After over a decade of absence, the beloved Suikoden series is poised for a comeback. The upcoming HD remaster of the first two games aims to reintroduce this classic JRPG to a new generation and reignite the passion of longtime fans, potentially paving the way for future entries.

Suikoden's Remaster: A New Chapter for a Classic JRPG

A New Generation Awaits

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster isn't just a visual upgrade; it's a chance to share this cherished JRPG with a wider audience. Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes in a Famitsu interview (translated via Google) that this remaster will not only attract new players but also rekindle the enthusiasm of existing fans, potentially leading to future installments. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, paid tribute to the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator, expressing his belief that Murayama would have been thrilled by the project. Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, highlighted his desire to bring the "Genso Suikoden" experience back into the spotlight, hoping for continued expansion of the IP.

Enhanced Experience: More Than Just HD

Based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster offers modern gamers an enhanced version of these classics. Konami has significantly improved the visuals, promising rich HD textures for backgrounds, creating more immersive and detailed environments. While the pixel art sprites have been polished, the original artistic style remains intact.

The remaster also includes a Gallery showcasing music and cutscenes, and an Event Viewer to revisit key moments – all accessible from the main menu.

Beyond the visual enhancements, the remaster rectifies issues from the PSP version. 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 example, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed in line with Japan's smoking regulations.

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster launches March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Prepare to experience these legendary JRPGs like never before!