Suikoden HD Remasters Aim to Reinvent Beloved Franchise

After over 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 fan interest and potentially pave the way for future entries in this classic JRPG franchise.

Suikoden Remaster: A New Generation of Fans?

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is more than just a visual upgrade; it's a bid to introduce a new generation to the series while rekindling the passion of long-time fans.

In a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google), Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes that this remaster will spark the creation of future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, shared his respect for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator. He noted Murayama's enthusiasm for the remaster's updated artwork.

Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, highlighted his desire to bring the series back into the spotlight. He expressed his hope that the "Genso Suikoden" IP will continue to grow.

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: A Closer Look

Comparison From Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Official WebsiteThis remaster is built upon the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, bringing enhanced versions of these classic JRPGs to a global audience. Konami has significantly updated the visuals, promising high-definition backgrounds and refined pixel art sprites. Expect stunning environments, from Gregminster's majestic castles to the war-torn landscapes of Suikoden 2.

The remaster also includes a Gallery featuring music and cutscenes, and an Event Viewer to revisit key moments, both accessible from the main menu.

Beyond visual enhancements, the remaster rectifies past issues. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2's PSP release has been restored to its original length. Furthermore, some dialogue has been updated to reflect modern sensibilities, such as removing smoking references 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 nostalgic trip for veterans and a captivating introduction for newcomers. For a deeper dive into the gameplay and story, explore our related articles.