The Shrine

Also picked up Shadow of the Collosus for $5.

I have been looking for BoF4 for about 7 years; collection complete. Picked it up for $10 along with Suikoden 3 for $10. I realize the third one sucks, but I want to play the whole series. Now I need 4 and 5.

From where?!

Suikoden 3 does not suck! It's my favorite of the series.

Suikoden 4 is the only one in the main series that approaches suck.

I agree with Blotus, though personally I felt that 2 was the masterpiece, three was still excelent

Ah, well that's good to know? =). Maybe I should play that one next?

Eric, a garage sale.

I'll add to the "Suikoden 3 does not suck" crowd.

It is paced differently than 1 and 2, that is for sure. And a word of advice: Invest equally in each of the three main characters and their parties.

I must have been misinformed about 3 then =)

I heard that 3 and 4 weren't as good as 1, 2, and 5.

I really like 1 and 2.

5 from a narrative standpoint did something brilliant. There is abotu 10 hours of fucking nothing at the start. It's just you gdoing fetch quests and connecting with a cast of characters....Right when I was getting ready to hit, the narrative push begins and hits hard. Yeah the beginning is annoying as hell, but it's for a reason as it pretty much just kicks you right in the emotional gut. Amazing amazing game. Tied with 2 as some of my favorite games of all time. Really it goes 5/2,3,1,tierkreis,4,tactics if I were to order my Suikoden list. and even the bad ones are still decent and playthroughable games

Should I play 4 before 5? Are the other games similar to the Suikoden 1 and Suikoden 2 relation? Or is it more like Tierkreis where it is sort of a different story set in a resembling universe?

Anyway, I haven't had a chance to play anything yet due to multiple 13-15 hour days at work, but I will probably get a shot soon.

4 is set in the same universe, however it is set like 200 years in the past, so there is very little relevent tie in to any of the other games. However you do visit the area from 4 briefly in 5 so it is worth playing them in order, IMHO.

The opening reminds me a lot of Wild Arms in its style

Lot's of big pieces of Suikoden lore come into play with Suikoden 3. This is the only time you see what ANY of Holy Harmonia is like, and discover the names of several of the true runes. It's an awesome game, and I hope you enjoy it greatly.