Konami Revives Suikoden Series with HD Remaster

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 beloved 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 Discovers Suikoden

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is more than just a visual upgrade; it's a chance for the series to reach a wider audience. Director Tatsuya Ogushi and Lead Planner Takahiro Sakiyama expressed their hopes in a recent Famitsu interview (translated via Google) that this remaster will act as a springboard for future Suikoden titles. Ogushi, deeply connected to the series, even alluded to the wishes of the late series creator, Yoshitaka Murayama. Sakiyama, director of Suikoden V, emphasized his desire to reintroduce "Genso Suikoden" to the world, hoping to see the IP expand in the future.

An Enhanced Experience

Building upon the 2006 Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable collection, the HD remaster boasts enhanced visuals. Konami promises rich HD textures for background illustrations, creating more immersive environments. While the original pixel art sprites are polished, their original charm remains intact. The remaster also includes a Gallery featuring music and cutscenes, plus an event viewer for revisiting key moments.

Addressing past shortcomings, the remaster restores the full, uncensored Luca Blight cutscene from Suikoden 2, previously shortened in the PSP version. Furthermore, certain dialogue has been adjusted to reflect modern sensibilities; for instance, Richmond's smoking habit has been removed to align with Japan's smoking bans.

A March 2025 Launch

The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is scheduled for release on March 6, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. This comprehensive remaster promises a revitalized experience for veterans and a captivating introduction for newcomers, potentially igniting a new chapter for this cherished JRPG franchise.