Suikoden 4

So I think I finally figured out why Suikoden 4 hasn't been as fun for me as Suikoden 1, 2 and 3.

Basically, the game play and character recruitment so entirely overshadows the story, I really have no idea (or even interest) in what the plot of the game seems to be. The plot tidbits just seem to be spread so sparsely and so much time ends up passing between them as you run around and explore and recruit more of the 108 Stars of Destiny that you are almost surprised when the next one shows up and you get told to go fight a battle somewhere again.

Plus, while I usually enjoy naval stuff, in this case the travel between places by boat just is dull. Largely because the scenery never changes ( the ocean is pretty monotonous to watch ) and the random battles that occur have remarkably little variety for opponents.

I really really really want to like this game, and I know I am going to grit my teeth and finish it just to see the ending ( and get the completion save so I can carry storybits on to Suikoden 5 and Suikoden Tactics ) but gyah... Really can't recommend it.

Wonderful series, but pick up Suikoden 3 ( or even better, the old Playstation Suikoden 2 ) and see if you like those as an entry to the series instead.