Quest for Suikoden 3: An Epic Adventure of Drunken Encounters and Bargain Bins
From Raves to Region-Locks My Epic Journey to Acquire my Beloved JRPG
In my quest to own my favorite JRPG, it took me 6 years, a rave, an all-nighter in Manhattan, and a region-locked PS2.
Picture this: I’m in a nightclub toilet, minding my own business, when a completely hammered dude stumbles up to me and spills his alcohol-infused wisdom. In his slurred speech, he manages to mutter something about GameStop on Fifth Avenue, claiming they might have a hidden gem in their bargain bins. Suikoden 3, to be precise. Now, normally I don’t take advice from inebriated strangers, but this guy seemed so passionate about it that I couldn’t resist. So, with a heartfelt embrace and a million thanks, I stumbled my way back onto the dance floor.
The moment I heard the words “Suikoden 3,” I became a man on a mission. It was like destiny had called upon me to find this rare gem. I glanced at my watch – 5 o’clock in the morning, with Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten still rocking the turntables. I had a flight back to Glasgow at 4 pm later that day. And, to my dismay, GameStop on Fifth Avenue wouldn’t open for a few more hours. The universe was testing my devotion to the gaming gods.
Let me take you back to where my Suikoden journey began. It all started when I purchased PaRappa The Rapper on PSOne after my 12th birthday. Little did I know, I would detest it so much that I traded it in a few days later. But fate had another plan for me. As I browsed the shelves of my local game store, there it was – Suikoden, with its eye-catching box art and a tantalizing promise of overthrowing a corrupt empire and building an army of 108 playable characters. As a newbie to JRPGs, it was love at first sight. Yoshitaka Murayama and Konami had me hooked from the start.
Fast forward a few years, Suikoden 2 arrived in Europe, solidifying its reputation as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. It was like a glorious fusion of Pokemon and Game of Thrones, with its vast world and captivating stories. My love for the series knew no bounds. So, naturally, when Suikoden 3 was announced, I was ecstatic! Finally, my beloved series was making its debut on the PS2, with shiny new 3D graphics and not just one, but three protagonists.
But my happiness turned to sorrow when I learned Suikoden 3 was only released in the US and Japan. It felt like a cruel joke. The date of its release became a day of mourning for me. However, life went on, and I looked forward to Suikoden 4 and Suikoden 5, which did eventually grace the shores of Europe. While they were fantastic, there was always that nagging feeling of a missing puzzle piece. The Suikoden series had become my virtual universe, and I couldn’t stand having a void in my knowledge.
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Enter eBay, the virtual treasure trove that promised to fulfill all my gaming desires. The only problem was, back in the early 2000s, I couldn’t afford the outrageous prices for an NTSC-region PS2 console. But in 2008, fate once again intervened. After a family bereavement, my parents, girlfriend, and I embarked on a trip to New York. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, I found myself in a nightclub called Pacha, talking games with a random stranger in the chaotic bathroom.
In the midst of booming music and strobe lights, the drunken stranger told me about GameStop on Fifth Avenue. Acting on a whim, I devised a plan: I would storm into GameStop the moment it opened, snatch a US region PS2 console, and scour the bargain bins in search of that coveted copy of Suikoden 3. It felt like destiny repeating itself since I had initially purchased the original Suikoden from a video game store so many years ago. Nothing could stop me now!
But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. Despite staying at the club until the early hours, partying like there was no tomorrow, and dragging my groggy girlfriend to GameStop in our disheveled club attire, I was left empty-handed. No Suikoden 3. The disappointment was crushing, and I was left contemplating my choices. However, my indomitable spirit led me back to eBay, where I eventually found a second-hand copy of Suikoden 3. It was like holding a rare artifact, complete with VAT and shipping fees that made my wallet weep. Without hesitation, I delved into the game, fully immersing myself in its captivating story and quirky characters.
And let me tell you, Suikoden 3 soared to the top of my JRPG rankings. Sure, I adore Suikoden 2, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 7 and 8, but there’s something about Suikoden 3’s sheer weirdness and its ability to transport you to a rich fantasy world that captivated me. It became my ultimate gaming experience, a masterpiece that left an indelible mark on my gamer’s heart.
So, dear reader, if you’re craving an extraordinary journey, I implore you to check out Suikoden 3. It has graced the digital storefronts of PlayStation worldwide since 2015, and there’s even a stunning HD fan-made remaster for your visual delight. Trust me, the feeling of playing it for the first time is a magical sensation. And hey, if you’re willing to endure a six-year wait, a transatlantic quest, a boozy conversation, and a sleepless night in the Big Apple, I promise you won’t regret it.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to dive back into the world of Suikoden and lead my army to victory. May your gaming adventures be as epic as mine, and may you always find the hidden gems lurking in those bargain bins!
Lose yourself in the captivating world of the best RPGs as you wage virtual wars and embark on unforgettable quests!
