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 reignite the franchise's popularity and pave the path for future installments.
Suikoden Remaster: A New Generation, A Renewed Passion
A Legacy for New and Old Fans Alike
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is poised to revitalize this classic JRPG series. Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama, in a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google), expressed their hopes that this remaster will not only introduce Suikoden to a new generation of players but also rekindle the enthusiasm of long-time fans.
Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, spoke of his admiration for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator. "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well," Ogushi stated, adding, "When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."
Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, highlighted his goal of bringing 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."
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: A Detailed Look
Based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Genso Suikoden 1 & 2, this remaster updates the classic JRPGs for modern platforms with significant enhancements.
Visually stunning, the remaster boasts enhanced HD background illustrations, creating immersive and detailed environments. Expect breathtaking visuals, from Gregminster's majestic castles to the ravaged landscapes of Suikoden 2. While the pixel art sprites have been refined, the original style remains intact.
A new Gallery featuring music, cutscenes, and an event viewer allowing players to revisit key moments is accessible from the main menu.
Beyond visual upgrades, the remaster addresses past issues. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from the PSP version of Suikoden 2 has been fully restored. Additionally, some dialogue has been adjusted to meet modern sensibilities; for instance, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed to reflect current Japanese 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 seasoned fans and newcomers. For a deeper dive into the gameplay and story, explore our related article!
