Suikoden Tactics

A Suikoden Gaiden Game and the sequel to Suikoden IV, Suikoden Tactics (released as only Rhapsodia on Japan) tells the story of Kyril, the son of a Scarlet Moon officer, as he investigates and uncovers a massive conspiracy revolving around Rune Cannons. A complex web of political intrigue, rebellion, insurrection and a dying empire is further complicated by other agents of the Scarlet Moon with their own priorities regarding Kooluk and the Rune Cannons.

Tactics/Rhapsodia ties up many of the loose ends left over from IV, providing key information that helped the plot of the prior game make sense. Most of the cast returned, with a higher Stars of Destiny retention rate than even Suikoden II boasted, and several got fleshed out a fair bit more in the process, mostly via party chatter and optional campfire scenes.

Visit the character sheet here!

Suikoden Tactics provides examples of:


 * The Atoner - Andarc, for  Also,
 * Battle Couple - Akaghi and Mizuki, though they insist otherwise.
 * Big Damn Heroes - Kyril ends up on both ends of these; one memorable example has
 * Cute Mute - Yohn, who combines this with Petting Zoo People.
 * Dramatic Irony - Late in the game, Kyril
 * Faceless Masses - Non-named characters still get portraits, but nobody who isn't important to the plot has any eyes. Not even the Mercenaries you fight now and then...
 * Their weapons are equally faceless. "Sword." "Bow." "Heaven Star Kitten Kaleidoscope? Oh, hi Named Player Character."
 * Final Death - Plot-vital characters are actually immune to this; no matter how much punishment they take, they'll never suffer Final Death. The other stars, though, can fall victim to this, and will let you know via dramatic Last Words.
 * Fish People - Fishmen.
 * Fridge Brilliance - On the Japanese cover, you see Yohn embracing Kyril.
 * Game Breaker -
 * Gameplay Ally Immortality - As mentioned above, anyone with a speaking role in the plot can't die in battle, making them good Meat Shields. However, some characters who join seem like they should have this, but don't...
 * Heel Face Turn -.
 * Heroic BSOD - Kyril goes through a major one after
 * Heroic Mime - Averted. Kyril TALKS..
 * Hey Its That Voice
 * Kyril is Terriermon. And also Jun. Your Mileage May Vary.
 * Sendeca is Karasuma
 * Kika is Helba.
 * How We Got Here - The first few chapters are set before the events of Suikoden IV and provide some critical Backstory.
 * Lady of War - Ornela.
 * Non Action Guy - A few recruits that you can call into battle can't fight (or aren't very good at it), but provide various support skills and bonuses. For instance, Rene, a Glasses Girl who can locate and unearth buried treasure.
 * Obviously Evil -  and   are both clearly trouble.
 * Old Save Bonus - Transferring data over from Suikoden IV lets you recruit.
 * One Winged Angel - Pulled at the end by.
 * Owl Be Damned - Giant Owls serve as flying mounts.
 * Painful Transformation -
 * Private Military Contractors - The four mercenaries led by a blue-haired elf.
 * Start of Darkness - Brandeau, a seemingly one-shot villain who gave Glen in IV the Rune of Punishment, has one here. We see how he
 * Surprisingly Improved Sequel - It's better than Suikoden IV! Really! We swear!
 * Tear Jerker - Brandeau's Start of Darkness, particularly when.
 * Unwitting Pawn -
 * Viewer Gender Confusion - Simone. Also, Tomboy Wendel returns, and happens to be the only female character who won't wear the Corset armor.
 * Weapon of Mass Destruction - The Rune Cannons in general.
 * Well Intentioned Extremist - The Patriarchal Faction.
 * WTH Casting Agency - Mona Marshall as Kyril. Not as child Kyril. Adult Kyril.
 * White Haired Pretty Boy - Iskas.
 * White Magician Girl - Corselia, your youngest recruit
 * You Have Outlived Your Usefulness - Happens to  after they're put in charge of more fishmen than they can actually control.
 * You Have Outlived Your Usefulness - Happens to  after they're put in charge of more fishmen than they can actually control.