I was wondering which of the Suikoden games is thought to be the best?

I'm probably choosing between Suikoden II, III, or V. I've read that IV is very bad.

Is it necessary to play previous games in the series to fully understand/appreciate the story?

Which would you recommend playing if you could only pick one of those three games in the series to play?

I say... Suikoden I.

Personally I would probably say II, V, III, I and IV is a very distant last in terms of quality. IV sucks just as much as you heard, probably more. II and V could probably change places just depending on how I feel about the game on any given day. The chronological order of the games is V, IV, I, II, then III. I'd probably just play the games I-V in order, but if you really only could play one I'd go with II. There are some things that you would appreciate more by playing the earlier ones before the later ones, at least from my own experiences. I would go further on this but don't really want to spoil much of the story.

Great series as long as you don't start with IV.

Gara, wtf? That's not a normal post from you!

I call shenanigans.

Since, the first two games were released on the PSX they sport old 2D sprite graphics which may or may not turn you off. Even so, I consider them the best in the series. Part II definitely trumps I in both look and story so if you can only play one, play two. Although if you want a better experience overall, go for Suikoden I and II together since they maintain the greatest degree of relevancy to each other. II, last I heard, is quite rare and for good reason so get it wherever you can find it.

Barring that perfect scenario, III plays a lot like its predecessors though it feels slightly more linear with restricted point-by-point world map similar to FF Tactics. However, it does have updated graphics so it could run a fair third to the previous two.

I wouldn't waste my time with IV and V.

Suikoden II is my favorite, but I've only tried II, III and V so far. And II was by far the best out of the three. I still need to beat that game too.

gara's love of suikoden is legendary!

II is my favourite and i've played II, IV and V. IV is totally crap yeah also i thought V was a bit easy so i really think start with II unless II and III are really awesome.

Suikoden II has a lot of memorable characters. The story is the best in the series IMO. And one of the best part in II is the antagonists. So I would recommend that you pick this one.

There is a small connection from 1-3 but those are side-stories.

I've only ever played I and II and they are easily two of the best games I have ever played. I love them both very very very much but I have to say II is just slightly better!

I've only ever played I and II and they are easily two of the best games I have ever played. I love them both very very very much but I have to say II is just slightly better!

He speaks the truth.

I've only played I and II. Both phenomenal, but 2 was slightly better.

And I've only heard bad things about III and IV. But I'll still play 'em when I get a chance.

Suikoden II was the best Suikoden Tactics was worst and i enjoyed the rest.

I do not have I or II, but I have the others, Suikoden III is awesome.

I would personally suggest Suikoden 2 the story line behind it is a lot better, But you should start with number 1 as a lot of Suikoden 2 follows on from number one and may not make much sense to ya.

I got the third one....I have not completed it yet