The long-awaited return of Suikoden! After over a decade of absence, the classic 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 Discovers Suikoden
Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes in a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google) that the HD 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, emphasized his desire to reintroduce Suikoden to a wider audience, hoping to see the IP expand in the future.
Enhanced Experience: A Look at the Remaster
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster builds upon the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection. Konami has significantly upgraded the visuals, promising enhanced HD background illustrations for a more immersive experience. While the original pixel art sprites retain their charm, they've been polished for modern displays. New features include a Gallery showcasing music and cutscenes, and an event viewer to revisit key moments.
Addressing Past Issues and Modernizing the Experience
This remaster isn't just a simple upscaling. Konami has addressed several issues from the PSP version. The famously shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2 has been restored to its original length. Furthermore, some dialogue has been adjusted to reflect modern sensibilities; for instance, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed to align with Japan's smoking bans.
Launch and Beyond
The 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. This remaster represents a significant step towards reviving a beloved franchise, and its success could determine the future of Suikoden.
