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 lay the groundwork for future installments.

Suikoden Remaster: A New Generation Awaits

Rekindling the Flame for Old and New Fans

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 audience to Suikoden but also re-energize the passion of longtime fans.

Speaking with Famitsu (translated via Google), Ogushi and Sakiyama revealed their ambition for the remaster to act as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, paid tribute to the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator. "I'm sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved," Ogushi said, adding, "When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."

Sakiyama emphasized his desire 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 stated. "I hope that the IP 'Genso Suikoden' will continue to expand from here into the future." Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, joined the franchise later in its development.

A Closer Look at the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster

Based on the Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster brings enhanced versions of these classic JRPGs to a global audience for the first time. Konami has updated the collection for modern platforms with significant improvements.

Visually, the remaster boasts enhanced HD backgrounds, creating a more immersive and detailed world. Expect stunning visuals, from the grand castles of Gregminster to the battle-scarred landscapes of Suikoden 2. While the original pixel art sprites are polished, their classic charm remains intact.

A new Gallery feature provides access to music, cutscenes, and an event viewer, allowing players to revisit memorable moments directly from the title screen.

Beyond visual enhancements, the remaster addresses issues from the PSP release. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene in 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 has been removed 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, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster promises a renewed experience for fans and a captivating introduction for newcomers.