I just got Suikoden V in the mail! The premise of the story, although it's yet again political strife (like all Suikodens), seems particularly compelling this time around, just like Suikoden II and III. The characters are quite likeable, and I like how they're exploring more character interaction (like family relationships, especially). It gives the characters way more depth than usual for an RPG, even if some of them still fall into some stereotypes common to the genre. However, I can't help but think that it is a little jarring that the prince doesn't talk at all while everyone else is given spoken dialogue, this sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm getting used to it but it feels a little retro, when in Suikoden III all three main characters had direct interaction with other characters, not only through short phrases that you choose on their behalf.
The gameplay is classic Suikoden and I'm curious to see how the formations aspect affects gameplay later on, such as boss fights.
Sadly, I won't be able to advance very much in the game this week because I have a lot of homework to do for college. :(