I can only hope that you may read this entry without too much judgment and conviction. I understand that some of it may sound pathetic and somewhat schizophrenic but it would be gladly appreciated if you do not reply with harassment unless you really have to. I'm sure I can reply with valid answers anyhow...

How many people in this forum have a natural affinity with the Suikoden series? Especially that of Suikoden 1 and 2? Do people have the same connection with most RPG's they have played, especially that of the Suikoden series? I'm talking about the absolute ecstasy of being in the world of the game of which you are playing. The relationship you build up with the characters and the storylines. The way in which the music seems to touch and resonate with the notes of your very soul. The way in which the forests, the villages and the scenery seem to fill you with vitality and make you smile inside. Its a kind of serene beauty. Isolated and unique to the point of constant melancholy in the air. Do you all feel this same way too?

I know it all sounds pretty sad but all this is coming from someone who know longer plays any computer games and certainly doesn’t have time to dive into the very deep world of RPG's. For those of you that also have little or no time for RPG's anymore, do you still feel the same way about them? I constantly feel like I may have betrayed myself. That I am no longer fulfilling or working towards some obscure dream. I'm pretty sure now, looking back, that the reason I played Suikoden so god damn much was because I may have been convinced, subconsciously, that the more I played Suikoden - the closer I was to actually getting there someday. Sometimes I cast my mind back and it actually feels like I was there, in the forests, in the villages, with the characters, in the battles. I miss it all allot, to the point of quiet desperation and severe nostalgia. I realise that all this most probably stems from the dissatisfaction of reality and the disliking of the world around you. Hence why you dive your mind and heart into a fantasy world of epic proportions. But sometimes it feels more than that, like as if it was all meant for a reason. lol RPG's are pretty evil. The addiction follows you for life (withdrawal symptoms included) and the depressing storylines can rip a sensitive soul apart. They should probably be banned.

With all that said, these games are still god damn awesome. However long its been since any of us played them, the morals in the story still follow you and the soundtracks make excellent listening. However, as I have said, I no longer play these games and the last time I done so may have been up to 3 years ago now …but here I am pouring my heart out about how deeply they have affected me ….and still effect me to this very day. I’ve tried so hard to enjoy reality but it doesn’t compare to the sheer brilliance and comfort I felt whilst playing those games…

Can anyone relate to any of this?


KC

I've never played any suikoden parts before except suikoden tactics..

I recently bought suikoden 5 and what a game!

I played it 24/7 the story was great the gameplay was great but also kind of intriguing at the same time..I get a weird feeling when I play suikoden games...As an RPG Veteran I've probally played every RPG on PS2 and that one is in my favs. .

EDIT:

When I was playing suikoden 5 I got the feeling that I WAS the prince that I WAS royalty and I also made a connection with him too.

Then I put in Disgaea 1 and When Etna started shouting at laharl (aka: me) I was like STFU I'M A PRINCE!!
It was kinda weird..

personally, I can absolutely sympathize with you McDohl.

Like, when I buy a video game, sometimes I ignore gameplay altogether, I look at Music, Characters, Story. If I'm looking to buy a new game, and I look at the characters, and they look retarded, seem too childish, or some flaw, I just won't buy the game. Or if there's an awful storyline, I won't even bother.

But with Suikoden, that's what its KNOWN for, and it just happens to have amazing gameplay too. So yes, I completely agree.

K C I sympathize with you. I get the feeling of being in that world when I walk though the woods or anywhere that looks slightly similar to the world of Suikoden, and I agree about the first two games having the greatest effect on me.

Nope. None of us share this love of RPG's that you're speaking of or experience any of these sorts of feelings while playing.

What a silly topic.

. . .That is how an RPG player is defined.

And yes I have and it wasn't just with the Suikoden series. It's such synchronization with an RPG that drives me to continue to play them. They are like the "Soap Opera" of videogames.

RPG's are meant to draw you into the story and make you feel what the game is supposed to do. It as (as Shion said) the whole thing about RPG's.
Anyway, though I never felt as if I was walking through the woods when playing the game and I do not regret not having much time to play them right (work and school has more priority right now), once I have more spare time, I will certainly start playing them again and especially finishing things up left unfinished.

Thanks for the reply guys. I guess ''The Evil Dead'' that it may be a silly topic but youd be surprised at how many RPG players do not feel this way and when living in a society where there are barely any RPG players at all, it was neccessary to come to a forum like this one. I'm glad you understand guys as I find it rather difficult to deal with sometimes. As ''KingAlan'' said, I often feel very much like I'm in a RPG when I'm in a forest, quiet village or when I'm hillwalking and I enjoy taking the Suikoden and FF7 soundtracks with me on these little adventures. RPG's do, and are meant to, have these effects on people. Like the soap operas of the videogame world Shion . The Shakspearian novels of modern times. However, it does become laughable, albiet quite worrying, when the stories, music and emotions from these games still effect you 2 years on! lol

I'm glad I can come to this forum and speak about this subject because I find it difficult to talk to anyone about it who hasnt played RPG's. I find also that too many RPG forums are all talk about trivial in-game questions rather than the effect the game has on the user. I try my best to live for reality but the memories are always there. It really does get me down alot.

Suikoden Rehab anyone? good idea?

TED is mocking you, don't listen to his blasphemy. I think he posted while he was stoned or EXTREMELY bored, because he never visits the Suikoden forum. Silly TED.

well... uh I don't think im into the game as much as some people and all lol. But the suikoden series is definitely 1 of my favorites.

I remember when I got the very first part for easter (turns out its worth some cash lol) I popped it in and it was just great. Starting off interesting a family type ordeal then the kids best friend is dead and they're all on the run. And the music of the towns is fantastic especially the castle. Graphics in todays games get in the way of the true greatness that is rpg's like that.

Please don't take my mordant statement as a mockery... Consider it more as my way of telling you that the feelings you have towards these games is a thing that happens with more serious RPG players... It's why we keep playing.

I figured the emoticon at the end of my post would have given away that I was just giving you a little jab, and at the same time stating that I and many others on this board definitely share your sentiments in my general sarcastic way.

And I may never really visit these forums, but I have played and do own many Suikoden titles, Pesworth .

Relax. No offence taken. I realised you where bieng sarcastic but as I said, you would be surprised. Most dedicated ''RPGers'' must deffinantly feel the same way I do, I don't see how the couldnt ...perhaps some people more than others. If this is the case then a Suikoden Rehabilitation Society may well be on the cards here

I wouldn't be surprised, considering I was agreeing with everything you said. Not just about Suikoden, but RPG's in general.

Jebus man. Read between the lines.

........... no.

I have played maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaany an RPG and I cannot say that the scenery hasn't filled me with vitality, or the music resonating with my soul....

That's just.. you need help.

I mean I read a lot of novels and I lose myself in their world, and sure I feel emotions when something happens to the characters and whatnot, but I can't say I've been filled with vitality by them.

Unlike TED, I'm not being sarcastic, but neither am I just poking fun at you.

After playing around 250ish differnt RPGs, I can honestly say that the Suikoden games are way better than rest. Even Suikoden IV, considered to be the worst in the series holds it's own against other games.

lol i think theres a misunderstanding here. I wasnt re-disagreeing with what you said in my second reply, I was simply backing up what I had previously said. I realised you where in agreement with me the same as I am in agreement with you. Simple


''I have played maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaany an RPG and I cannot say that the scenery hasn't filled me with vitality, or the music resonating with my soul....''

I'm sure a few people on this forum would disagree with you Hugo but i suppose its all a matter of opinion. It's all really funny when I think of it and sometimes it doesnt bother me too much. But other times I feel like I'm constatnly searching for days that are long gone. Instead of moving on, I'm stuck in nostalgia. I guess I am just searching for others that are in the same predicament as I. Thanks for the feedback nevertheless

QUOTE

I know it all sounds pretty sad but all this is coming from someone who know longer plays any computer games and certainly doesn’t have time to dive into the very deep world of RPG's. For those of you that also have little or no time for RPG's anymore, do you still feel the same way about them? I constantly feel like I may have betrayed myself. That I am no longer fulfilling or working towards some obscure dream. I'm pretty sure now, looking back, that the reason I played Suikoden so god damn much was because I may have been convinced, subconsciously, that the more I played Suikoden - the closer I was to actually getting there someday. Sometimes I cast my mind back and it actually feels like I was there, in the forests, in the villages, with the characters, in the battles. I miss it all allot, to the point of quiet desperation and severe nostalgia. I realise that all this most probably stems from the dissatisfaction of reality and the disliking of the world around you. Hence why you dive your mind and heart into a fantasy world of epic proportions. But sometimes it feels more than that, like as if it was all meant for a reason. lol RPG's are pretty evil. The addiction follows you for life (withdrawal symptoms included) and the depressing storylines can rip a sensitive soul apart. They should probably be banned.

Alrightie then let me start with this. For someone that is definately considered too old to be playing any type of games by societies standards I continue to play RPG's simply for the fact that they are a break from reality yes. On the otherhand, I certainly do not and will not ever feel that I will exist in their world. If I were to ever think that I would seriously have one overactive imagination, or just seriously needing to seek someone professional help.

The whole theme of RPGS are to have the player to connect with the characters, story, towns, and overall world. But to connect that much is a bit of overkill. Never in my life would I ever be depressed over a videogame or the lack of playing a videogame. To have this reaction is either showing other problems or just the fact that you haven't and dont' want to grow up. I personally would not blame any sort of addiction to the game for this.

I tend to view RPGS as a personal accomplishment, like especially with Suikoden, to finish the story with all the stars, everyone alive, and as much as I can finish before I beat the final boss. I do connect with the characters, but the level your talking about is seriously too much...

QUOTE

The way in which the music seems to touch and resonate with the notes of your very soul. The way in which the forests, the villages and the scenery seem to fill you with vitality and make you smile inside. Its a kind of serene beauty. Isolated and unique to the point of constant melancholy in the air. Do you all feel this same way too?

Now, if you were shown a painting would you feel the same way? I mean this is a game overall about a war? What part of that sceniaro makes you smile inside? I realize it's a game and the graphics may as well be a painting, but feeling that way about a game which focuses you on a war, how it ruins lives, and friendships is a little strange no?

I have an overactive imagination, so yeah, that happens sometimes.

Go get professional help.

I think there are a few people that want to agree with me in this thread but are in fear of bieng judged. I know when I wrote my original entry, I perhaps went too deep. But this was a good way to get it off my chest. I really am not so bad with all of this to the point where I think I need professional help but the feeling does always come back and professional help HAS crossed my mind a few times lol

But guys, come on, it MAY seem rediculous that someone can relate to a game in this way but, as everyone here who has replied has confirmed, this is what RPG's are designed to do. Ok, not to the extent that they are emotionaly damaging an individual, that is the individiuals responsibility for getting too invloved in the game. But some of us DO have overactive imaginations. Some of us ARE overly-sensitive. Some of of us CAN get involved with Suikodedn in this way. It probably does spell out hidden, underlying problems with our real lives but that doesnt mean I write on this forum to be judged or shot down. And yes, upon reading that you will probably all reply stating that offence was not your intention. But your (some of you) intentions are clear, you just go about it subtly so as not to break the board rules. I wrote the original entry (yes, perhaps too deep) in a desperate attempt at finding consolation and like minded RPG-ers ...I'm sorry if it freaked some of you out or annoyed you. And due to the unreliable nature of using text as a first choice of communicatoin, quite often one sentence can have many meanings due to there bieng no facial expressoin or ''tone of voice'' to read. So I am sorry for any misunderstandings.

I never once implied that I feel I actualy live and exist WITHIN Suikoden's world, I simply implied that I wish I did. Your interpretation, Midnight Star, is somewhat hazy. Suikoden is not a game soley focused on war, it is about many aspects of life. Why else would some places in the game have calm music and scenery? Why else would the game have so many inter-linked plots that have little to do with the stories war? Bieng in such a beautifull place, bieng side by side with such amazing characters, living such a different way of life in such a different society - these are what make me smile.

Hugo, your reply to True Rune is a bit much. Please don't reduce it to this guys. As I said before, I am gratefull for your feedback. This IS a free forum where most opinioins are welcome but there is no need to shoot down people who perhaps love RPGS just that little bit more than other gamers.

I think, that with all I have said, I am very capable of handling reality and have done very well for myself up to this point in my life. Perhaps, however, some of us DO need help when it comes to this sort of thing. Can't some of you offer it rather than fight against us or put us down.

I know what you mean KC_MCDOHL, but dude, u make it sound like a creepy OBSESSION. Yes, I'm in love with the game, I spend hours making Suikoden sigs, finding cool looking pictures, ahve the action figures, but the way u describe ur love for video games, dude its REALLLLLLyyyyy not healthy sounding.

I mean yeah I have nostalgia for the games, most definitely, it shaped the way I look at video games and at good storylines and etc, but i dunno man... just the way u describe it..

I'm also a procrastinator, maybe tommorow.

Great topic and i'll reply later but yes i to am Suikoden freak, I own all of them but tactics.

lol i know dude. I read my original entry and cannot help but laugh myself sometimes. I really dont have such a reality clashing, emotional cringing problem with it. Its just something that has built up over time and started to bother me a bit. I guess the reason I wrote my entry so deep and ''unhealthy sounding'' was too get my point accross as effective as possible, getting it off my chest while at the same time trying to find similar gamers with similar issues.

Perhaps we should have a seperate forum thread in here for gamers who feel this way from time to time. A place to go to seek support? lol I was heartbroken when certain characters died in the Suikoden series. Support may have been a good idea.

No you just seriously need to see a shrink.

Okay, I'll do that just for you then Hugo. Jezz man, I try to make light of the situatoin and you still just attack. Perhaps someone who has nothing better to do than downgrade poeple over the internet should go see a shrink

Dude don't sweat it too much.

Immersion, for me, is so important in a quality RPG. Suikoden does drag you into their world of conflict, with so many characters. I am always wishing that, even though these worlds are tragic, I could go into their world. Perhaps the want to escape from reality is so great sometimes.

But the way I see RPG's IS to go into someone else's world and share the emotion and drama, to try to escape from reality. Whenever I had a bad day I would just sit in my room for like hours whilst I played.

Perhaps the lives lived in RPG's are so exciting in comparison to our, somewhat, "mundane" lifestyles that all we seek is the thrill?

Anyhoooos, take a chill pill and don't worry.

Appreciate whats really important.

You're alive.

Some people aren't.....

Well there really are like what you call deceased or dead people you know.

Gotta agree, I'm playing a bunch of small games that are blockbusters(new and old) and slowly going along with Tales of the Abyss, I do like the game, it's so long and a RPG that it will be hard to finish it. I dunno how I'll ever get to Tales of Symphonia.

''Anyhoooos, take a chill pill and don't worry.

Appreciate whats really important.

You're alive.

Some people aren't..... ''



Sound advice Flik16, I'll stick with that

I feel the same thing when I played Suikoden - The funny thing is only on Suikoden - not all every RPG except Baldur's Gate II the come close with the rpg experience gaming drive.

I agree with the music - it's totally refreshing for me and I often play it (the music not the game mind you) at work when I'm at stress. Well it's a good music to accompany me when I reflect things and ease the tension. I dunno maybe I must seek a professional help too. Lolz

Suikoden is a rpg that really drives you into the game.... well not a game maybe but a story or epic or soap opera of rpg games. Well just to have an idea what your feeling are into. It's similar what the Harry Potter or Star Wars mania people are going into. It's not really bad - everyone has to find some sort of childish things or silly thingas other may see in you but hey that keeps us with our balance - our personality our very own being of whom you are. In other words your individualism preference.

You're absolutely right, I insult people because I have personal issues....

I wasn't attacking you, I was trying to help by suggesting something you should do. That's all.