The Suikoden series was first launched in 1996 in the west and quickly gained a cult following among Japanese RPG fans. While it never achieved the global status of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, the series stood out among its rivals. The stories are grounded tales of war, similar to Konami's classic SRPG series Vandal Hearts. The narratives in the games are based on the 14th Century Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, which also dealt with similar themes.
The reason why fans are excited to see the series return after a decade of absence is the amount of lore and depth to discover and the overarching stories. Thankfully, Konami plans to keep making more Suikoden games. Even though each title stands alone, there are connections through different periods in the timeline, returning characters, and even a multiverse. This list ranks the series from worst to best. However, even the worst in the series is worth playing.
Updated September 25, 2022, by Michael Llewellyn: The Tokyo Gameshow announcement of Suikoden 1 and 2 getting a remaster is a dream come true for fans. It also makes the games more accessible for JRPG fans that don't want to part with hundreds of dollars to play the PS1 originals. The remasters will feature upgraded HD visuals, fast-forward mechanics, and other quality-of-life improvements. This list has been updated to include more clarity on each title and the platform they are available to play before the remasters launch.
7 Suikoden 4
- Launch date: 2005
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: PS2 and PSN for the PS3
Launched for the PlayStation 2 in 2005, Suikoden 4 is a prequel set 150 years before the first game in the series. Unfortunately, it is generally looked upon by fans as the weakest title in the series. The frequency of the random battles and long sailing sections added frustration for those that played it.
Yet, even as the weakest entry in terms of its gameplay, Suikoden 4 has a strong cast of personalities with excellent character development. Special mention would have to go to the character Snowe, whose character arc completely steals the show. Suikoden 4 would benefit from a modern remaster with quality-of-life features like added speed and reduced random battles.
6 Suikoden Tactics
- Launch date: 2005
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: PS2
Suikoden Tactics launched several months after the fourth entry in 2005 on the PlayStation 2. It is a tactical RPG similar to Konami’s Vandal Hearts series. Although not as complex as Final Fantasy: Tactics and Tactics Ogre, Suikoden Tactics is still a solid entry in the tactics genre and is more accessible. However, the game can be unforgiving and challenging on the battlefield as the enemy levels scale to the protagonist.
Suikoden Tactics is both a prequel and a sequel to Suikoden 4 and fleshes out the overall narrative, giving the fourth entry some much-needed world-building. Suikoden Tactics is an excellent tactical RPG, but it is a companion piece for Suikoden 4 and should be played together with the fourth title to enjoy it properly.
5 Suikoden Tiekreis
- Launch date: 2009
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: Nintendo DS
Launched exclusively on the DS, Suikoden Tierkreis is a spin-off to the numbered mainline series. It is set in a parallel universe, expanding upon the alternate dimensions mentioned in the mainline entries. Interdimensional characters like Viki, Yuber, and Pesmerga already touched upon this theme, but Tiekris takes the concept of infinity even further.
Sadly, the RPG went under the radar at the time, which is a shame because the writing and character development are top-notch. It was only let down slightly by the English voice cast, but it still holds up as one of the best in its genre on the RPG-rich Nintendo DS.
4 Suikoden
- Launch date: 1996
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: PC, PS3, PSP, PS Vita, and Sega Saturn
The first entry in the epic Suikoden series was launched on the PlayStation in 1996 and the Sega Saturn and PC in 1998. Despite its launch across several systems, Suikoden—and Suikoden 2—had a limited print and have become notoriously expensive to purchase second-hand.
Even though it's showing its age, Suikoden's excellent writing and great supporting characters stand the test of time. The mature take on politics, war, friendship, and loss still hits the mark more than two decades later. Suikoden is not a long game and should be played together with Suikoden 2. There are connections between the games, returning characters, and a save transfer feature to unlock content in the second game. The outdated mechanics, however, are being addressed with the Suikoden 1 and 2 remasters, so it may be worth waiting for their launch in 2023.
3 Suikoden 3
- Launch date: 2002
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: PS2 and PSN for the PS3
Suikoden 3 was the first game in the series to use fully 3D characters and environments. It was also a departure for the series by featuring three main protagonists using the Trinity Sight System. This mechanic allows you two switch between three protagonists experiencing the conflict through their eyes. It gives it an almost Game of Thrones feel by having multiple narratives coming together to make the world vaster.
In addition to the three main characters, there are three more optional characters that one can access to further flesh out the narrative. Moreover, Suikoden 3 has one of the best opening anime intros ever and fantastic music. Suikoden 3's world-building, interconnected storylines, and allusions to Suikoden 2 mean it still stands as one of the best in the genre.
2 Suikoden 5
- Launch date: 2006
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: PS2
Suikoden 5 launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2006. It was the final entry in the mainline series and is celebrated as one of the top two games in the Suikoden series. Set 6 years before the first game, Suikoden 5 centers on the Prince of Falena, a young man caught in the middle of a political feud between noble families.
This entry is a slow burn in the beginning and takes a bit of time to develop its characters and the backstory. The payoff is worth it, and those who enjoy a deep, politically driven storyline will love Suikoden 5. The music is on par with the Suikoden's best, and the town themes will likely stay with you for a long time.
1 Suikoden 2
- Launch date: 1999
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: PS1, PSN for the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita,
Suikoden 2 is a favorite for fans of the series and is considered by many to be a landmark game in the genre in terms of storytelling and character development. At first glance, it may not seem much of a leap from the first game, but those that play the games back-to-back will see significant improvements.
The game has beautifully rendered towns and villages populated with colorful characters and NPCs. Suikoden 2’s mature storyline builds on the themes of its predecessor and takes the concept even further with its coming-of-age qualities. It also features one of the greatest antagonists of all time in Luca Blight, a villain who is evil personified. His actions are despicable and unforgivable, but Blight has a comprehensive and well-written backstory to provide gamers with an insight into what created such a monster.