Suikoden Tierkreis Walkthrough

Released by Konami in March 2009, Suikoden Tierkreis is a traditional RPG that features random encounters, turn-based combat, and an interesting story that blends elements of sci-fi, fantasy and political intrigue in one addictive little package. This Nintendo DS roleplaying game is also the first handheld Suikoden game to see a commercial release in North America. This handy walkthrough guide will lead you through the first several hours of the game. Please note that this guide does contain some plot spoilers, so read on at your own risk.

After the opening sequence, you'll start off in Citro Village, the hero's hometown. The main character and his friends are preparing to head off on a patrol to the Eastern Hills to take out some creatures known as Laggarts. However, first you'll need to do a little legwork to round out your party. Marica and Liu join automatically at the Gathering Spot. First you need to go to the Town Square to meet up with Dirk, then you need to travel to the Elder's House in search of Jale.

The Elder will tell you to go to the General Store to track him down, so do so. Not only will he join the party, but he'll also fork over four Medicines--handy for the journey ahead. Finally, return to the Town Square, where Dirk will officially join, and after some discussion, you'll finally be ready to get things rolling. Exit the village and you'll find yourself on Citro Plain. Travel east to the Eastern Hills, stopping over at the farmer's house first for a short scene. Before you get too far, however, take Dirk's advice and put him and Marica in the back row. It probably wouldn't hurt to gain a few levels, either.

Once you enter the Eastern Hills, you'll be ambushed by a group of Laggarts. It's a pretty easy fight, so don't stress out over it. Afterwards, members of the party will mention feeling some kind of strange sensation nearby, so naturally you'll need to investigate. There's a chest in the first area that contains a Mega Medicine, so make sure you grab it before continuing onward. In the Eastern Hills, you'll encounter Laggarts, Grass Squirrels and X Bees. None of them are overly difficult, and regular attacks should do the trick if you're at least level 3.

Eventually, you'll come to an area where the path splits. The top trail leads to a save point, and if you come across it, backtrack and check out the other way. It leads to a chest that contains a Cheery Incense. Continue on through until you reach a rocky area. You'll fight another group of enemies, then a scene will trigger. Afterwards, backtrack to the previous area and a major event will occur. Return to the previous area to find the rocky path replaced by a wooded area. This is Flesaria Forest East.

Obviously, something strange is going on, because biomes don't just up and change like that. This is a relatively short area, but there is a new enemy type to be on the lookout for: the Spider Hopper. Again, though, it's really nothing to worry too much about. Continue on and after the dialogue, save and enter the Forest Ruins. There will be yet another scene, and then a battle with a tougher new opponent known as a Skull Guts. This can be challenging, seeing as how it can hit for a good 20 points per attack. You're best bet is liberal use of the Defense Corps co-op attack, as it does between 55-60 points of damage if you're at a decent level, and can finish the battle in three turns or so.

After the battle, two more Skull Guts appear and block the exit. You're given the option to fight or flee; I opted to look for another exit, so I don't know what happens if you stay and fight. Anyway, proceed through the ruins, and eventually you will come to an inner sanctum of sorts. Here, the hero finds a book. When he, Marica and Jale touch it, they witness a vision of a great battle and are filled with a mysterious new power they refer to as "The Marks of the Stars". After the scene, the party is challenged by a trio of Skull Guts. Using the party's newfound powers--the hero's Breath of Flame, Marcia's Healing Gleam and Jale's Bind Flash--will make short work of the enemies this time around. More story sequences follow, and ultimately your goal will be to make your way back to Citro Village.