Suikoden Classics Revived with HD Remasters

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 lay the groundwork for future installments.

Suikoden Remaster: A New Generation Awaits

Reviving a Classic for Modern Gamers

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster promises a fresh look at these classic JRPGs. In a recent interview, Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes that this remaster will not only introduce a new audience to the series, but also rekindle the passion of longtime fans.

Speaking with Famitsu (translated via Google), Ogushi and Sakiyama revealed their ambition to use the remaster as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, paid tribute to the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator, stating, "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well. When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."

Sakiyama echoed this sentiment, highlighting his desire to reintroduce Suikoden to a wider audience. "I really wanted to bring ‘Genso Suikoden’ back to the world, and now I can finally deliver it," he explained. "I hope that the IP ‘Genso Suikoden’ will continue to expand from here into the future." It's noteworthy that Sakiyama, a relative newcomer to the franchise, directed Suikoden V.

A Closer Look at the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster

Image comparison from the official Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster website.The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster builds upon the Japan-only PlayStation Portable collection released in 2006. This remaster brings the enhanced versions to global audiences, adding modern updates and refinements.

Visually, the games have been significantly enhanced. Konami promises improved background illustrations with high-definition textures, creating more immersive and detailed environments. Expect stunning visuals, from the grandeur of Gregminster's castles to the ravaged landscapes of Suikoden 2. While the original sprite art has been polished, its core style remains intact.

A new Gallery feature offers access to the game's music and cutscenes, alongside an event viewer allowing players to revisit key moments. These are conveniently accessible from the main menu.

This remaster goes beyond a simple port of the PSP release, addressing several known issues. The famously shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2, originally truncated due to its content, has been fully restored.

Furthermore, certain dialogues have been updated to align with modern sensibilities. For instance, Richmond's smoking habit in Suikoden 2 has been removed to reflect Japan's smoking regulations.

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is scheduled for release on March 6, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. For a deeper dive into the gameplay and narrative, check out our related articles!