The absence of Suikoden has been keenly felt for over a decade. The upcoming HD remaster of the first two titles aims to reignite the franchise's popularity and potentially pave the way for future entries in this beloved JRPG series.
Suikoden's HD Remaster: A New Chapter for a Classic
A New Generation, A Renewed Passion
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster promises to revitalize this classic JRPG. Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama recently expressed their hopes that the remaster will introduce the series to a new audience while rekindling the enthusiasm of long-time fans.
In a Famitsu interview (translated via Google), Ogushi and Sakiyama shared their vision. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, expressed his respect for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator. "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved," Ogushi stated, adding, "When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."
Sakiyama highlighted his ambition 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. "I hope that the IP ‘Genso Suikoden’ will continue to expand from here into the future." Sakiyama, who previously directed Suikoden V, is eager to contribute to the series' revival.
Exploring the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster
(Image: Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Official Website) The HD Remaster is built upon the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Genso Suikoden 1 & 2. This collection offered enhanced versions to Japanese players, a privilege previously unavailable to global audiences. Konami is now bringing this enhanced experience to modern platforms with exciting updates.
Visually, the remaster aims for a significant upgrade. Konami has promised enhanced HD background illustrations, creating richer, more immersive environments. Expect breathtaking visuals, from Gregminster's majestic castles to the war-torn landscapes of Suikoden 2. While the original sprite art is refined, its core aesthetic remains intact.
A new Gallery feature allows players to revisit the game's music and cutscenes, and an event viewer lets them relive key moments. Both are accessible from the main menu.
The remaster also rectifies several issues from the PSP release. 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's smoking habit from Suikoden 2 has been removed, aligning with Japan's nationwide smoking bans.
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 game's story and gameplay, further details are available in our related article.
