Suikoden Remasters Aim to Revitalize Franchise

After more than a decade of absence, the beloved Suikoden series is making a triumphant return. The upcoming HD remaster of the first two games aims to reignite the franchise's popularity and pave the way for future installments.

Suikoden Remaster: A New Generation Awaits

Reviving a Classic for Modern Gamers

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is poised to breathe new life into this classic JRPG series. In a recent interview, Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes that this remaster will introduce the series to a new audience while rekindling the passion of long-time fans.

According to a Famitsu interview (translated via Google), Ogushi and Sakiyama believe the remaster will act as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, spoke of his respect for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator. "I'm sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved," Ogushi stated. "When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."

Sakiyama highlighted his desire to bring Suikoden back into the spotlight. "I really wanted to bring ‘Genso Suikoden’ back to the world, and now I can finally deliver it," he said. "I hope that the IP ‘Genso Suikoden’ will continue to expand from here into the future." Sakiyama, who previously directed Suikoden V, is eager to contribute to the series' resurgence.

A Closer Look at the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster

Comparison From Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Official WebsiteThe remaster is based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Genso Suikoden 1 & 2. This enhanced version is finally seeing a worldwide release, updated for modern platforms with significant improvements.

The visuals have been significantly upgraded. Konami promises enhanced HD background illustrations, creating more immersive and detailed environments. Expect stunning depictions of locations, from Gregminster's majestic castles to the battle-scarred landscapes of Suikoden 2. While the pixel art of the original sprites has been refined, the original aesthetic remains intact.

A new Gallery feature allows players to revisit the game's music and cutscenes, and an Event Viewer lets them relive key moments. These features are accessible from the main menu.

Beyond visual enhancements, the remaster addresses issues present in the original PSP release. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2 has been restored to its original length.

In line with modern sensibilities, some dialogue has been adjusted. For example, Richmond from Suikoden 2 no longer smokes, reflecting Japan's smoking bans.

Suikoden 1 & 2 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 storyline, explore our related articles.