Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster Hopes to Revive the Series

For over a decade, Suikoden fans have yearned for a return to the beloved JRPG series. That wait is almost over! The upcoming HD remaster of the first two games aims to reignite the series' popularity and pave the way for future installments.

Suikoden Remaster: A New Generation Awaits

The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is poised to revitalize this classic JRPG series. Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama hope this remaster will introduce a new generation of gamers to Suikoden's charm while rekindling the passion of longtime fans.

In a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google), Ogushi and Sakiyama expressed their hopes that the 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: "I’m sure Murayama would have wanted to be involved as well," Ogushi said. "When I told him I was going to participate in the remake of the illustrations, he was very envious."

Sakiyama echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his desire to reintroduce Suikoden to a wider audience: "I really wanted to bring ‘Genso Suikoden’ back to the world, and now I can finally deliver it," he stated. "I hope that the IP ‘Genso Suikoden’ will continue to expand from here into the future." (Sakiyama notably directed Suikoden V.)

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: A Closer Look

Comparison From Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Official Website

The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is based on the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, Genso Suikoden I & II. This enhanced version was previously unavailable outside of Japan. Konami is now bringing it to a global audience with modern updates.

Visually, the remaster boasts enhanced HD background illustrations, creating richer, more immersive environments. Expect stunning visuals, from Gregminster's majestic castles to the battle-scarred landscapes of Suikoden II. While the original sprite art is polished, its classic style remains intact.

A new Gallery feature offers access to the game's music and cutscenes, and an Event Viewer lets players relive memorable moments—all easily accessible from the title screen.

Beyond visual enhancements, the remaster addresses issues from the PSP release. Suikoden II's infamous, previously shortened Luca Blight cutscene is restored to its original, uncut version. Furthermore, some dialogue has been adjusted to reflect modern sensibilities; for instance, Richmond from Suikoden II no longer smokes, in line with Japan's smoking bans.

The 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!