After a long hiatus, the beloved Suikoden series is making a comeback! The upcoming HD remaster of the first two games aims to reignite the franchise's popularity and pave the path for future entries.
Suikoden Remaster: A New Generation Awaits
A Fresh Start for Old Fans and Newcomers Alike
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is poised to revitalize this classic JRPG series. Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes in a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google) that this remaster will introduce Suikoden to a new generation of players while rekindling the passion of longtime fans. The remaster is envisioned as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, paid tribute to the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator, sharing his belief that Murayama would have been thrilled to be involved.
Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, highlighted his commitment to returning Suikoden (known as Genso Suikoden in Japan) to the forefront of gaming. He expressed his desire to see the IP flourish in the years to come.
A Closer Look at the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster
Based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster brings enhanced visuals and gameplay to modern platforms. Konami promises stunning HD backgrounds, creating a more immersive world. Expect breathtaking scenery, from the grandeur of Gregminster's castles to the ravaged battlefields of Suikoden 2. While the pixel art sprites have been refined, the original artistic style remains intact.
The remaster also includes a Gallery showcasing music and cutscenes, and an Event Viewer to revisit key moments, both accessible from the main menu.
This isn't simply a port of the PSP version; several improvements have been made. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2 has been restored to its original length. Furthermore, some dialogue has been updated to reflect modern sensibilities; for instance, Richmond from Suikoden 2 no longer smokes, in line with Japan's smoking regulations.
Launching March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster promises a captivating journey for both newcomers and seasoned fans. For a deeper dive into the gameplay and story, be sure to check out our related articles.