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 remaster 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, A Renewed Passion

Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes in a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google) that the HD remaster will serve as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, paid tribute to the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator. Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, emphasized his desire to reintroduce Suikoden to a wider audience.

Enhanced Experience: More Than Just HD

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster builds upon the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection. Konami has significantly enhanced the visuals, boasting rich HD textures for backgrounds, creating more immersive environments. While the original pixel art sprites have been polished, their core design remains intact.

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

Addressing Past Issues & Modernizing the Experience

This remaster addresses several 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 adjusted to reflect modern sensibilities; for instance, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed to align with Japan's smoking regulations.

Launch and Beyond

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster launches March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. This relaunch could be the catalyst for a resurgence of this beloved franchise.