After more than a decade of absence, 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 Remaster: A New Generation Awaits
Reviving a Classic for Modern Gamers
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is more than just a visual upgrade; it's a chance to introduce a new generation to this classic JRPG series. Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama, in a Famitsu interview (translated via Google), hope this remaster will both attract new fans and rekindle the enthusiasm of longtime players. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, expressed his respect for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator, stating, "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well." Sakiyama, director of Suikoden V, added, "I really wanted to bring ‘Genso Suikoden’ back to the world, and now I can finally deliver it."
A Closer Look at the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster
Based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, this remaster brings enhanced visuals and gameplay to modern platforms. Konami promises richly detailed HD backgrounds, breathing new life into the original pixel art while retaining its charm. Expect stunning environments, from Gregminster's majestic castles to the battle-scarred landscapes of Suikoden 2. A new in-game Gallery will showcase music and cutscenes, and an Event Viewer lets players revisit key moments.
This remaster also rectifies some issues from the PSP version. The infamous, previously shortened Luca Blight cutscene in Suikoden 2 is restored to its original length. Furthermore, some dialogue has been updated to reflect modern sensibilities; for instance, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed in line with Japanese smoking regulations.
Launching March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster promises a nostalgic journey for veterans and a captivating introduction for newcomers.