Suikoden Team Q&A

[Julian]

Suikoden Tierkreis came out a little while back, and to promote the game the Suikoden Team let suikox.com and suikosource.com (basically the two main suikoden websites) pick 20 questions to send to them to have them answered.

Basically very similar to what Bercus did a while back for FFXI, and the answers are just as disappointing as Square's! (surprise surprise)

Anyway, sources:
Suikosource: Your Source for Suikoden - Suikosource

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Suikoden Team Q&A
For the release of Suikoden Tierkreis, the Suikoden team at Konami (via Konami of America) agreed to answer some questions from fans. We asked you for questions, and compiled twenty of the best ones from the forum. Thirteen came back with answers. Here they are.

1. Will Suikoden II make it to the PSN as Suikoden I did?

We definitely hope so as it provides a great chance for old and new fans of the series to experience on of the original games in the series but unfortunately nothing can be confirmed at the moment.

2. Will a non-promotional compilation of Suikoden songs finally be released commercially outside of Japan?

After hearing the many voices and requests of our customers and fans, we are looking into all of these options in the future.

3. Why do not you expand and complement the Suikoden plot with an anime series? The Japanese market has been shown strong interest in printed and mobile comics since the release of Suikoden V. Moreover, many Suikoden fans loved the anime introductions in Suikoden III and the gaidens.

We are considering many of these kinds of developments for future promotions.

4. Has any thought been given to licensing graphics/rendering engines used in other RPGs to decrease the cost of a full console version of a Suikoden game? Square Enix's multiplatform "Crystal Tools" engine, used for Final Fantasy XIII, and Sega's "CANVAS" engine, used for Valkyria Chronicles, are two that immediately come to mind. Anyone who has seen Valkyria Chronicles in action should see the visual possibilities of a Suikoden game built on the CANVAS engine.

We’d like to use a detailed graphic engine to express the world of Suikoden, but without it being prepossessed, whether it is in Konami or outside.

5. I'd be interested to know if the current writing team are sticking to any plotlines (I.E. The Pesmerga/Yuber mystery, Hikusaak's status, post-Suikoden III developments, etc.) laid out by Murayama when he was in charge, or if the answers to these questions have even been decided already or not, by Murayama or otherwise.

We try to never ignore the former series and we have various ideas on the story developments after Tierkreis that may reveal answers to certain questions but we can’t get into any details at the this time.

6. I noticed you've brought new composers to join Norikazu Miura in creating the sounds for Suikoden Tierkreis, but not Miki Higashino despite the team hinting at wanting to bring her back. Any immediate plan for this, like in the next game?

Ms. Higashino is working freelance now, so there is a possibility.

7. Suikoden Tierkreis may be a spin-off, and a handful of fans may wish it be forgotten from the rest of the series, I think it also brings interesting elements to the series. I've played the game and see virtually no linkage to the main series despite the production team claiming that this is set in a parallel dimension. So, any plans to link Tierkreis' plot back to the future installment in the main series?

There isn’t a direct connection to the former series, but Suikoden Tierkreis and the former series both are on the same "Infinity." In Tierkreis, we focused the "Infinity" concept, so we could look at whole Suikoden worlds, and developed a completely new story from there. This is because we wanted to expand new "Gateways" and new "Possibility" for the future of Suikoden. It’s a bit too early to say exactly how the series will progress but please look forward to future announcements.

8. If money and other business issues were not present, would you rather develop new locations/worlds with minimal connection to the previous Suikoden areas, or stick to expanding previously known settings?

As a developer, we enjoy creating new stories, and we think Tierkreis is a great new story in the Suikoden universe.

9. What is the thoughts on sprites used in Suikoden? A lot of people said that the series went downhill after Suikoden II mostly due to the game becoming 3D and no longer having the same feel in terms of art. And how do the developers feel about people ripping the sprites of the old games?

It’s important to consider the trends in the market, the platforms’ capacity, and which method is most appropriate to express a view into the world of Suikoden. On this point, I think the former games chose the proper platforms to push the limits of the time, and Tierkreis also challenges the limits of the DS platform.

10. The Narcissist characters have been decreasing in importance throughout the Suikoden series (one of the two narcissist characters, Milich Oppenheimer being a primary character in Suikoden I, Suikoden V having only a single unimportant female narcissist, and no narcissist character present in Suikoden Tierkries). We often find their presence to be an original aspect to the series and often also welcome splash of color and comic relief. Do you plan on reintroducing prominent narcissists into future titles?

Thank you for your interesting opinion, we will consider this in future development of Suikoden games.

11. The trinity sight system from Suikoden III received rave reviews from critics in the past due to its originality and depth of story line. Do you plan on using multi-perspective story telling in any future Suikoden games?

We are planning many different appropriate methods to tell the story of Suikoden, not only Trinity system.

12. Branching dialogue choices have been a part of Suikoden since the early games in the series. It is refreshing not to be limited to too many "But thou must" dialogue loops created from false choices. Besides the ability to recruit or miss the 108 stars, there are other examples such as in Suikoden V when we saw a behind the scenes "likeable points" system which made choices have impact on future cinematics. Are there any plans to build upon this flexible and interactive system in future Suikoden titles?

Tierkreis has the largest amount of choices in the Suikoden series, and also has a "friendship point" system, which is different from Suikoden V. That parameter is important to express the differences in unique characters of a group. We are always trying to develop new things to make enjoyable games.

13. Suikoden IV and Tactics are, generally, not esteemed as highly as the rest of the series, but most players agree that they had many good ideas. Has any thought been given to extracting gameplay mechanics that were thought to have 'worked' in those games, and applying them to other Suikoden games? For instance, the tailor system from Suikoden IV, or the isometric grid-battle system (which could be used for moving battalions in war battles) from Suikoden Tactics.

We’re not looking to remake the previous Suikoden games at this point, as we’d like to provide new experiences that appeal to both long time fans of the series and people that have never player a Suikoden game before.

Suikox: Suikox.com - A Suikoden Fansite

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After suikox.com asked Konami 20 questions, Konami has sent me a reply to 12 of them, so take a look! Each question will be followed by a reply from Konami in bold. Some of these will be followed by jolly comments from myself, which would be in italics.

Questions from the Suikoden Community – Suikox.com

Question #1: Many Suikoden games worked old save data into bonuses or unlockables in subsequent games. Does the introduction of a hard drive and constant internet access on the latest generation of systems open up any possibilities of similar rewards for long time fans of the series who have played multiple games?
Konami: While we have not made any announcements regarding future Suikoden titles we always try and take advantage of all the technical advancements in the new platforms. We did this in Suikoden Tierkreis by utilizing the Wi-Fi connectivity of the Nintendo DS to create a new and unique addition to the series and we hope to continue this sort of growth in future games.

Question #2: Many Suikoden fans fell in love with Hugo, Geddoe, and Chris Lightfellow of Suikoden III for their expressive personalities. Can we expect to see more talkative main characters, or will we see more silent heroes?
Konami: The main theme of Suikoden Tierkreis is “the infinite probability of future,” so the Hero has to have his own will to work towards the future. If he didn’t speak, he wouldn’t have conviction in his beliefs. If the series continues the attitude of the next game’s Hero will depend on what the theme is and how it effects [sic] the Hero.

Vextor: I think the hero in any Suikoden would need to have his own will to work towards the future. So is Konami saying Tir McDohl didn't have his own will? Riou didn't have his own will? Prince Freyjadour didn't have his own will?? As for Lazlo... well, he didn't really have his own will did he (but that's more of an issue with the overall plot, or the lack thereof).

Question #3: Many Suikoden fans like Fumi Ishikawa's artwork but do you plan to use her as an artist in future Suikodens? Why isn't her great talent being utilized by Konami (her last work was for Oz)?
Konami: She is now energetically working on other projects.

Vextor: Which project? We haven't seen her work at all since Oz, which was released YEARS ago!! I love her artwork! I want her back on Suikoden (and many fans also agree)!!

Question #4: Chris Lightfellow was a very popular female lead in Suikoden III, Do you think that a female Tenkai Star is possible in the future and what do you think are the challenges to using a women as the main character?
Konami: The main character does not necessarily have to be male. If we decide to create another Suikoden title, there’s a possibility that the main character could be female the next time around.

Vextor: Which also means it's possible to have another teenage boy as the hero for the 5th time!

Question #5: If Suikoden Tierkreis is the future of the series can we expect to get any form of resolution to the unanswered questions of the old series?
Konami: It is too early to say but it will depend on how the games progress in the future, but we would like to resolve many of Suikoden’s mysteries.

Vextor: How can it bee too early to answer questions that was posed more than a decade ago? (such as, "what the heck is Jeane" and, "where does Viki come from?") If it's still too early after a decade, will my grandkids be the ones hearing the answers??


Question #6: Why did you choose to set Tierkreis in an alternate and seemingly unrelated world when one of the major reasons fans appreciate the series so much are the connecting stories, characters, locations, etc. Is it just to attract new fans? And if so, why would you want to use an unrelated game (story wise) as an entry point to the series for new comers, when, if they decide to become more involved in the series they'll have to immerse themselves in the original story line and locations anyway? And are you not worried that this will just drive away old fans?

Konami: The earlier Suikoden games were all in the same world and same timeline. It’s true that this is a large attraction for fans of the series, but it also can be a barrier for players who are new to Suikoden. The development team had some trouble with moving the story forward due to the long 14 year history, that we think wouldn’t be resolved by remaking the former games. In Suikoden Tierkreis, we wanted to focus on the “Infinity,” where we can look at many different Suikoden worlds, and develop a completely new story for each. We’ve expanded new “Gateways” and new “Possibility” for the future of Suikoden. It’s a bit too early to say exactly how the series will progress but please look forward to future announcements.

Vextor: I'm glad Konami is finally leveling with the fans and saying the past history of Suikoden has gotten too complex that they have difficulty moving forward with it. However, that complex history is precisely what sets Suikoden apart from the other dozens of RPG titles. Fans of the series are able to understand the complex history of Suikoden, and many fans have created their own stories, such as their own versions of the Succession War (taking place before Suikoden 1) or the Higheast Rebellion (which supposedly takes place after Suikoden 2). If fans can do this, why can't the development team do the same?

Also, it's good you're trying to cultivate new fans, but you also end up tossing out your old fans who supported the series for the past 14 years. I'm not saying "cater to us old fans," but do understand that completely alienating fans from previous suikodens comes as a slap in the face.

Further nitpicking, is that the "Infinity" as defined within Tierkreis was originally translated as the "Million Worlds," how these worlds are described more as a "Parallel World" in Tierkreis, instead of as a totally separate world (such as the World of Wings and Scales and the World of Emptiness) ends up being inconsistent from previous Suikoden installations.

Generally, this answer is quite disappointing, but thanks for the honesty.

Question #7: In the official timeline, it says that Crowley and Mazus had a duel before when they're supposed to have been born. Did they reincarnate? What is the story behind this, or is it an error?
Konami: Other story developments, like this one, may become clear in the future.

Vextor: Why not clarify it now? I severely doubt Konami will revisit the whole Crowley / Mazus deal based on the answer to question #6!

Question #8: Many fans have heated debates over what makes a Suikoden game Suikoden, and often refer to to the "Suikoden feel" of a game. Depending on who you talk to it can be the story, the 108 stars of destiny, the true runes/rune system, 6 person battles, or any number of things. What would you consider to be the core qualities of Suikoden? What gives a game that "Suikoden feel?"
Konami: The grand story of 108 people is what makes a true Suikoden game. Not only 108 allies, but also enemies, who have their own drama, and live in the Suikoden world. This is what makes the games so interesting.

Vextor: Well, in Suikoden III the 108 stars included enemies as well, but I understand that Konami's understand of what a "Suikoden Feel" is, is that as long as the game has 108 allies, the game can be labeled as a Suikoden.

Question #9: How does fan feedback factor into the development of the Suikoden games? Is it something that is seriously considered and actively looked for, and if so, has such feedback resulted in tangible changes in game development (examples would be appreciated)?

Konami: We try to read all letters and messages from our fans about the former games in the Suikoden series. We have paid especially close attention to things people have pointed out as faults and referred to them as we have tried to develop a better game.

Vextor: Unfortunately, Tierkreis still has translation errors and spelling errors, etc! There also seems to be no clearly defined way for fans to give feedback to the development team. Please clarify!


Question #10: Was there any reason behind characters and other objects being named after Zoroastrian mythology in Suikoden V?
Konami: Suikoden V is a story of the Sun, so Zoroastrian mythology, which often uses the images of light and fire, was a strong influence in some parts.

Vextor: Very understandable! Of course, the True Fire Rune is probably closer in meaning, but I'm just being picky here.


Question #11: Are you considering remaking Suikoden I and II? Suikoden I and II would look pretty amazing in HD, with crisp and sharp graphics (keep it in sprites), bright and exciting colours and of course HD size.

Konami: That is an interesting idea; we will consider it in the future.

Vextor: I hope it's interesting! A used copy of Suikoden II sells at over $100 on ebay, which is also very very interesting! Should be a no-brainer, really.

Question #12: Why was Suikoden III not released in Europe (PAL) and is there ever going to be a chance for European gamers to play the game?
Konami: Unfortunately the game can only work with NTSC so the probability of it releasing for PAL is very low.

Vextor: That doesn't really answer the question of "why." Suikoden 1, 2, 4 and 5 were all released for PAL, so this answer makes no sense to anybody. However, I do understand Konami doesn't plan to release Suikoden III in PAL regions, which is disappointing to say the least.

[6souls]

this was worse than a SE interview. at least in that those we get some answers, no matter how minute they are. in these they had perma-perfect dodge going on. i can't say that i've heard of suikox before, but i do like the after-thought comments. Suiko's developers seem extremely out of touch with their consumers.

[Julian]

I'm gonna be really pissed if they don't finish what they started, and keep moving in the direction that they're going with tierkreis.

And suikox, it used to be called SARS, or it's run by a guy who uses an alias SARSadmin or something, i'm not too sure, but SARS = Suiikoden Assumptions and Rumor Shelter, it used to basically be a site full of rumors, weird speculation (my favorite one has to be "Lucretiais Hugo's dad") but it's a good site, and well worth the read.

[Atreides]

this interview makes me feel like a complete douche for never having played a suikoden game ;/

I have the 1st on from PSN, as well as a ROM of tierkreis on my flash cart, maybe I'll get to them soon... but god damn still so much stuff to play...

[Odesseiron]

This is probably the worst "interview" I have ever read.

[Telamond]

"Fans of the series are able to understand the complex history of Suikoden, and many fans have created their own stories, such as their own versions of the Succession War (taking place before Suikoden 1) or the Higheast Rebellion (which supposedly takes place after Suikoden 2). If fans can do this, why can't the development team do the same?"

Links to these fanfics please. I'd like to read them!

Thanks for the discussion board Julian.

Seems that Suikoden are a bit reluctant of making a VI...

[Yuri-G]

This shit makes the FFXI developers look like an open book. I don't think I read a single answer that was anything less than completely vague. "We are considering..." "We can't comment..." "That is an interesting idea..." "It is possible, but we cannot confirm..."

I got all excited by the thread title, what a let-down. Oh well. Not your fault, thanks for posting.

[Telamond]

Just finished reading the Suikoden III mangas on mangafox.com
I shouldn't have done that! I was under impression that the game was really crappy and wasn't at all worth reading, but after reading about Thomas and his goal for his castle, I really want to play it now! :'(

[Julian]

Suikoden 3 is good, and overall, the story is pretty good. (once you understand everything and can appreciate the story as a whole, and as a part of the suikoden universe) While you're playing it though, it makes you want to stab your eyes sometimes, especially with the horrid battle system. (the battle system gets fun if you learn to abuse it, though <.<)

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ about the ending though

[Telamond]

Oh... the ending was so sad! :'(
I knew that a Silverberg couldn't be that evil afterall!

Btw, am I the only one who sees a possible connection between The One and Harmonia?

[Hitoshura]

Ugh I fucking raged each damn time they brought up Tierkreis and how they want to do something different. Yeah, enjoy having no fan base left.

[Yuri-G]

Eh, I'll always be willing to come back to the series if they can salvage it. Suikoden V after Suikoden IV was a perfect example. I hated IV but had no problem coming right back and buying V after all the positive previews it got.

I just hope there's a VI someday, and it better goddamn well play like a real Suikoden game. I'd buy any game system on the planet just to play it.