Suikoden Anime Review: First Three Episodes
A review of a theatrical screening for the first three episodes of the Suikoden anime adaptation finds a faithful but crowded adaptation of the classic
The first three episodes of the upcoming Suikoden anime adaptation, based on Suikoden II, were screened theatrically and reviewed by Anime News Network. The reviewer, who has played several games in the series, noted the opening episode is double-length, covering 94 minutes of story that adapts roughly a dozen hours of the source game.
A Faithful and Brutal Adaptation
The story follows Riliu and Jowy as they attempt to reunite and spread the truth about their unit's fate. While often lighthearted, the anime is described as surprisingly brutal, showing numerous decapitations, fatal stabbings, and gruesome deaths of named characters. According to the review, this ultraviolence serves a clear purpose for character development. The main villain, Luca, is introduced massacring children and committing genocide during his invasion of Jowston, with the anime aiming to make viewers hate him by depicting his senseless brutality. He is a sadist who toys with his victims.
The Cast Conundrum
A central issue identified is the anime's overwhelmingly large cast. The review states named characters are constantly introduced, from farmers and mercenaries to nobility and performers, only to disappear quickly from the narrative. This is attributed to the nature of the Suikoden games, where recruiting 108 characters is a series staple. The reviewer suggests the anime faces a no-win scenario: including these characters makes the storytelling less focused, but excluding them would anger longtime fans. The creators are seen as prioritizing the established fan base, which may confuse newcomers with constant name-dropping.
Shifting Animation Quality
The visual quality differs between the double-length first episode and the two that follow. The first episode features characters that stay on-model and clear, easy-to-follow action even in night scenes. The review notes a drastic change in the next two episodes, where budget-saving techniques become prevalent.
The reviewer clarifies the show does not become ugly, but the quality is "worse in comparison."
Music and Final Impressions
The review found the music unremarkable, neither good nor bad enough to stand out, and noted the screening lacked the TV series' opening and closing credits. For a Suikoden player, the episodes were satisfying, with seeing characters like Viktor, Flik, and Apple from Suikoden I cited as a treat. The main story is deemed understandable, if disjointed, and Luca is called a fantastic villain. The reviewer concludes the show is unlikely to bring Suikoden to the masses but will offer a lot for existing fans.
