Suikoden Tactics -- Initial Opinion.

It's back to the PlayStarion 2 and back to Suikoden for my next game. Suikoden Tactics is an offshoot of the series proper. It's a turn-based strategy RPG. The game takes place in and around the time of Suikoden IV. It's so connected to Suikoden IV that it uses the completed save file from the game. Suikoden Tactics starts off with Snowe and the hero of Suikoden IV as children late at night in the back streets of Razril. That was something I wasn't expecting. I have played through the first three battles of the game and what's clear is just how much someone would miss out on not having played Suikoden IV before Suikoden Tactics. What's also clear is the game uses a cel-shaded graphic style that's very different from that of Suikoden IV. It's cool to see such a different graphic take on the characters and locations of Suikoden IV. The game employs an elemental system that might take some getting used to. I'm not sure at this point if I'm going to like it. Those wacky Japanese can't just do something traditionally, they have to add some system into the works. However at this point in the game, I'm definitely intrigued by such a strong Suikoden IV connection and I'm interested to see where it all goes.