Suikoden II is considered one of the greatest JRPGs ever created. Emotionally mature storytelling with a tragic friendship at the heart of the narrative, 108 recruitable characters, and Miki Higashino's splendid soundtrack. An absolute and timeless masterpiece, rare and highly sought after.
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Category
RPG1 player12+
Description
Direct sequel to the first Suikoden where three childhood friends, Riou, Jowy and Nanami, are caught in the war between the Highland Kingdom and the city-state of Jowston. Created by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and Konami, released in 1998 in Japan with a revision. Six-character turn-based combat, tactical army battles, 108 Stars of Destiny to recruit, multiple endings based on choices and cult antagonist Luca Blight. Japanese edition with revision.
Gensou Suikoden II review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
MAX
Story
★★★★★
"Masterful"
The Japanese edition of Konami's masterpiece, Gensou Suikoden II unfolds a 2D art direction of rare refinement. Detailed pixel art, richly drawn towns and landscapes, expressive sprites and grand army battle scenes make a cohesive, lively medieval fantasy world. The finesse of the settings and the personality of the 108 recruitable heroes elevate the scope of the story. A peak of 2D JRPG art on the console.
Miki Higashino's score is one of Gensou Suikoden II's jewels. Blending Western orchestrations, folk sonorities and ethnic accents of great variety, it accompanies the epic of friendship and war with rare emotion and richness. Warm town themes, heroic marches and heartbreaking melodies make a score of exceptional maturity. A memorable musical work, worthy of the masterpiece it dresses.
A friendship shattered by war, ambition and betrayal form one of the most poignant tales in the 2D RPG. The antagonist, a childhood friend turned monster, lends the tragedy an intimate force rarely matched. Vaster and darker than its predecessor, this overlooked masterpiece devastates everyone who discovers it.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Rebuilding a castle that grows with each new recruit among the hundred and eight, blending duels, army clashes and classic battles weaves a saga where every ally and twist renews the urge to push on. The quest for a full roster drives you to scour every last corner. The pixel art has aged, but the scope of the story and your attachment to the characters keep their grip for the long haul.
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Vaster and more poignant than its predecessor, this second entry pushes the hunt for 108 heroes and the building of your castle to a higher refinement. Mini-games, duels, army wars and side quests add to a sweeping story. That richness, often cited as a peak of the genre, offers a lifespan enthusiasts cultivate to the fullest.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
A sequel many hold as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, carried by an adult war narrative and an immense cast. Never reissued at scale in Japan, Gensou Suikoden II became a genuine rarity legend, its value reaching peaks on the specialist market. Fervent demand and a narrow supply make it a centerpiece for the JRPG collector.
Is Gensou Suikoden II still worth playing in 2026?
Gensou Suikoden II is considered one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. Exceptionally emotionally mature narration with a tragic friendship at the story's heart (protagonist and Jowy), one hundred and eight recruitable characters, Miki Higashino's sublime score and six-character combat of rare fluidity. The customisable castle and tactical army battles add strategic depth. An absolute peak today.
