After more than a decade of absence, the beloved Suikoden series is making a triumphant return. The upcoming HD remaster of the first two games aims to reintroduce this classic JRPG to a new generation while reigniting the passion of longtime fans, paving the way for future installments.
Suikoden Remaster: A New Chapter for a Classic JRPG
A New Generation Discovers Suikoden
The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster promises a revitalized experience for this cherished JRPG series. In a recent interview, Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama shared their hopes that this remaster will not only introduce Suikoden to new players but also rekindle the love of veteran fans.
In a Famitsu interview (translated via Google), Ogushi and Sakiyama expressed their desire to see the remaster spark the creation of more Suikoden games. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, paid tribute to the late series creator, Yoshitaka Murayama, stating, "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well." Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, expressed his excitement, stating, "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 I & II HD Remaster: A Closer Look
Based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster brings these classic titles to modern platforms with significant improvements.
Visually stunning, the remaster boasts enhanced HD background illustrations, creating more immersive and detailed environments. The original pixel art sprites have been refined, maintaining their classic charm while enhancing their visual appeal.
A new Gallery feature allows players to revisit the game's music and cutscenes, while an Event Viewer lets them relive key moments from the title screen.
Beyond visual enhancements, the remaster addresses past issues. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden II has been restored to its original length. In line with modern sensibilities, some dialogue has been updated; for example, Richmond's smoking habit from Suikoden II has been removed to reflect current Japanese regulations.
Launching March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster promises a captivating journey for both new and returning fans.
