Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster Hopes to Revive the Series

The long-awaited return of Suikoden! After over a decade of absence, the beloved JRPG series is poised for a comeback with the upcoming HD remaster of the first two games. This release 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 and 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 Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator, stating his belief that Murayama would have wanted to be involved. Sakiyama, director of Suikoden V, highlighted his desire to bring the series back into the spotlight, hoping the "Genso Suikoden" IP will continue to thrive.

An Enhanced Remaster Experience

Based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster brings several improvements. Konami promises enhanced HD backgrounds, creating more immersive environments. While the pixel art sprites retain their original charm, they've received a polish. A new Gallery feature offers access to music, cutscenes, and an event viewer.

The remaster also addresses past issues. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from the PSP version of 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.

Launch and Availability

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is slated for release on March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. This remaster represents a significant step for the series, offering both nostalgic charm and modern enhancements.