Suikoden HD Remasters Aim to Revive Beloved Series

The long-awaited return of Suikoden: A Remaster Set to Reignite a Classic JRPG Franchise

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 revitalize the franchise's popularity and potentially pave the path for future installments.

A New Generation and Renewed Passion

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster seeks to not only introduce a new generation of gamers to this classic JRPG series but also rekindle the enthusiasm of long-time fans. In a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google), Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes that this remaster will act as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, spoke of his admiration for the late Yoshitaka Murayama, the series creator. Sakiyama, who directed Suikoden V, highlighted his desire to reintroduce Suikoden to a wider audience, aiming for continued expansion of the IP.

An Enhanced Experience: Beyond Simple HD

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster builds upon the Japanese-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection released in 2006. This new version offers enhanced visuals, including rich HD textures for background illustrations, creating a more immersive experience. While the original pixel art sprites are refined, their core aesthetic remains intact. A newly added gallery features music, cutscenes, and an event viewer, allowing players to revisit memorable moments.

This remaster isn't just a visual upgrade. It addresses previous shortcomings. The infamous shortened cutscene featuring Luca Blight from Suikoden 2 has been restored to its original length. Furthermore, certain dialogue has been adjusted to reflect modern sensibilities; for instance, a character's smoking habit has been removed to align with current Japanese regulations.

Availability and Future Outlook

Launching March 6th, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster holds the potential to reignite a passionate fanbase and attract new players to this cherished JRPG series. The developers' dedication to preserving the essence of the originals while enhancing the experience suggests a promising future for Suikoden. The success of this remaster will undoubtedly be crucial in determining the fate of the franchise.