Suikoden I & II Return: Konami Breathes New Life into a Classic JRPG Series
Konami has confirmed that it has spent more than five years carefully reviving its iconic Suikoden series, with the upcoming Suikoden I & II HD Remaster poised to introduce modern refinements while preserving the charm that defined the original titles. Released on the PlayStation in the mid-1990s, the first two Suikoden games quickly earned a loyal following thanks to their expansive storytelling, compelling cast of recruitable allies, and an art style that showcased the capabilities of 2D sprites during the console’s early 3D era.
Industry insiders note that Konami’s methodical development approach has been crucial. Given that Suikoden is regarded as one of the more underappreciated JRPG gems, the company recognises how important it is not to rush the process. Early glimpses of the HD Remaster highlight improved character portraits, reorganised interface elements, and subtle enhancements to the soundtrack—small but meaningful tweaks designed to maintain the authenticity of the original PlayStation releases.
Fans can also anticipate several quality-of-life updates, such as the option to adjust battle speed and the addition of an expanded save system. These refined features aim to welcome a fresh generation of players without alienating long-time enthusiasts. Konami’s decision to pour years of careful effort into this project underscores its respect for gaming history—a sentiment echoed by veteran developers who remember the uniquely warm narrative threads and rich world-building that have made Suikoden so enduring.
One fascinating detail about the original Suikoden is that it features 108 recruitable characters, a concept directly inspired by the classic Chinese novel Water Margin. This intricate gameplay dynamic remains one of the series’ most celebrated hallmarks, ensuring that the HD Remaster will resonate with both newcomers and those who treasured the 90s experience.
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is due to launch on the 6th March on Windows (via Steam), PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
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