After more than a decade of absence, the beloved Suikoden series is making a comeback. The upcoming HD remaster of the first two games aims to reignite the franchise's popularity and pave the path for future installments.
Suikoden Remaster: A New Generation, A Renewed Passion
Remastering a Classic for Modern Audiences
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is poised to revitalize this classic JRPG series. In a recent interview, Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes that the remaster will not only introduce a new generation of gamers to Suikoden but also rekindle the enthusiasm of long-time fans.
In a Famitsu interview (translated via Google), Ogushi and Sakiyama shared their vision for the remaster as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, spoke of his respect for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator. "I'm sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved," Ogushi stated. "When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."
Sakiyama highlighted his ambition 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 said. "I hope that the IP 'Genso Suikoden' will continue to expand from here into the future." Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, is eager to contribute to the series' resurgence.
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: A Closer Look
Based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Genso Suikoden 1 & 2, this HD Remaster brings enhanced visuals and gameplay to modern platforms. Konami has significantly upgraded the game's presentation.
The remaster boasts enhanced background illustrations with rich HD 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 pixel art sprites have been refined, their original charm remains intact.
A new in-game Gallery showcases the game's music and cutscenes, alongside an event viewer allowing players to revisit key moments. These features are conveniently accessible from the main menu.
Beyond visual enhancements, the remaster addresses several issues from the PSP release. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2 has been restored to its original length.
Furthermore, certain dialogues have been updated to meet modern sensibilities. For instance, Richmond's smoking habit from Suikoden 2 has been removed, reflecting Japan's smoking regulations.
Launching March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster promises a captivating journey for both newcomers and longtime fans. For a deeper dive into the game's story and gameplay, explore our related articles.
