The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster brings two beloved JRPGs back with a fresh coat of paint, offering longtime fans a chance to relive these classics while introducing them to a new audience. The collection includes both Suikoden and Suikoden II, two games known for their deep political narratives, engaging turn-based combat, and a massive cast of 108 recruitable characters. These games were originally praised for their compelling stories and world-building, and while the remaster enhances their presentation, some aspects remain firmly rooted in the past. We checked them out on a PlayStation 5.
Visually, the remaster updates the background environments with HD assets, giving towns, dungeons, and battlefields more detail and vibrancy. Character sprites retain their classic pixel-art look but are now smoother and more refined, offering a nice balance between nostalgia and modern presentation. Some effects, like lighting and water reflections, add more depth to the visuals, though they can feel inconsistent at times. But while the games still carry a charming retro aesthetic, certain UI elements and animations could have benefited from additional refinements.
The core gameplay remains unchanged, featuring turn-based battles that emphasize strategy through formations, character synergies, and rune-based magic. The large-scale war battles and one-on-one duels add variety, though they remain relatively simplistic by modern standards. New features like a fast-forward option in battles and an auto-save function help smooth out some of the original’s more tedious elements, making the experience more accessible without compromising the challenge. However, some aspects of the gameplay, such as character recruitment and inventory management, feel dated, requiring patience and careful planning.
One of Suikoden’s biggest draws is its storytelling, and this remains as strong as ever. Both games offer complex political struggles, emotional character arcs, and a deep sense of world-building that sets them apart from many other RPGs of their time. The dual protagonists of Suikoden II, in particular, provide a gripping narrative filled with betrayal, loyalty, and war. While the remaster does not alter the story in any way, the addition of a conversation log ensures players can revisit dialogue if they miss any key details – an invaluable improvement given the depth of the script.
The remaster also introduces updated sound design, with environmental effects such as footsteps, running water, and ambient noise helping to bring the world to life. The battle sound effects have been reworked to provide a more immersive experience, but the music remains largely unchanged, retaining its beautifully composed melodies. While this will please longtime fans, some players might have expected remastered or rearranged tracks to better match the updated visuals – which is a missed opportunity.
Despite the many improvements, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is not without its flaws. While the updated visuals and new features enhance the experience, the package does not include any substantial extras, such as behind-the-scenes content or developer commentary. Additionally, some players may find the overall updates too conservative, as they do not fundamentally change the way the games play or feel. The lack of significant quality-of-life upgrades outside of fast-forwarding and auto-saving might make it a harder sell for newcomers who are used to more modern RPG conveniences.
Ultimately, Suikoden I&II HD Remaster succeeds in preserving two of the greatest JRPGs of their era while making them more accessible to today’s audience. The enhanced visuals, sound updates, and minor gameplay tweaks refine the experience without altering its core identity. Fans of classic RPGs will find plenty to love, while newcomers willing to embrace the old-school mechanics will discover two of the most compelling stories in the genre. However, for those hoping for a more ambitious remake or major modernization, this remaster may feel lacking.
For fans of Suikoden, this collection is an excellent way to revisit the series and re-experience its intricate narratives and deep character roster. While it may not bring revolutionary changes, it serves as a strong reminder of why these games are still held in such high regard decades later. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on how much one values the original games and how much patience they have for older RPG mechanics, but as a preservation effort, it is a solid success.
Score: 8.0/10
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