After a long hiatus, the beloved Suikoden series is poised for a comeback. The upcoming HD remaster of the first two games aims to reignite the franchise's popularity and potentially pave the path for future installments.
Suikoden's Return: A Remaster to Revitalize a Classic JRPG
A New Generation Awaits
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is more than just a visual upgrade; it's a bid to introduce a new audience to this cherished JRPG series while rekindling the passion of longtime fans.
In a Famitsu interview (translated via Google), Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes that the remaster will act as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply invested in the series, spoke of his respect for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator, stating, "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well." He also shared an anecdote about Murayama's envy upon learning of Ogushi's involvement in the remake's artwork.
Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, highlighted his desire to bring Suikoden back into the spotlight: "I really wanted to bring ‘Genso Suikoden’ back to the world, and now I can finally deliver it," he said, adding, "I hope that the IP ‘Genso Suikoden’ will continue to expand from here into the future."
Exploring the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster
Based on the 2006 Japan-only PlayStation Portable collection, this remaster offers modern gamers an enhanced experience previously unavailable outside of Japan. Konami has implemented several improvements.
Visually, the remaster boasts enhanced HD backgrounds, creating more immersive and detailed environments. Expect stunning visuals, from the grandeur of Gregminster's castles to the ravaged battlefields of Suikoden 2. While the pixel art sprites have been refined, their original charm remains intact.
A new Gallery feature offers access to music, cutscenes, and an event viewer, allowing players to revisit key moments directly from the title screen.
The remaster also rectifies issues from the PSP version. The infamous, prematurely shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2 has been restored to its original length. Additionally, some dialogue has been updated to reflect modern sensibilities; for example, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed 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 revitalized experience for both newcomers and seasoned fans.
