Suikoden IV

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Fewer RPG series have succeeded in building cohesive, epic stories -- and fewer still have succeeded in building such appreciative audiences -- as Konami's Suikoden series. The fourth title, due out by the end of 2004 in the U.S., appears so far to be another worthy addition to the lineup. Like the previous three titles (spread out across the PlayStation and PS2), Suikoden IV revolves around 108 playable characters, which your hero meets throughout the story and forms into a formidable army by the end of the game. These "Stars of Destiny" are the building blocks of the game -- you'll build a base to serve as their home, and place them into both small parties and great armies to face off against your enemies. The fourth game is produced by Noritada Matsukawa and much of the team behind Suikoden III, with one exception -- Junko Kawano, whose previous work includes Shadow of Destiny and the first Suikoden, replaces Fumi Ishikawa in the character-design department. The graphics have taken a noticeable step up since Suikoden III, and the characters are a bit more realistically proportioned than before -- a change that's sure to generate debate among series fans.