Army Battles in Suikoden 2 differ from those in Suikoden in several ways. There are several battles during the course of the game and they have different requirements to be considered successful. Unlike in the first game, this game offers the player some control over the arrangement of units.
Mechanics[]
Army Battle in Suikoden II.
The battle system is similar to a turn-based strategy RPG. Unlike in the previous game, you operate in smaller, unit-based groups, with divisions assigned specific objectives. While traditional attack types—charge, bow, and magic—remain, these roles are now assigned to specialized units. There are several commands available, from moving to using a rune/ability, to not moving. There is also an option to let Apple decide the moves.
The player and enemy take turns moving across a grid like map until they are in range of attacking. If they decide to attack, there are some choices. They can attack directly, or use a Rune or party ability, if available. Most battles have conditions for victory or defeat, usually involving the defeat of the armies leader.
The units are built automatically, but player can arrange units when consulting with their Strategist character. Units are built with party members recruited, and the characters have different abilities plus base stats. Different abilities can affect how far a unit can move, so it is important to consider this when building units.
For example, there are cavalry units with high mobility, archery units capable of long-range attacks, and magic units that can strike from even greater distances. Each unit is equipped with a specific attack method. Additionally, the integration of diverse personnel allows for units with various combined abilities. The success of attacks is also based on a few factors: attack, defense, runes and luck. Even weak units have the chance (albeit a slim chance) to defeat incredibly strong ones.
If an allied unit is defeated, there is a probability that a member can send a message: Wounded or Death. In these cases the character becomes inactive, and cannot be used again unless it is an important character for the story. While the enemies can send messages in the same way, but remain involved in wars even though supposedly dead.
The Highland Kingdom boasts formidable military strength. Therefore, it is crucial to fight carefully and minimize losses. If you recklessly deplete your forces by engaging in direct confrontations, even winnable battles will be lost. To achieve this, you must leverage the long-range attacks of archer and magic units. This will reduce the enemy's numbers with long-range attacks. While their attack power is somewhat lower, archers can strike from 2 spaces away, and magic units can attack from 3 spaces away. Use this advantage to significantly weaken the enemy forces with long-range attacks. Engaging in close combat can wait until after their numbers are sufficiently reduced.
Conversely, when facing enemy archers and magic units, deploy units with strong direct attack capabilities to eliminate them quickly.
Units[]
There are a few types of units. You can change the arrangement by speaking with Apple.
Each unit will need a leader. Then you may select up to two support characters. Be careful when selecting them as the Cavalry skill will not build up on the unit.
Each unit consists of one commander and two sub-commanders. The commander’s attack and defense power, the sub-commanders’ supplementary attack and defense power, and the unique abilities of all three members contribute to the overall strength of the unit. Effective unit formation is therefore essential.
The ideal setup is to include members whose unique abilities complement each other within a unit. For example, combining "Cavalry Ability" with "Shortcut" provides high mobility that is unaffected by terrain.
Leaders[]
| Character | Attack | Defense | Rune/Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riou (Infantry) | 8 | 9 | Bright Shield (x1) |
| Viktor (Infantry) | 8 | 7 | |
| Ridley Wizen (Infantry) | 10 | 7 | Critical |
| Boris Wizen (Infantry) | 9 | 8 | Evade |
| Valeria (Infantry) | 8 | 8 | Cavalry |
| Kasumi (Archer) | 6 | 6 | Scout |
| Kiba Windamier (Infantry) | 7 | 12 | Heavy Armor, Cavalry |
| Hauser (Infantry) | 9 | 7 | Cavalry |
| Georg Prime (Infantry) | 11 | 8 | Critical |
| Maximillian (Infantry) | 6 | 7 | Cavalry |
| Gilbert (Infantry) | 7 | 8 | |
| Flik (Archer) | 7 | 7 | Cavalry |
| Teresa Wisemail (Archer) | 5 | 6 | Bombard |
| Ayda (Archer) | 6 | 5 | Repair Self (x1), Forest Walk |
| Luc (Mage) | 10 | 4 | Wind Magic (x3) |
| Mazus (Mage) | 9 | 6 | Fire Magic |
Support Unit[]
| Character | Attack | Defense | Rune/Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adlai | Invention (x1) | ||
| Apple | + 1 | + 2 | Evade |
| Annallee | Encourage (x2) | ||
| Emilia | Investigate | ||
| Oulan | Bodyguard | ||
| Camus | + 1 | Cavalry | |
| Gijimu | + 2 | Melee | |
| Klaus Windamier | + 3 | Evade, Cavalry | |
| Koyu | + 1 | Repair Self (x1) | |
| Jeane | Lightning Magic (x1) | ||
| Jess | + 2 | Evade | |
| Shu | + 3 | + 1 | Critical, Evade |
| Shin | + 1 | Critical | |
| Tai Ho | + 2 | + 1 | |
| Tsai | + 1 | Fire Spear (x2) | |
| Chaco | + 1 | Flight | |
| Templeton | + 1 | Shortcut | |
| Tuta | Repair Self (x3) | ||
| Nanami | + 1 | + 1 | Repair Self (x1) |
| Hanna | + 2 | ||
| Humphrey Mintz | + 2 | Heavy Armor | |
| Freed Yamamoto | + 1 | ||
| Pesmerga | + 3 | Cavalry | |
| Huan | Heal (x3) | ||
| Miklotov | + 1 | Cavalry | |
| Yam Koo | + 1 | + 1 | |
| Lorelai | + 2 | ||
| Lo Wen | + 2 | Melee |
Skills/War Abilities[]
Each character has a rune or skill that can be used in battle. Some can be used a limited number of times, such as Repair Self and Fire Spear. Other skills are permanent and will add bonuses or movement to the unit, such as Cavalry. Others will activate randomly during battle, such as Critical.
See the War Abilities page for more information and a full list.
Commander Rankings[]
Attack Power[]
1st Place: Ridley
- As the commander of the Two River City Forces, Ridley has earned the trust of his troops and is a central figure of the New Alliance Army.
1st Place: Luc
- Sharing the top spot, the magician Luc excels in long-range attacks with outstanding power. Truly an invaluable asset.
3rd Place: Riou
- The leader who holds everything together. On the battlefield, Riou’s exceptional performance inspires and guides his allies.
3rd Place: Viktor
- The mercenary captain proves his mettle in melee combat. His strength and ferocity in battle are unparalleled.
Defense Power[]
1st Place: Riou
- Riou stands out with an impenetrable defense. As the supreme commander, he simply cannot afford to lose.
2nd Place: Gilbert
- A veteran mercenary and a family man, Gilbert’s experience and resilience make him a formidable defender.
3rd Place: Flik
- Trained in the Warrior’s Village, Flik’s unyielding spirit is the result of surviving countless battles.
3rd Place: Ridley
- In addition to his high attack power, Ridley also boasts strong defensive capabilities. Flik ties with him for third place here.
Overall Strength[]
1st Place: Riou
- While his Bright Shield Rune emphasizes defense, his overall capabilities rank him at the top. A true leader through and through.
1st Place: Ridley
- Ridley also takes the top spot for overall strength. It’s frightening to imagine what might happen without his leadership.
3rd Place: Viktor
- Though he lacks special abilities, Viktor’s balanced stats make him a reliable choice to lead main units.
3rd Place: Gilbert
- With a balance of attack and defense, Gilbert’s survival skills and experience make him a valuable commander to learn from.
List of Battles[]
- Defending the Mercenary Fortress - Apple will give you instructions
- Second Defense of the Mercenary Fortress
- Defense of Muse City
- Defend your HQ from Solon Jhee
- Matilda Border Battle - Recuse the Refugees fleeing to the Matilda Knightdom
- Defense of South Window (Battle of Radat) - Battle against Kiba Windamier and Klaus Windamier outside of Radat Town
- Showdown with the Kibas - Battle Kiba Windamier and Klaus Windamier outside of the HQ
- Rescue Ridley Wizen
- Battle against Luca Blight outside of the HQ
- Battle against Highland in two places
- Viktor against Jowy Atreides
- Kiba Windamier against Yuber and Lucia at Greenhill City
- The Battle to Retake Muse City
- The Conquest of Matilda - Battle to retake Rockaxe Town
- Battle of L'Renouille - you do not control this battle
- Conquest of L'Renouille
References[]
Genso Suikoden I & II Official World Guide Book pages 88-89