the both of us played this game together.

[@KoroDono]

This is such a beautiful comprehensive review for S2. Thank you for the time and care you put into making this and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on other games down the road. Are you considering delving into the other three from the main series by chance?

[@ResonantArc]

Thanks, Hannah! I don't have immediate plans to move on to Suikoden 3, but I'm sure I will get there eventually. My guess is Patreon will vote for something like Golden Sun, Grandia, or Secret of Mana next.

[@KoroDono]

@@ResonantArc That's understandable and honestly, hearing about those would be great as well :3

[@The810kid]

This game is one of the best RPG's I've ever played and I loved the politics and the rag tag group of hero's becoming a nation state.

[@zeldrich]

Amazing content as always! like the underappreciated composer of suikoden 2 i feel like your reviews don't get the attention they deserve. It's really obvious how much work is put into your videos. Love your content! Keep it up.

[@bennieblanks5129]

This was really fantastic work, man. It would have been easy to simply regurgitate the accepted narrative about the game's development, but you went the extra mile and taught me something new about one of my favorite titles. This says a lot about the time and care you invest into these reviews. The result was the finest video I've seen about Suikoden II on KZbin. Thank you. Definitely subscribed.

[@hadoo1973]

How do we get a Switch release of Suikoden 1 and 2? I need this to happen.

[@5wombnuggets531]

hadoo 1 I’ve been saying this too!

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@Rich12345620]

Great review! I hate hearing though how developers personal lives suffered so much to give us these masterpieces. Personal loss because of an arts project is something I know all too well and unless you work in the industry sadly you won’t ever understand this. Yes it was their passion and child but they still have their right to live their lives as they see fit. What makes it all worthwhile is “thank you” because people will know that their hard work was worth t. Yes I do know that some projects aren’t as demanding as this one and even then do the same just say thank you to developers. It makes it all worth it!

[@greggthereaper321]

Thank you for highlighting this hidden gem of the ps1 era. This game has had a large part in shaping my early gaming experiences, and the music remains my favourite OST of any game. In the Oceanic area, this game is even more rare than the rest of the West, and it feels very validating to have such an in depth review of the game :)

[@Tostigroover]

Awesome stuff. If this video is anything to go by, I dig your new approach to retrospective reviews with a more in-depth look into classic (role-playing) games. This way, the review feels educational and informative while still also going into the subjective stuff--what makes the game awesome to a lot of its fans. Also, hearing A Bustling Town (4:35) really brings a smile to my face. Well, time to watch this again.

[@castlevania82]

Best RPG I have EVER played and to this day still the best!!!!!!!

[@cal5750]

5:50 A developer who actually listens and respects what the fans want out of the series? It's a far different time now... lol

[@TakeShinoh]

Hey guys, if you didn't know, Murayama-san and his team are developing a spiritual successor of Suikoden II, go check Eiyuden Chronicles on Kickstarter ! ;) www.kickstarter.com/projects/rabbitandbearstudios/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes/description

[@cliveygames]

True af

[@pablocodazzi8990]

Excellent review! GS2 is my favourite game in the world. Like you say, is the kind of game that has a huge formative value on his players. I feel it that way at least. Thanks for this!

[@MooseheadStudios]

Great vid. A wonderful game in every way. The music still gives chills.

[@madscientist916]

Luca Blight would fit in very easily in the Berserk series, they definitely upped his menace and sadism.

[@megamike15]

when you look at him compared to other jrpg villains he stands out. no magical powers he is just a man thats hard to kill.

[@killerzombies96]

pretty similar to a certain Dynasty Warrior character....Lu Bu... *gasp* oh wait!!! Lu Bu!!...Luca Blight!? coincidence????

[@DragonoftheDarknessFlame]

I literally just got the game yesterday and this appeared in my recommended. I'm scared Google is stalking me. Also, playing it believe the sprites still hold up today and the game has surprisingly great animations

[@fugamantew]

Best Retrospect (perhaps the ONLY one) that pays tribute to this game on a professional level. So glad this content exist on KZbin for posteriority-thanks for the hard-work Resonant Arc.

[@Rhapthorne3]

The hard work and dedication of all the people involved paid off...it is to this day, my favorite game of all time! Thank you for an amazing journey to all the people who made this game!

[@derekspradling7452]

wow. I actually feel bad for never hearing of these games! For the amount of effort and how enticing they are in graphics, art style, music, story, and gameplay!

[@ericschauer5950]

Well at least now you have and Konami is releasing a remastered 1and 2 plus eiyuden chronicles hundred heros is coming out sometime next year and it was made by most of the original team

[@dddedddd]

I see suikoden II, I clicked like immediately..

[@kelvinlee8919]

But you're not a simple man. You're a worthy person ;)

[@rich4469]

Easily one of my all time favorites. I just started playing it again this past weekend in fact. I also got the spelling of my daughters name from this game. Coincidentally, she started choir classes at the beginning of the school year. Your reviews are always excellent, and this one is certainly no exception. Well done sir.

[@Enidx10]

Just replayed the game recently and the fight sequence with Luca Blight still packs one hell of a punch and sends chills literally all over my body. Even after so many years, the impact is still so strong, and I was looking forward to putting him down once again. Even as a child, the story has been so memorable and the music and sprite work/animations is unrivaled. Truly one of the best games ever developed.

[@kappamiye]

"With more towns and a longer story comes the need for more music" Now that's a good advice for Dragon Quest XI

[@jus4000kicks]

Maybe. I do agree but from what I understand Dragon Quest XI is supposed to be a celebration of the series plus the composer is really old now. I wonder if he's even able to compose at this point.

[@kappamiye]

@@jus4000kicks I wouldn't have minded old city themes from other games to give more variety. I just felt they in many town, the music wasn't the right one and it just killed the immersion. I just love DQXI and the only thing that is bad for me in the game is the music. I don't care about the quality and all that MIDI soundtrack scandal but I need variety in a game that I play for around 100 hours.

[@burnmybread4985]

Konami should just be like Capcom and let another studio/Dev team develop their IP's. Better than just letting them die.

[@chrisv9866]

Konami has a tendency to outsource development of games to low cost indie companies with a very small handfull of games under their belt. For example, they kept giving Silent Hill to companies that have only made 1 or 2 mobile games

[@LightFykki]

One of the best retrospectives on this game, great job! I agree with Luca Blight, it is amazing what they managed to do with that character. You learn to despise him and then when you finally get the chance to confront him it turns into the most difficult part of the game. And then, finally, after he is defeat you think that the game will soon end since the main source of all the trouble is now destroyed, but actually there is much more to be done.

[@rlphjstnperalta]

I just finished my playthrough yesterday. I remember playing this game during my childhood. Played it twice or thrice but never got to finish it, mainly due to my stupid memory card being corrupted! (Cried so much when that happened. I still remember it so clearly.) In both times I ended with beating Luca Blight (so I guess that was the ending when I was a child.) I am so happy i found time now to give it another go. Brought so much nostalgia and now I actually got to experience (and finish) the story as an adult and actually better understand the story and motivations of the characters (and taste buds in the cooking contest). Now i can truly say that Suikoden II is one of my favorite games ever. :)