Suikoden HD Remaster: A Nostalgic Revival

The long-awaited return of Suikoden! After more than 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 not only to reintroduce Suikoden to a new generation of gamers but also to 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, who directed Suikoden V, highlighted his desire to bring Suikoden back into the spotlight, hoping the IP will continue to grow.

Enhanced Experience: A Modern Take on a Classic

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster builds upon the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection. Konami has significantly enhanced the visuals with high-definition textures for richer background illustrations, creating a more immersive experience. While the original pixel art sprites are polished, their core design remains intact. New features include a gallery showcasing music and cutscenes, and an event viewer for revisiting key moments, both accessible from the main menu.

Addressing Past Issues and Modernizing Content

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

Launch and Availability

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is scheduled for release on March 6, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.