Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster Hopes to Revive the Series

The long-awaited return of Suikoden! After over a decade of absence, the classic JRPG series is poised for a comeback with the upcoming HD remaster of the first two games. This remaster aims to not only reintroduce the series to a new generation of gamers but also reignite the passion of longtime fans, potentially paving the way for future installments.

A New Generation, Renewed Passion

Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes in a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google) that the remaster will act as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, paid tribute to the late creator, Yoshitaka Murayama, stating, "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well." Sakiyama, director of Suikoden V, highlighted his desire to bring the series back into the spotlight, stating, "I really wanted to bring ‘Genso Suikoden’ back to the world."

An Enhanced Remaster Experience

Based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster boasts enhanced visuals. Konami promises upgraded HD background illustrations, creating more immersive and detailed environments. While the pixel art sprites are polished, the original aesthetic remains intact. New features include a Gallery showcasing music and cutscenes, and an Event Viewer for revisiting key moments.

Addressing Past Issues and Modernizing the Experience

The remaster rectifies issues present in the PSP version. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2 is restored to its original length. Additionally, some dialogue has been updated to align with modern sensibilities; for example, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed to reflect current Japanese smoking regulations.

Launch Date and Platforms

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster launches March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. This remaster represents a significant opportunity for Konami to revitalize a beloved franchise and introduce it to a new audience.