Heads up, actual must-play classic JRPGs incoming! Konami has released Suikoden I & 2 HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars on PC (Steam, Epic, Microsoft), PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox consoles.
If you can’t tell by overly-long title, the Suikoden remaster includes updated versions of the first two games in the series.
Suikoden 1 originally launched on PlayStation One in the US in 1996, with the sequel arriving in 1999. The series is based on the classic Chinese novel Water Margin, where a hero gathers 108 allies to rebel against an evil empire.
Each game in the series follows a new protagonist, a war-torn story, and a huge cast of characters, including building your own castle and headquarters. Turn-based combat features six-person parties, as well as one-on-one duels and even larger tactical battles with armies.
Suikoden 2 in particular is an incredible RPG, and one of my all-time favorite games.
The series spawned three more sequels (ranging from fine to great) and several spinoffs, but has been dormant for over 15 years in the US.
The HD Remaster features redesigned graphics and visual updates, including new animations and screen effects. Character portraits have also been updated for the remaster. Original series artist Junko Kawano redrew all the portraits for Suikoden 1.
Other additions include the usual quality of life improvements: double-speed battles, auto-battles, dialogue log, and more.
In related Suikoden news, the series is getting a revival, of sorts. During the Suikoden Live Broadcast, Konami announced a new mobile game, Suikoden Star Leap. The developers confirmed it will be a free-to-play gacha game. The new story will be a prequel to the original game (like Suikoden 4 and 5).
Hopefully this will lead to a true Suikoden 6 some day!
