The other day, IGN got their hands on Konami's upcoming RPG, Suikoden Tierkreis for the Nintendo DS. Now this time, 1Up has their turn, with Michael Chauvet posting his hands-on impressions for the game.

1Up confirms that all three types of Suikoden battles, normal party battles, one-on-one, and army will all return in this new handheld adventure. Battles will still play and strategize like standard Suikoden fare, although it will take more of a Suikoden IV route with an active battle party size of four members. Suikoden Tierkreis will also feature voice acting along with its gorgeous presentation. Also expanded upon is the game's use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection: players will be able to send their characters to another player, who will use that player in a quest. Upon finishing, the character is sent back, with upgraded levels, stats, and possibly shiny new equipment. Any changes in equipment will be reflected on the characters.

The story of this new game puts you in control of four of the series staple 108 Stars of Destiny, charged with the task of retrieving the other 104 who had been felled in a battle against the game's main enemy in the beginning of the game. This presents a new dynamic, as they all already know each other, something that hasn't happened in previous games of the series.

Akira_EX via 1up.com »