Konami Revives Beloved Suikoden Franchise

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 not only to reintroduce Suikoden to a new generation of gamers but also to reignite the passion of longtime fans, potentially paving the way for future installments.

A New Generation and 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 act as a catalyst 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 bring the series back into the spotlight, stating his hope for the continued expansion of the Genso Suikoden IP.

An Enhanced Remaster Experience

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster builds upon the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection. This updated version boasts enhanced HD backgrounds, providing richer, more immersive environments. While the original pixel art sprites retain their charm, they've received a polish for modern displays. New additions include a gallery showcasing music and cutscenes, and an event viewer for revisiting key moments.

Addressing Past Issues and Modernizing Content

The remaster addresses issues from the PSP release. The infamous shortened Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2 is restored to its original length. Additionally, certain dialogue has been updated to reflect modern sensibilities; for instance, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed to align with Japanese smoking regulations.

Launch and Availability

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is slated for release on March 6, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.