Why It's Rare #2 - Suikokoden

Welcome to Why Its Rare where we take a look at video game history and discuss why a game may be expensive or rare.

Today we are taking a look at the original Suikoden game for the PS1. 

What is it?

Suikoden is a classic turn based role-playing game that was first released for the PlayStation 1 1995 (in Japan). It quickly became a fan favorite, praised for its engaging storyline, unique combat system, and the ability to recruit over 108 playable characters.

Why is it Rare? 

Limited Production: is the main reason why the original Suikoden for the PS1 is rare. According to reports, only 150,000 copies of the game were produced in North America, making it one of the rarest games for the console. This limited production run was likely due to the fact that Suikoden was a relatively unknown title at the time of its release, and the publisher was unsure of its potential success in the market.

Low Sales Numbers: Another reason why the original Suikoden game for the PS1 is rare. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the game only sold around 50,000 copies in its first year, which was far below expectations. As a result, the publisher did not see the need to continue producing large quantities of the game, making it rarer over time.

Increased Popularity: While the original Suikoden game for the PS1 did not sell well when it was first released, it has since gained a large following of dedicated fans. As a result, the game has become highly sought after by collectors and fans of the series. This increased popularity has further driven up the rarity of the game, making it even harder to find.

Limited Reprints: Finally, the original Suikoden game for the PS1 has become rare due to the limited number of reprints that have been made. While the game was re-released on the PlayStation Network in 2008, physical copies of the game have not been reprinted since its original release in 1995. This lack of reprints has made the game even rarer over time, as existing copies continue to become lost or damaged.

How much is it? 

In Australia a copy of Suikoden will set you back anywhere between $300 - $700 depending on various factors such as whether the game is still sealed, whether it comes with all the original inserts, and the overall condition of the box and manual.