Summary

This first volume of Genso Suikogaiden offers an intriguing side-story to the Suikoden series, focusing on narrative depth and player-driven story paths. While a departure from RPG gameplay, it enriches the series’ lore for dedicated fans.

• Release Year: 2000
• Genres: Adventure, Visual Novel
• Platforms: PlayStation
• Developers: Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo
• Publishers: Konami

Introduction

Step into the world of Suikoden like never before with Genso Suikogaiden Volume 1: Swordsman of Harmonia. This game offers a unique blend of visual novel storytelling and interactive choices, set against the backdrop of the series’ rich lore.

Synopsis

“Genso Suikogaiden Volume 1: Swordsman of Harmonia” is a spin-off installment of the Suikoden series, developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation console. Released in August 2000 in Japan, it is a basic text and picture-based adventure game set against the backdrop of the Dunan Unification War in Suikoden II.

The game tells the story of Nash Latkje, a former noble from the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia, the superpower of the Suikoden world. Nash’s journey eventually morphs into a quest for vengeance against an old foe, Zaj Quilous.

The game begins mid-journey with Nash Latkje, a Harmonian agent searching for information on True Runes, escorting Sierra Mikain to Muse. As of the beginning of the game, they are about two days distance away from the city itself. Though unhappy with Sierra’s self-centered behavior and disliking having any company at all, believing the work of a spy to be lonely and alone by nature, Nash has little choice but to take Sierra as Sierra is Nash’s only lead as to the nature/presence of True Runes, Nash’s assignment from the Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force.

Along the way, Nash and Sierra meet a Kobold family. The Kobold children fight over a wooden figurine, and it falls in front of Sierra. Sierra demands that Nash throw it back quickly; he does so. The Kobold family thanks the two and drive away.

As night falls, Nash and Sierra arrive at an old estate, Penenberg Manor. Nash relates to the servant that Sierra has said they could stay there for the night; the butler allows them to enter. Sierra seems familiar with the servants encountered. Nash begins to relax, feeling much better after a bath, and meets a young maid named Ayana. Nash and Sierra decide to share a room, with Sierra sleeping in the bed and Nash taking the floor.

The game continues with Nash’s various quests, each chapter presenting a new challenge and revealing more about the characters and the world of Suikoden. Despite numerous fan petitions, the game has never been released in North America or Europe.

“Genso Suikogaiden Volume 1: Swordsman of Harmonia” offers a unique perspective on the Suikoden world, allowing players to experience the story through the eyes of a different character. It provides a deeper understanding of the Suikoden universe and its characters, making it a must-play for any fan of the series.

Characters

The game features Nash as the protagonist, with the mysterious Sierra playing a pivotal role in the unfolding story. Alongside them, characters from the first two Suikoden games reappear, enriching the plot with their complex histories and motivations.

Gameplay

As a digital novel, gameplay revolves around reading text, watching background images, and making key decisions at certain junctures. These choices lead the story down various paths, offering multiple outcomes and replayability.

Conclusion

Genso Suikogaiden Volume 1: Swordsman of Harmonia stands as a unique entry in the Suikoden series, offering fans a novel way to engage with its world. Its focus on narrative over gameplay makes it a memorable, if niche, contribution to the franchise.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern