For over a decade, Suikoden fans have patiently waited. The upcoming HD remaster of the first two games aims to reignite the series' popularity and pave the way for future entries in this beloved JRPG franchise.
Suikoden Remaster: A Rebirth for a Classic JRPG
Introducing a New Generation to Suikoden's Magic
The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is poised to revitalize this classic JRPG series. In a recent interview with Famitsu (translated via Google), Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes that the remaster will not only introduce a new generation to Suikoden but also rekindle the passion of longtime fans. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, spoke of his admiration for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator, stating, "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well. When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."
Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, shared his excitement, saying, "I really wanted to bring ‘Genso Suikoden’ back to the world, and now I can finally deliver it. I hope that the IP ‘Genso Suikoden’ will continue to expand from here into the future."
A Closer Look at the Suikoden I & II HD Remaster
Comparison From Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Official Website
This remaster builds upon the Japan-exclusive Genso Suikoden I & II collection for the PlayStation Portable (released in 2006). Konami is updating this enhanced version for modern platforms with several key improvements.
Visually, the games have received a significant upgrade. Konami promises enhanced HD background illustrations, creating more immersive and detailed environments. Expect stunning visuals, from the grandeur of Gregminster's castles to the ravaged battlefields of Suikoden II. While the original pixel art sprites have been polished, the core aesthetic remains intact.
A new Gallery feature showcases the game's music and cutscenes, and an Event Viewer lets players revisit memorable moments—both accessible from the title screen.
Beyond visual enhancements, the remaster addresses several issues from the PSP release. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden II has been restored to its original length. Furthermore, certain dialogues have been adjusted to reflect modern sensibilities; for example, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed in line with Japan's smoking bans.
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster launches March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. For a deeper dive into the gameplay and story, check out our related article!
