Short answers, pulled from the story.
Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo developed Suikoden IV for the PlayStation 2 console. The game arrived in Japan during August of 2004 and reached North American and European audiences in early 2005.
A young boy named Glen holds the deadly artifact known as the Rune of Punishment which governs atonement and forgiveness while consuming the life of its current bearer with every use. The power jumps to someone nearby when the previous holder dies and eventually passes from Brandeau to Glen after Brandeau evaporates into dust.
Snowe Vingerhut witnesses Glen's evaporation and blames the Hero for killing him. He feels jealousy when the Hero decides to brave the attacks and stay on the ship before abandoning it after being fired upon by rune cannons during the initial attack.
Players can recruit up to 108 Stars of Destiny characters throughout the campaign. If all 108 Stars of Destiny are recruited, the Hero awakens and attempts to wave over the passing HQ ship in the final post-credits scene.
The game arrived in Japan during August of 2004 while North American and European audiences received the title in early 2005. This release made it an exclusive to that specific video game platform.