For over a decade, fans of the Suikoden series have been yearning for its return. Now, with the announcement of the upcoming HD remaster of the first two games, there's renewed hope that this beloved JRPG franchise will not only recapture its former glory but also pave the way for new adventures.
Suikoden Remaster Aims to Revive the Classic JRPG Series
Devs Hope Remaster Introduces Series to New Generation
The eagerly anticipated Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster aims to bring the classic JRPG series back to life. In a recent interview, Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama shared their vision for the remaster, hoping it will not only introduce the series to a new generation of gamers but also rekindle the passion of long-time fans.
Speaking with Famitsu, as translated by Google, Ogushi and Sakiyama expressed their aspirations for the remaster to serve as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, paid homage to the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series' creator. "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well," Ogushi remarked. "When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."
Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V as a newcomer to the franchise, 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."
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster Overview
Comparison From Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Official Website
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster draws its foundation from the Japan-exclusive Genso Suikoden 1 & 2 collection for the PlayStation Portable, released in 2006. This collection enhanced the two classic JRPGs for Japanese audiences, an opportunity that was missed by the rest of the world until now. Konami is revisiting this collection, updating it for modern platforms with some exciting enhancements.
Visually, the remaster promises to revitalize the games with enhanced background illustrations featuring rich HD textures, making environments more immersive and detailed. From the majestic castles of Gregminster to the war-torn landscapes of Suikoden 2, players can expect beautifully drawn locales. The pixel art of the original sprites will be polished while maintaining the essence of the original design.
Players can also enjoy a Gallery featuring the game's music and cutscenes, as well as an event viewer that allows them to relive memorable moments, accessible from the title selection screen.
While based on the PSP collection, the HD remaster addresses several issues from that release. For instance, Suikoden 2's infamous Luca Blight cutscene, which was shortened in the PSP version due to its "extreme" content, will be restored to its full glory.
Additionally, to align with contemporary standards, certain character dialogues have been adjusted. For example, Richmond, the private investigator from Suikoden 2, no longer smokes in this remastered version, reflecting Japan's nationwide indoor and outdoor smoking bans.
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is set to launch on March 6, 2025, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. To delve deeper into the game's gameplay and story, be sure to check out our detailed article below!
