This was one of the first RPG's released on Playstation, and it still stands as one of my favorites.
Gameplay: This is a highly addictive game with great gameplay. You have the standard random battles, but you can bring up to six characters into battles. You will be performing standard attacks and a lot of spellcasting. The spells are summoned through runes that are attached to the characters that level up as you make your way through the game giving you the chance to unleash some devastating attacks at the higher levels. Runes are not only used for spellcasting but some have supportive properties while others will enhance your physical attacks. Some characters can also team up to perform combined attacks. There are also one on one battles and large army battles that adds a little spice. The dungeons can sometimes be a little boring, but most of the time they are nicely designed. There are also castle building and several mini games added to the mix.
Graphics: This is easily the worst part of the game. It is in no way horrible, but oh so dated. It has more in common with Final Fantasy VI than VII to put it that way. But, they still do their job, and the sprites and backgrounds look pretty nice. Also the character portraits are very pretty. There are some 3d effects in the battles, but everything is mostly 2d. The battle graphics are very dated and the spell effects are almost as bad as the ones seen in Vandal Hearts (another early Konami RPG for the Playstation), but you wont play this game for its graphics anyway, so it does not really matter.
Sound: Suikoden has one of the best soundtracks created for an RPG, ever. Seriously, it is extremely good. First of all it is a very varied soundtrack giving you songs in traditional Japanese style, to more Irish sounding tunes, to songs with Russian influences. Some songs are joyful and festive, while others are melancholic and sinister. The songs also sound great, no midi compositions. The sound effects on the other hand are pretty standard, but do their job nonetheless.
Value: I completed this game during a weekend, so it is not very long. It took me about 20 hours to go through, but if you choose to do everything you can add at least another 10 hours. Also you can get a special ending if you recruit all the 108 stars of destiny. The game is a very enjoyable experience, so most likely you will play through it more than once.
I recommend this game to all Suikoden fans of course, as it is one of the best in the series, but also to all RPG fans. It has a very good story, amazing soundtrack and highly addictive gameplay.