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 fan enthusiasm and introduce a new generation to this classic JRPG franchise.
Suikoden Remaster: A New Chapter for a Classic JRPG
A New Generation, A Renewed Passion
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is more than just a visual upgrade; it's a chance to reintroduce this cherished series to a wider audience. Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes in a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google) that the remaster will both attract new fans and rekindle the passion of long-time players. Ogushi, deeply invested in the series, acknowledged the absence of the late series creator Yoshitaka Murayama, stating, "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well."
Sakiyama, director of Suikoden V, highlighted his personal drive to revitalize the franchise: "I really wanted to bring ‘Genso Suikoden’ back to the world, and now I can finally deliver it. I hope that the IP ‘Genso Suikoden’ will continue to expand from here into the future."
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: An Enhanced Experience
Comparison From Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Official WebsiteBuilt upon the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, this remaster brings the enhanced experience to global audiences. Konami has significantly upgraded the visuals, boasting richer HD textures for background illustrations, creating more immersive environments. While the original pixel art sprites are refined, the classic aesthetic remains intact.
The remaster also includes a Gallery showcasing music and cutscenes, plus an Event Viewer to revisit key moments, both accessible from the main menu.
This isn't simply a port; the remaster corrects past issues. The famously shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2’s PSP release is restored to its original length. Additionally, some dialogue has been updated to reflect modern sensibilities; for example, a character's smoking habit has been removed to align 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 fresh take on a timeless classic. For a deeper dive into the gameplay and narrative, explore our related articles.
