One of the greatest RPGs ever created--a true masterpiece!
PRESENTATION & GAMEPLAY (10/10):
If you include story in this category, Suikoden III deserves a perfect score. With an innovative battle system, and the greatest story telling system in existance, Suikoden III has the best gameplay I've ever experienced.
The Trinity Sight System puts the score here at at least a 9/10 alone. Allowing the player to view the same story from 3 (and eventually 6) different points of view makes character and plot development incredibly deep and interesting. There are ultimately no plotholes in this game because of this ingenius device. For example, in Hugo's story, you will see Chris burning down his village for seemingly no reason. It leads you to actually hate her. However, once you play through Chris's story and see why she and her band of knights are commiting the act, you actually sympathize for her. Never before have we seen this kind of emotion-playing in an RPG.
Besides the TSS, the story in Suikoden III is incredibly just standing alone. A turn on the usual "save the world" plot, most of the game is spent simply trying to help the current character save their land in a war between three major territories: the Grasslands (Hugo), the Zexen Confederacy (Chris), and the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia (Geddoe).
The actual gameplay is what puts the score up to a 10/10. While the battle system has its flaws (what doesn't?), it's still incredibly innovative and original. You play with a party of six, divided into three partner sets or couples. While this hinders being able to control your entire party, it opens up new combination possibilities, such as characters riding on others (Hugo can ride his griffon, Fubar). There's also the skill system, allowing customization and forcing you (in a good way) to use more than just your six favorite characters. There are also new runes added that allow you to support your party with song, or add magic to your sword.
Suikoden III is truly the best of the three when it comes to gameplay, and arguably the best story-wise as well.
GRAPHICS (7/10)
Suikoden III being one of the first PS2 games is not an excuse for the graphical aspect. The graphics themselves aren't bad. The character models are some of the best in the series, the environments are colorful and detailed, and the anime intro film is absolutely stunning. However, the graphics themselves are only average. Where they really fall is the framerate. While forgivable, it can get very annoying and unpleasant when it happens. Still, this is literally the only area of the game where it doesn't exceed.
SOUND (9/10)
Suikoden games are well-known for some beautiful tracks, but also some not-so-great songs as well. Suikoden III doesn't not break from the pattern. Most, if not all, of the tracks are appealing and enjoyable. There are, however, a few which just don't seem up to par with the rest.
I must note, that the music for the intro movie is some of my favorite of any game. It drives a number of emotions to go with the images shown, and fits with the setting of the game perfectly.
VALUE & LASTING APPEAL (10/10)
Suikoden games have always been known for their replayability and sidequests. Building your own castle, collecting the 108 characters or Stars of Destiny, it's not only original but FUN! Suikoden III adds to the value of the already rich game by having 3 different ways to play out the story, and three endings to go with them. I won't spoil any of the story, but lets just say that you'll be dying to play through the game 3 times. There is also a bonus perspective at the end if you've collected all 108 stars, which is also well worth your time, revealing some incredibly interesting twists for the entire series.
OVERALL (9.5/10)
Suikoden III one of my favorite RPGs for a reason. It's the closest thing to a perfect RPG you can ask for. It is also a perfect example of how incredible an RPG can be just based on what truly matters; the story and gameplay. Whether you've never heard of Suikoden or have been into the series from the start, if you like deep storytelling, a diverse and developed cast of characters, or a fun and strategic battle system, Suikoden III is for you.